project: little book bookmark

Yesterday I shared a little book embroidery pattern. It can be used for all kinds of things, but the smaller size is just right for today's project. If you're a regular reader, you probably can always use a bookmark. Face it, scraps of paper work, but they're just not as stylish!

This project would work for lots of embroidered designs, so feel free to swap in your favorite little motif. This is especially a good idea for if you're gifting one of these bookmarks, because you can personalize the design for your recipient!

Here's what you need:

Embroidery floss
Linen (or another solid fabric), about 4x4 inches
Felt (I prefer wool blend), about 3-1/2x3-1/2 inches
Thread
Faux-suede cord (easier to stitch than real suede), about 18 inches

You'll also want a hoop (3-inch works great here!), scissors, a needle, pins, and some card stock for a template.



The first thing you need to do is embroider a design on the linen. You can grab my book pattern here.

Next, make a circle template on card stock. Mine is about three inches, and I made it by tracing inside my embroidery hoop. Pin the template to the back of your embroidery so that the design is centered on the circle. Trim around the circle, leaving a seam allowance of at least 1/4 inch.



Using regular thread (embroidery floss will work if you use several strands), stitch a row of running stitch around the seam allowance. Be sure you have a good size knot to start with so that it doesn't pull through the fabric.



When you have gotten all the way around the circle, pull the thread to gather the edges in around the template. Secure the end with a few stitches and a knot.



To really make sure your circle keeps its shape, you can gently press the edges, but if you're not near an iron, just finger press the edges. Carefully remove the template.

Now, cut a circle from felt. This circle should be just a bit larger than your finished linen circle. I made a second template for mine, tracing the outside of the embroidery hoop, but you can also use the first template and just cut it about 1/8 inch outside the edge.



Fold the cording in half, and using thread or embroidery floss, tie/wrap the cord together about 2 inches from the folded loop.



Place the folded cord between the embroidered circle and the felt so that the wrapped section is hidden just in from the edge of the circles. Pin the layers together.



Using embroidery floss and running stitch, sew around the edge of the circle. Be sure to stitch through the cording to secure it.



When you've made it around the circle, secure the thread with a knot hidden between the layers. Finally, pick a great book to dig into!