Celtic embroidery has always had a fascination for me. I really enjoyed creating this little blackwork bookmark using black floss and gold metallic thread for you. I hope you enjoy stitching it too.
The fabric size I have quoted above will enable you to pop it into an embroidery hoop for working. In fact, stitch two, side by side, on the fabric - one to keep and one to give away, maybe? A stitched bookmark is a quick project and makes a splendid gift for a friend who likes to read.
Blackwork worked in double running stitch is a great technique to use for a bookmark, as many patterns can look the same on the back as they do on the front and therefore it won't need lining.
Therefore, I have given instructions for creating a fringed edge, although you could also use hemstitch.
You can download the pattern here.
I do all the stitching over two evenweave fabric threads, using one strand for the lines and two for the cross stitches, marked on the chart with a dot.
This pattern would make a lovely Celtic embroidery border on several items, such as curtains, or down the side of a pillow.
Talking of pillows, just one square could create a 12th scale pillow for a dollhouse. For this I would recommend using a 32 count evenweave and working in one strand throughout.
You could use another of my designs in this manner - my pincushion - found at the bottom of the blackwork samplers page.
I finished the edges by adding a row of cross stitch around the outside, using 2 strands of floss.
Then I cut about half an inch outside the stitching and frayed the remaining evenweave fabric to create a fringe. With no backing needed, and no hem, this bookmark is super slim and fits easily between the pages of your book.