How to Make a Cross-Stitch Bookmark

This is a quick and easy cross-stitch project. Make a bookmark for yourself or make several to give as gifts or stocking stuffers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cross-stitch Charts
• Embroidery Needles
• Cross-stitch Patterns
• Embroidery Floss
• Scissors
• Scissors
• Internet Access
• blank, Aida fabric bookmarks

1. Purchase a blank, Aida fabric bookmark. These blanks are made especially for cross-stitch and embroidery and come with either plain or lacy borders.

2. Choose a design for your bookmark. If the bookmark is a gift, try to find designs that fit in with the gift-giving occasion. Look online for cross-stitch designs and charts.

3. Keep your design simple. The amount of usable space is small and you want to avoid crowding your design with too many elements. Initials make a wonderful personalized bookmark and take up very little space. Make sure your design will fit onto the bookmark.

4. Choose embroidery floss for your project and an embroidery needle. If you are unhappy with the suggested colors given by a chart or pattern book, choose colors you like and use those instead.

5. Transfer the design onto your bookmark and reduce or enlarge the design as needed. See "How to Transfer an Embroidery Design" under Related eHows for instructions.

6. Cross-stitch from the center of the design outward. See "How to Work a Cross-Stitch Project" for instructions on working this and other cross-stitch projects.

7. Keep your stitches neat and trim all excess threads. Remember that your work will be visible on both the front and back of the bookmark.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for cross-stitch kits that provide the blank bookmark, needle, embroidery floss and charted design. Follow the instructions that come with the kit.
• Use a charted cross-stitch design for your bookmark. This will allow you to avoid making marks on your cross-stitch fabric.
• Work this project without the use of an embroidery hoop. The size of the design and the structure of the Aida fabric make the use of an embroidery hoop or frame unnecessary.

[1trout]

on 12/2/2008 You can often fasten a wide ribbon to the back of your bookmark to cover up the stitches. I would make tiny stitches around the edge.