How To Finish Cross Stitch Bookmark
To cross-stitch, a bookmark stands out as a great way to save your place when you have to place the book down. You need to divide your time between reading and cross-stitching.
Doing so will enable you to create a cross-stitch bookmark, which you can use for yourself, or gift it to someone who loves reading. There are numerous types of bookmarks you can create through cross-stitching.
If you are a beginner in this area, you can create beautiful flowers or hearts.
Otherwise, you can opt for complex designs if you are highly skilled in the area of cross-stitching.
Are you interested in creating a cross-stitch bookmark? You can go through the information provided in this blog. It contains everything that you need to know about cross stitch bookmarks.
How To Finish Cross Stitch Bookmark?
Contents
To finish a cross stitch bookmark, you need an embroidery needle, high-quality thread, and Aida cloth.
You need to use the hand-sewing technique to conduct this particular cross-stitching work.
Also, you need to have proper knowledge and skills on cross stitch bookmarks to get the work done correctly.
The process is not that difficult, and you will not experience any problem with doing the work. It will also not take much time.
You can choose any thread for this work, including the leftover threads from your grandmother’s or mother’s kits.
As a first-timer, the entire project might seem a bit too challenging for you. But there is nothing to worry about. The steps mentioned below can help you get cross-stitching work quickly. These steps are:
Step 1: Gather All The Materials
Like all other projects, you will require several tools and materials for the job to make a cross-stitch bookmark. You will need fabric glue, a tapestry needle, a rotary cutter or scissor, and a mat.
You will require a 16-count Aida material, thin satin ribbon, cross stitch pattern, and six-strand embroidery floss for the materials.
If you miss any tools or material, you can head down to the nearest store to obtain them. Otherwise, you are free to opt for the online stores as well.
Step 2: Cut The Material
You have to cut the material to help determine the size, and then you can proceed to decide the finished bookmark’s width further.
After that, you must cut the material twice the width you decided, plus ¼ inch. For instance, for a 1½ inch finished bookmark, you must cut a material, which is 6½ inches long and 3¼ inches wide.
Step 3: Sew And Trim
Once you have determined the length and width, it’s time for you to bring the stitching work.
You must begin your sewing from the middle. If you are going to design hearts for your bookmark, go for different thread shades for each heart.
That way, it will make the entire pattern a lot more unique and neat. After you are done with the stitching work, be sure to trim out all the excess thread from the backside of the stitch.
For the front design, you have to make sure that there is no loose thread or string. If you do find one, carefully clip it down without damaging the pattern.
Step 4: Fold And Iron
After you complete the stitching work, you will find extra or additional material on the sides. Don’t think of cutting them; instead, fold them on each side to meet the back area. It might overlap a bit, but that’s alright.
Be sure that the design you created is at the center, and to do that, you have to count the Aida squares on both sides of the pattern.
This way, you can be sure that both sides are the same. Next, you have to fold the sides in and then iron or press them to shape them.
Step 5: Fringe The Ends
You have to get rid of several horizontal rows of threads from your Aida material. Doing so will enable you to fringe up the ends of your bookmark.
Some of the bookmarks carry a long fringe at the bottom area when compared with the top area. But it’s your bookmark, and you make the fringes of the bottom and top part the same if you want to.
To ensure that the material does not travel, try using a small fray check. You can also utilize a different adhesive for the backside with no hassle.
Now, you must go for a running stitch or backstitch at least one square above the edges of the fringe.
You can easily blend the sewing work with a thread with the same color as the bookmark background. If you want to use a thread of contrast color, you can do that as well.
TIP: If you do not wish to add the fringe, you can skip that part and add adhesive or stitching as a replacement. You can easily prevent the bottom and the top position from traveling.
Step 6: Glue Up The Bookmark
You have to prevent the bookmark from opening. For that, you need glue that will help in holding on to it.
Place the right-hand side on the table, and then open up the flap at the back. After that, you choose which flap you want to be on the top area.
Drop a petite mass of adhesive at the bottom flap’s edge. Next, fold the top flap over and then press gently.
You must put your bookmarks right between the wax paper layers when there is an exposed glue.
Place some heavy books on top of the wax paper. Doing so will keep the wax paper and the bookmark flat.
WARNING: When using glue, you have to be extra careful. Don’t use it too much. Otherwise, it will soak into the exterior of the material. This will damage the entire design or pattern. It might also cause the fabric to curl up.
Step 7: Cover The Edges
Now, the only thing you have to do is complete the bookmark by covering the raw edges of the material. Cut out a piece of ribbon of the same length as the bookmark. Exclude the fringe.
Place a small dot of glue on the seam of the bookmark, put the ribbon above it, and gently press the ribbon. Now, you have to repeat the wax paper process.
Once it is completed and the glue has dried out, you can use the bookmark for your books.
Type of Cross Stitch Bookmarks Patterns Available
Even though you can use your imagination to create a design or pattern for your bookmark, some are pretty popular these days. These patterns are simple, and you can do them easily. Look below!
1. Elegant Bookmark
There are many individuals who do not use snarky phrases or modern shapes for their bookmarks. So, why not go for something more unique, such as elegant designs.
If you have the proper skills, you can easily create some elegant bookmarks on your own. They will not only look good, but the work looks neat and eye-catching.
You can also go for the elegant bookmark kits, which contain everything that you create the bookmark.
2. Stained Glass Bookmark
If you or someone you know loves “Beauty and the Beast,” you can give one to them. Otherwise, use it for yourself. The bookmark will carry a copy of the fairytale.
You will be using the cross-stitch technique to create the bookmark, and you can use any colored thread for it.
3. Geometric Art Bookmark
This particular bookmark pattern is ideal for people who love modern art. The pattern will display a mid-century contemporary design, and you can easily customize it with your favorite hues or shades.
The geometric art pattern is pretty unique, and you can also add some lettering to add a personal touch to it.
4. Cat Bookmark
If you love cats, then you can create a cute but unique cat pattern for your bookmark. Making the cat pattern is not that difficult as there are some steps you have to follow.
The type of colored thread you use will depend on you, and make sure to have all the items and tools beside you when you are making this particular pattern.
What Type Of Needle Should I Use?
There are two types of needles you can opt for, an embroidery needle and a tapestry needle. These two needles stand out as a perfect choice for creating a cross-stitch bookmark.
If you try to use any other needle, you might not be able to stitch appropriately, and on certain occasions, the needle will break if it’s thin.
That’s why it’s better to use any one of those needles for your cross-stitch bookmark work.
Can I Do The Stitching Work On a Sewing Machine?
No, not really. Cross stitch bookmark projects are not designed for sewing machines. You might face difficulty in sewing them through the device, and results might not be that favorable.
It’s much better to get the work done through the hand-sewing technique, as it will be easier.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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