K578 – Pineapple Coin Purse

K578 – Pineapple Coin Purse by Nazanin Fard

Project Overview

The K578 – Pineapple Coin Purse is a knitted accessory designed by Nazanin Fard that combines traditional knitting techniques with functional hardware to create a decorative small storage piece. This intermediate-level project features a distinctive pineapple motif worked in fine crochet cotton yarn, finished with a professional purse frame and complementary lining fabric.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a small coin purse featuring a pineapple design as the central decorative element. The finished knitted piece measures 2½ inches (6 cm) in width and is designed to be mounted onto a 2½-inch (6 cm) gold purse frame, creating a structured, finished accessory. The purse includes a fabric lining for durability and a decorative button accent, making it both functional and visually appealing.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

The pineapple coin purse employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its textured, dimensional appearance:

• Yarn overs (yo) – Used extensively throughout the pattern to create the lacy, openwork characteristic of pineapple motifs
• Decreases – Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) stitches work in combination with yarn overs to form the geometric pineapple pattern
• Garter stitch edges – Knit stitches on both sides maintain selvage edges (K2 at beginning and end of rows) for a finished appearance
• Stockinette stitch – Purl stitches between the garter stitch borders create smooth fabric sections
• Increases – Multiple stitches worked into a single stitch create the expansion needed for the pineapple's characteristic shape

The pattern progresses from a small cast-on of 7 stitches, expanding through strategic yarn overs and increases to 23 stitches at its widest point. This graduated shaping creates the natural silhouette of a pineapple form.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The K578 – Pineapple Coin Purse uses 40 yards (37 meters) of 100% crochet cotton in size 10 thread weight, specified in light pink. Crochet cotton is chosen for its durability, stiffness, and ability to hold stitch definition, making it ideal for displaying the intricate openwork of the pineapple pattern. The thread weight classification indicates a fine, delicate yarn suitable for detailed lacework.

The pattern calls for knitting needles in size 3 (3.25 mm) for the main fabric, with 2 double-pointed needles in the same size available for any sections requiring small-circumference knitting. The stitch gauge is set at the pineapple width of 2½ inches (6 cm), ensuring proper sizing for the purse frame attachment.

Hardware, Notions, and Finishing Materials

Beyond the knitted component, the project incorporates several finishing elements:

• A 2½-inch (6 cm) gold purse frame that provides structure and a professional closure mechanism
• 8-inch (20 cm) square lining fabric in matching or contrasting color for interior durability and a polished appearance
• One decorative button for embellishment
• Fabric glue for securing lining and components
• Sewing needle and matching thread for attaching the knitted piece to the frame and securing the lining
• 3½-inch (9 cm) piece of cardboard for internal structure and frame support
• 8-inch (20 cm) length of ¼-inch (6 mm) wide ribbon for decorative or functional detail

Difficulty Level and Craftsmanship

Rated as an intermediate project, the K578 requires solid foundational knitting skills, particularly comfort with yarn overs, decreases, and reading a detailed stitch pattern. The combination of lace techniques with hardware assembly elevates this beyond a beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have completed basic garments and are ready to explore textured stitch patterns and mixed-media finishing techniques.