QUICK project + fabric scraps = Bookmarks
Who doesn’t love a good book? I certainly do, and I also love gifting books to others! There’s something extra special about sharing a book you enjoyed with someone else, and you know what makes that gift even better? A handmade bookmark that adds a personal touch. With the holidays approaching, now is the perfect time to get creative with your fabric scraps. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through two simple tutorials on how to make adorable fabric bookmarks that are both functional and stylish.
If you're a surface pattern designer who also enjoys sewing, these projects are a great way to showcase your designs in a unique and practical way. Plus, they’re a fantastic solution for using up leftover fabric scraps. Not only will you create something beautiful, but you’ll also highlight your patterns in a way that others can easily replicate. So grab your favorite fabric pieces and let’s get started on crafting two bookmarks that are perfect for gifts or adding to your sewing portfolio!
By creating these bookmarks, you’re not just making something cute—you’re turning fabric remnants into something meaningful, practical, and full of personal charm.
Materials You’ll Need:
Fabric scraps (preferably cotton or linen)
Fusible interfacing
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Ruler
Iron
Needle and thread or sewing machine
Decorative ribbon or trim (optional)
Now, we’re going to create two types of bookmarks: a long, traditional bookmark and a square one that fits neatly into the corner of the page. Start by selecting fabric scraps that complement each other or showcase your unique surface pattern designs. This project works best with small, colorful pieces of fabric from previous projects. For the standard bookmark, you’ll need a piece of fabric measuring approximately 4 to 6 inches, plus an additional piece for backing.
LONG BOOKMARK:
STEP 1: CUT FABRIC AND INTERFACING
Cut two rectangles of 9x2” or two pieces of 3x2” and 6x2” of fabric.
Cut two rectangles of interfacing measuring 9x2”.
The interfacing adds structure, ensuring your bookmark is durable.
STEP 2: SEW
Sew the 3x2” and the 6x2” inches pieces together. Right sides facing along the short side.
STEP 3: IRON THE INTERFACING
Place the interfacing on the wrong side of one of your fabric pieces. Use your iron to press it into place, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial for giving your bookmark a polished, professional look.
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE BOOKMARK
Place the two fabric pieces right sides together, ensuring the interfacing is on the outside. If you’re adding decorative ribbon or trim, pin it in place now. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening at one end to turn the bookmark right side out.
STEP 5: TURN AND PRESS
Carefully turn the bookmark right side out through the opening. Use a point-turner or blunt object to push out the corners for a crisp finish. Once turned, press with your iron to flatten.
STEP 6: CLOSE THE OPENING
Hand stitch or machine sew the opening closed. Ensure your stitches are neat, or opt to topstitch around the entire bookmark for a more finished look.
STEP 7: OPTIONAL FINISHING TOUCHES
To add a bit of flair, consider sewing a small loop of ribbon or attaching a tassel to one end of your bookmark. This adds personality and showcases your design skills.
Ready for the next one?
The next tutorial is for a squared shaped bookmark that goes into the corner of the page. Having two bookmark size is great to fit most of your fabric scraps.
SQUARE BOOKMARK:
STEP 1: CUT YOUR FABRIC AND INTERFACING
There are the pieces you will need:
Cut 3 squares of 4x4” of fabric.
Cut 2 squares of 4x4” of interfacing. One of those pieces needs to be cut in half diagonally.
STEP 2: IRON THE INTERFACING TO YOUR FABRIC
Place the interfacing on the wrong side of one of your square fabric pieces. Use your iron to press it into place, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose another of the square pieces and fold it over the triangle piece of interfacing.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR BOOKMARK
Place one of the square pieces facing up, then place the triangle, after you place the other square piece facing down. Ensure the interfacing in the square piece is on the outside. Sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving a small opening on one end to turn the bookmark right side out.
STEP 4: TURN AND PRESS
Carefully turn the bookmark right side out through the opening you left. Use a point-turner or a blunt object to push out the corners for a crisp finish. Once turned, press the bookmark with your iron to flatten it.
STEP 5: CLOSE THE OPENING
Hand stitch or machine sew the opening closed, making sure your stitches are neat. If you prefer, you can topstitch around the entire bookmark for a more finished look.
Final Thoughts
These fabric bookmark tutorials are not only a great way to use up fabric scraps but also an excellent opportunity to promote your designs. Share your finished bookmarks on social media, Pinterest, or your blog to inspire others and drive traffic to your online store or pattern portfolio. By offering tutorials like this one, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and establish yourself as a versatile and creative designer. You can also use them as gifts, to sell at local markets, and to sell in your online store.
These bookmarks are versatile and can be customized to fit any occasion or personal style, making them a perfect handmade item to showcase your surface pattern designs. Whether you're giving them as gifts, including them in product orders, or sharing them with your followers, these simple projects allow you to add a personal touch to your brand. Don't forget to encourage your audience to try out the tutorials and tag you on social media for even more exposure!
Happy sewing and designing!
Ana