When I first started this project, I thought I would need to sew a blanket stitch around the zipper to crochet into. Imagine my excitement when I realized I could actually slide my hook through the zipper fabric and crochet directly into it! I know, I know – sometimes I take the crochet geek levels to a brand new high. Anyway, this project is a wonderful way to use up your yarn scraps, and zippers are so cheap! Pick up a few different sizes and make a bunch of these cute little change purses to give as gifts. This instructable is written for a 4" zipper size but it is easily customizable if you're feeling adventurous.

You'll need:

4″ zipper of your color choice
Worsted weight yarn in two (or three, or four) colors
Size 3 cotton thread
US 1.9mm crochet hook
US G/4.25 mm crochet hook

Note: Crochet experience is expected for this project, as these are comprehensive crochet instructions.

Step 1: Crochet Around the Zipper

Take your little 1.9mm hook and size 3 thread and single crochet 28 stitches around the zipper, working two single crochets in each end. This might take a few tries, figuring out where to yarn over and insert your hook, but it’s easier than you think! When you've crocheted around the whole zipper, join with a slip stitch in the first single crochet.

Step 2: Crochet Body of the Purse

Change to larger hook and first desired color. Chain 1, work a single crochet in same stitch as last slip stitch and in each single crochet around, join with a slip stitch to first single crochet.

Chain 1, work a single crochet in same stitch as last slip stitch, *chain 1, single crochet in next single crochet, repeat from * around, end with a chain 1 and slip stitch in first single crochet, changing to next color as you pull through the slip stitch.

Slip stitch into next chain-1 space, chain 1, single crochet in same space, *chain 1, single crochet in next chain-1 space, repeat from * around, ending chain 1, slip stitch in first single crochet. Repeat this round, changing colors as desired, until you have 8 rounds altogether (not counting the size 3 thread round).

Now we’re going to decrease. Chain 1, single crochet in same stitch as last slip stitch, *chain 1, single crochet in next chain 1 space*, repeat between * and * until you reach the side of the change purse (exact stitch count doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re on the side), single crochet two together (decrease stitch) over next 2 chain spaces, repeat between * and * until you reach the other side of the purse, single crochet two together over next 2 chains spaces, repeat between * and * until you reach the first single crochet, chain 1, slip stitch to first single crochet.

Repeat this last row, working the decrease stitch over the 2 chain spaces on either side of the decrease stitch below. [Work two even rounds (no decreasing), then two more decrease rounds] twice.

Fasten off.