Perfect for book lovers – a free crochet bookmark pattern

Perfect for book lovers – a free crochet bookmark pattern
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This free crochet bookmark pattern makes a fabulous gift idea for any book lover!

I love to read. Not a kindle or audible book (can you call audible books ‘reading’?). I like physical paper books. There is something appealing about the smell of them as I read. And I am motivated by seeing how far through the book I am – I enjoy turning the pages!!

Yep, I am old-fashioned like that.

To be honest I am not doing enough reading at the moment. Bookmarks are some of my favourite gifts to receive because I know I will use them A LOT.

But I have a problem….

My daughter likes to read too. She can read three or four books at a time.

That completely baffles me.

I like to get engrossed in one book and see it through. I honestly don’t understand how she does it.

It also means that my bookmarks are regularly ‘borrowed’ and suddenly I cannot find one for the life of me. At that point I end up doing what I hate – turning the corner of the page I am on.

Inspiration behind the design

Last month I released my Reading Pillow pattern. That one is also a free pattern on the blog (wink, wink)

And you guys loved it!

I just could not resist creating a matching crochet bookmark pattern to go with it.

There may be another pattern or two in the works to create a great set for book lovers.

Construction of this crochet bookmark pattern

This pattern is written for 2 sizes and is worked in long rows. There are 6 rows total to this one so it works up quickly and you can use your scraps and stash.

I do give a gauge in this pattern so please be aware that if you don’t meet gauge your bookmarks will be longer than mine. To a large extent this does not matter too much with a bookmark. If you know you have loose tension I would suggest you crochet the shorter one first and see what size you get with that.

The Yarn

I used #3 weight (DK) cotton from my scrap bucket to make my bookmarks.

#3 weight cotton is thinner than #4 weight so will not be as bulky in books and will help to prevent damage to the spine if it is a shorter book.

I also prefer to use cotton for my bookmarks. The main reason for this is how much I use them. Cotton is easily washed and looks good for much longer than acrylic yarn can. When yarn is washed a lot it can start to bobble and thin out. This does not tend to happen with cotton.

You can absolutely use #4 weight yarn and go up to a 4.5mm hook. If you do this please be aware that your bookmark will turn out longer and wider than mine.

Get the PDF pattern!

You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:

The pattern specifics:

Materials:

·       If using 3 weight DK Yarn: Approx 15 yds in colours A and C, 5 yards in contrasting colour B.
·       4mm hook
·       Stitch markers (optional)
·       Scissors
·       Tapestry needle

Gauge:

9 sts in 2” and your finished bookmark will be approximately 1.5” wide. 

Sizing:

2 sizes – There is approx. 2” difference in length between the shorter and longer versions of this bookmark.

The shorter version will be approx. 6” long before the tassel, the longer version 8”.

Abbreviations used:


·      Ch(s)–chain(s)
·      St(s)–stitch(es)
·      FSC – foundation single crochet
·      YO – yarn over
·      Sc – single crochet
·      hdc – half double crochet
·      Dc – double crochet
·      Tc – treble crochet
·      Sc2tog – single crochet 2 together
·      Sc3tog – single crochet 3 together
·      Tc2tog – treble crochet 2 together
Tc3tog – treble crochet 3 together
·      FO – Fasten off

Other notes:

– Written in US terms. 

·      Ch stitches at the beginning do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. 
·      Pattern is written for #3 weight. Where the stitch counts or instructions vary this is for the shorter length (longer length).
·      This bookmark is made from side to side in long rows. 

Special stitches:

Treble crochet:

YO twice, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * twice more.

Sc2tog:

Insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Sc3tog:

Insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, *insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, Rep from * once more. YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook.

Tc2tog:

YO twice, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * once more. YO twice, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * once more. YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook.

Tc3tog:

YO twice, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * once more. YO twice, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, **YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from ** once more. YO twice, insert hook into next st, YO and pull through, ***YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from *** once more YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook.

 

The ZigZag Bookmark Pattern:

In colour A:

Row 1:            FSC 31 (37)      OR     Ch 32 (38) , sc in second ch from hook and each ch 

across. (31 (37))

Row 2:            Turn, Ch1, sc in first st, *hdc in next st, dc in next st, 3 tc in next st, dc in 

next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st. Rep from * to end. (41 (49) sts)

Change to colour B:

Row 3:            Turn, ch1, sc2tog over 1st and 2nd st of the row, sc in next 2 sts, *3 sc in next st, 

sc in next 2 sts, sc3tog over next 3 sts, sc in next 2 sts. 

Rep from * until you have 5 sts remaining. 3sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (41 (49) sts)

Row 4:            Turn, Rep row 3. 

Change to colour C:

Row 5:            Turn, Ch4, sk the first st tc in next st (counts as a tc2tog), *dc in next st, hdc in next st, sc in next st, hdc in next st, dc in next st**, tc3tog over next 3 sts, Rep from * across ending the last repeat at ** At this point you will have 2 sts remaining. Tc2tog. (31 (37))

Row 6:            Turn, ch1, sc in first and every st across (31 (37))

FO and weave in ends.

Your bookmark may benefit from some blocking or light steaming.

 

Don’t forget to tag me in your zig zag crochet bookmark pattern makes!!

You may also like:

Reading/ Book Pillow
Pattern round up for book lovers
Quick Snowflake pattern