How to Sew a Cloth Bookmark

FInished Example

Avid book readers are usually bookmark lovers as well. Creating bookmarks for a gift, personal use, or even for sale is quite simple. Cloth bookmarks can be decorative or simple. Creating cloth bookmarks also allows you to play with textures depending on the type of fabric you choose to use. Thin fabrics are the easiest to work with, but velvets or denims have wonderful tactile qualities.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-6 inch cardstock or heavy paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Sewing machine or sewing needle and thread
• Fabric (2) 2-by-6 inch pieces
• 16-inch ribbon (optional)
• Fabric markers (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Line up one piece of fabric with one side of the cardstock, then lift the fabric and apply glue to the cardstock. Gently smooth the fabric down so there are no lumps.

2. 

   Glue the other fabric piece on the other side of the cardstock. The glue doesn't need to be thick. It just needs to hold the fabric in place so you can sew it.

3. 

   Sew around the outer edge of the entire bookmark. The type and length of stitch you use is up to you. Zig-zag stitches are a nice way to add delicate detail without going overboard and still securing the fabric to the cardstock. If you're adding ribbon edges, read Step 4 before sewing.

4. 

   Attach ribbon around the edges of the bookmark using the glue stick. Stitch witchery also works, but be careful not to scorch the bookmark. Now sew around the outer edge, making sure to catch the ribbon in your stitches.

5. Use fabric markers to decorate or personalize the bookmark. You can draw designs on the fabric, use stencils, add someone's name, or a quote from your favorite book or poem.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to laminate a cloth bookmark for a sealed, shiny look.

• If you've chosen to use a heavy fabric like denim, trim the cardstock to be 1/4 inch smaller than your fabric. That way you can just sew through the fabric, staying close to the edge of the cardstock.

• A glue stick should be applied very thinly. If you'd rather work with a liquid glue, try one that brushes on, or use Mod Podge.

Resources

• Discount Cardstock
• Joann Fabrics
• Another fabric bookmark pattern