Susan Penny shows you how to create a quick to finish bookmark...
There is nothing nicer than giving a handmade gifts to a friend or family member for their birthday, but often I don’t get myself organised, and end up looking for a quick stitch that can be finished in a couple of evenings..this bookmark idea is very simple to make using a small design from your stash. You will need a piece of 14 count aida 7x14cm (2 3/4x 5 1/2in), felt to back and stranded cotton.
Step 1
Start stitching a small design or alphabet letter of your choice at the top of the aida, and then extend running stitches down the side and across the bottom of the aida. With four squares of unstitched aida outside the design, use a needle to carefully fray the edge by remove one block of aida on all sides.
Step 2
Cut a piece of felt 6mm (3/8in) bigger at the top and sides aida, and 4cm (1 1/2in) at the bottom. Make a paper template for the point at the bottom, and then pin it on the bookmark. Cut the felt into a point, following the pattern and using sharp scissors.
Step 3
Carefully position the stitched aida on to the felt. Pin, and then machine stitch, or hand sew the aida bookmark to the felt, leaving two blank aida squares between this and the orange running stitch row.
Step 4
Make a tassel from stranded cotton by wrapping it round folded cardboard. Place a length of stranded under the threads at the top, and then once you get a nice bundle, tie into a firm knot, before slipping it off the cardboard. Tie the bundle together, and then cut the ends to create a tassel.
You will find a huge range of aida, evenweave and linen fabrics available at willow fabrics, but if you are looking for a small cut of aida band, then why not try our mixed pack of aida band off-cuts in mixed colours and sizes.
Product: Mixed Bookmark Pack
Alternatively, if you are looking for a bookmark kits with fabric, stranded cotton, needle and chart, these lovely owls could be a fun stitch and a lovely gift.
