Looking for a fun summer crochet project? This adorable Watermelon Coin Purse is worked in simple single crochet stitches and finished with a Yarn Zip, making it easy to add a zipper without sewing!

The clever woven channel on the Yarn Zip allows you to crochet directly onto the zipper tape, creating a clean, professional finish that’s perfect for pouches, bags, and accessories.

>>> Shop the Yarn Zip HERE on Yarnspirations.com <<<

Whether you use it for coins, stitch markers, lip balm, or other small treasures, this little watermelon is as practical as it is cute!

Why I Love the Yarn Zip

Traditional zippers can be intimidating to add to crochet projects. The Yarn Zip solves that problem with a woven channel designed specifically for yarn crafts.

Instead of sewing a zipper into your finished project, you simply use a crochet hook and matching yarn to attach it directly to your stitches.

For this project, I used the 9-inch closed-end Yarn Zip, which is the perfect size for a coin purse.

>>> You can read all about the YARN ZIP HERE in my previous post <<<

Materials

Red Heart Super Saver in Spring Green (or any green)
Red Heart Super Saver in White
Red Heart Super Saver in Grenadine (or any watermelon pink/red)
Red Heart Super Saver in Black for seeds
>>> Shop Red Heart Yarn HERE on Yarnspirations <<<
Size H Crochet Hook
Size D Crochet Hook (for attaching zipper)
Tapestry Needle
9″ Yarn Zip

>>> Shop the Yarn Zip HERE on Yarnspirations.com <<<

Finished Size

Approximately 8 inches wide x 7 inches tall

Watermelon Coin Purse Pattern

The watermelon is worked from the top down.

With green yarn
Chain 60, join to first SC to create a circle, chain 1.
Round 2-3: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (60 SC)
Round 4: SC decrease, SC in next 4 stitches, repeat around. Join.
join in white yarn, chain 1.
Round 5: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (50 SC)
Round 6: SC decrease, SC in next 3 stitches, repeat around. Join.
join in pink yarn, chain 1.
Rounds 7-12: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (40 SC)
Round 13: SC decrease, SC in next 2 stitches, repeat around. Join, chain 1.
Rounds 14-18: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (30 SC)
Round 19: SC decrease, SC in next stitch, repeat around. Join, chain 1.
Rounds 20-22: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1. (20 SC)
Round 23: SC decrease around. Join, chain 1.
Rounds 24-26: SC in each stitch around. (10 SC)
Fasten off. Using a tapestry needle, weave through the top loops of the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the tip of the watermelon. Secure and weave in ends.

Watermelon Seeds

Make 3.
With black yarn
Chain 4. Slip stitch in second chain from hook, SC in next chain, HDC + SC in last chain.
Fasten off leaving a tail for sewing.
Stitch the seeds to the narrow end of the watermelon as pictured.

You could also make another 3 seeds and attach them to the backside!

How to Attach the Yarn Zip

Begin by positioning the yarn zip inside the top opening of the watermelon. Use stitch markers to hold both ends of the zipper in place.

Using a Size D crochet hook and green yarn, insert your hook through the top edge stitch of the watermelon and through the woven channel of the Yarn Zip.

Pull the yarn through both layers, then pull through the loop on your hook to create a slip stitch.

Continue making slip stitches evenly around the entire opening, working through both the crochet piece and the zipper channel at the same time.

The woven channel makes it easy to attach the zipper directly to your crochet without any sewing.

When you reach the end, fasten off and weave in your ends.

No Tiny Needle Required!

If working the zipper on with a crochet hook feels awkward, there’s another option that might be even easier.

The woven channel of the Yarn Zip is large enough for a tapestry needle to glide right through. Simply thread matching yarn onto your tapestry needle and stitch through both the crochet fabric and the zipper channel, much like you would sew a zipper in place.

The difference? You’re working with yarn instead of thread and a large tapestry needle instead of a tiny sewing needle.

I found the needle slid through the Yarn Zip like butter, making it a fantastic alternative for crocheters who prefer sewing over slip stitching.

Whether you use a crochet hook or a tapestry needle, you’ll end up with the same clean finish.

Tips for Success

A smaller hook (Size D or smaller) makes it easier to work through the zipper channel.
Stitch markers help keep the zipper centered while attaching.
Match your yarn color to the rind for a nearly invisible finish.

Turn It Into a Crossbody Bag

This little watermelon isn’t just for coins!

To make it even more fun, I crocheted a simple i-cord and attached it to each side of the purse to create a lightweight crossbody strap. It’s the perfect size for kids, summer outings, fairs, farmers markets, or carrying a few small essentials.

You can customize the length to fit children or adults, and because it’s made from the same yarn, it blends right into the design.

Easy Crochet I-Cord

Using a crochet hook:

Chain 4.
Insert hook into second chain from hook and pull up a loop.
Insert hook into third chain and pull up a loop.
Insert hook into fourth chain and pull up a loop.
Slide loops to opposite end of hook and repeat, pulling yarn across the back each time.
Continue until desired length. I suggest 25 inches long.

>>> i-Cord Tutorial HERE on Yarnspirations.com <<<

Attach each end securely to the sides of the purse near the zipper ends.

This Watermelon Coin Purse is a fun introduction to the Yarn Zip and a great way to practice adding zippers to crochet projects. Keep it as a coin purse, use it as a notions pouch, or add a crochet i-cord strap and turn it into a playful crossbody bag. Once you see how easy the Yarn Zip is to attach, you’ll be looking for excuses to add zippers to all your crochet projects!

>>> ALL ABOUT THE YARN ZIP <<<