Free Celtic embroidery bookmark pattern

The fabric size I have quoted above will enable you to pop it into an embroidery hoop for working. In fact you should be able to 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 great 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.

   

   

Notes for following the pattern

You can download the pattern here.

All the stitching is done over two evenweave fabric threads, using one strand for the lines and two for the cross stitches, which are marked on the chart with a dot.

Other uses for the pattern

This pattern would make a lovely celtic embroidery border on a number of items, such as curtains, or down the side of a pillow.

Talking of pillows, just one square could be used to create a 12th scale pillow for a dollhouse. For this I would recommend using a 32 count evenweave and working in one strand throughout.

Another of my designs that could be used in this manner is my pincushion, found at the bottom of the blackwork samplers page.

Making the fringe

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.

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