How To Sew A Bookmark
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Learn how to sew a bookmark using your scrap fabric and a bit of your time.
Hi, Damjana here from Apple Green Cottage and I’m so excited to be with you today! I’ll show you how to make a simple but beautiful patchwork bookmark that only requires beginner sewing skills and can be made in less than an hour. Since it is made using scraps, you’ll be able to use up those bits and pieces of your pretty fabric from your scrap bin.
Note: Watch the quick video of this project.
I had some leftover pieces of beautiful floral prints from my previous project, this diy matching game and found a great use for them! Let’s take a look at this easy and quick project you can whip up in no time. Also perfect as a last-minute gift – make a matching tote bag like this one or some of these easy back-to-school projects and you’ve got a perfect diy gift set!
Supplies And Notions
You’ll need:
- fabric scraps of your favorite prints
- a 2″ by 8 1/2″ piece of fusible fleece
- 13″ (33cm) of a ribbon for embellishment
- matching thread
- scissors, or a rotary cutter and a cutting mat
- sewing machine
- a diy bookmark template, see below
Bookmark Template
A bookmark template is optional, but it can make your job easier. Probably the easiest way to get your bookmark template is to cut out a simple 9 by 2 1/2 inch (6.5 cm by 23 cm) rectangle out of a cereal box.
If you prefer a printout, get my free bookmark template from this felt circle bookmark tutorial.
Finished Size
The finished bookmark size will be 2″ wide by 8 1/2″ long bookmark. For my friends from Europe and Australia, that would be 5 cm by 21 cm.
How To Sew A Bookmark
Let’s see how to make a pretty patchwork bookmark!
You’ve already gathered matching fabric scraps. Now it’s time to arrange them in the way you want the prints to appear on your bookmark. No hard rules, here, the only thing you need to make sure is that the sewn pieces will form a patch at least a bit larger than your cardboard template.
1. Piecing the Front Panel
Start sewing the scraps together, using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Make sure to press the seams open as you go, especially if you plan to stitch over a previous seam here and there. I recommend a 2 mm stitch length to prevent any seams opening.
2. Check the Size
Model your patchwork piece against the cardboard template to see if the piece is large enough.
3. Cut the Front Piece
Cut using the cardboard template as a guide.
4. Cut the Back And the Fusible Fleece
Using the cardboard template, cut out the bookmark back in full size. Also, cut a piece from fusible fleece that’s a bit smaller to reduce bulk on the seam allowance: 2″ by 8 1/2″ (5 by 21 cm)
5. Attach Fusible Fleece
Attach fusible fleece to the patchwork piece to form the front side of the bookmark.
6. Stitch the Pieces Together
Place the back and the front pieces right sides together and stitch around, leaving the short edge (the one that will form the bottom of the bookmark) unsewn.
7. Turn Right-Side Out
Using something simple like a chopstick, turn right side out and press. Make sure to fold the unfinished short edge towards the inside.
8. Add Ribbon
Fold the piece of ribbon in half and pin the midpoint into the opening that’s been left for turning.
9. Close the Opening
Topstitch over the opening, catching the ribbon. Done!
This fabric bookmark for beginners that will look fabulous with patchwork and it makes a perfect unique diy gift for a book lover. Sew one now!
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