Needlepoint Coin Purse

This little pattern is a needlepoint damask pattern. I’ve been using these patterns, which feature contrasting textures of thread, for over 20 years. They generally use a shiny thread, pearl cotton in this case, and a matte thread, crewel wool here, and get their beauty from the change in texture.

Often the patterns are made entirely from Tent Stitch, but this one uses Diagonal Gobelins in an interlocking cross pattern. It’s finished into a Chameleon Designs Coin Purse.

I added a focal point of one cross in metallic, which is off-center.

To make the project you will need:

• about 2 yards metallic thread
• 1 skein pearl cotton
• 1 skein crewel wool
• wallet or coin purse with solid clear opening for credit card
• 5″x5″ 18 mesh mono canvas

Using a permanent, waterproof marker (I like Pigma Microns) mark a rectangle about 3 threads wider all around than the opening on the purse.

Pick a random point near one of the sides and stitch a unit of the cross (you can see the pattern above using pearl cotton. Stitch all the pearl cotton units, replacing one with a unit stitched using metallic.

Fill in with units made using two strands of crewel wool.

When you have finished stitching, trim the canvas to three threads beyond the stitched area, remove the protective paper and insert in the coin purse.

You can use white glue to secure the leather to the stitching.

An instant present.