This elegant, vintage-inspired crochet bookmark features a classic arched lace design. Because it uses thin size 10 crochet thread, it lays beautifully flat between the pages of your favorite book without damaging the binding.
It makes a wonderful quick afternoon project, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a popular item for craft markets.
Project Details
- Difficulty: Easy / Advanced Beginner
- Finished Size: Approx. 1 frac 3/4 x 6 frac1/2 inches
- Materials Needed:
- Size 10 mercerized cotton crochet thread (such as Aunt Lydia’s Classic)
- 1.8 mm steel crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Optional: Clear-drying fabric stiffener or craft glue
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Note: This pattern is written using standard US crochet terminology. The initial chain-3 at the beginning of a row counts as a double crochet, and a chain-6 counts as a treble crochet plus a chain-2 space.
Chain 18.
- Row 1: Single crochet (sc) into the 2nd chain from your hook, then sc into the next chain. Chain 5, skip the next 5 chains. Sc into each of the next 3 chains. Chain 5, skip the next 5 chains. Sc into the final 2 chains, turn. (7 stitches, 2 chain-spaces)
- Row 2: Chain 1. Sc into the first stitch. *Chain 3, skip the next stitch, work 3 double crochets (dc) directly into the center of the chain-5 space. Chain 3, skip the next stitch, sc into the next stitch. Repeat from * once more, turn. (9 stitches, 4 chain-spaces)
- Row 3: Chain 6 (this counts as 1 treble crochet and a chain-2 space). Skip the very first stitch, then work 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches. Chain 5, skip the next stitch, then work 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches. Chain 2, then work 1 treble crochet (tr) into the final stitch, turn. (8 stitches, 3 chain-spaces)
- Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as a dc). Skip the first stitch, then work 1 dc into the first chain-space. Chain 3, skip the next stitch, sc into the next stitch. Chain 3, skip the next stitch, work 3 dc into the center of the next chain-space. Chain 3, skip the next stitch, sc into the next stitch. Chain 3, skip the next stitch, work 1 dc into the final chain-space, then work 1 dc into the 3rd chain of the turning chain, turn. (9 stitches, 4 chain-spaces)
- Row 5: Chain 1. Sc into the first 2 stitches. Chain 5, skip the next stitch, then work 1 sc into each of the next 3 stitches. Chain 5, skip the next stitch, then sc into the final 2 stitches, turn. (7 stitches, 2 chain-spaces)
Continuing the Pattern
Repeat Rows 2 through 5 in sequence until you have completed 29 rows in total. Your final row should be a repetition of Row 5. Cut your thread and fasten off.
Finishing & Blocking
- Weave in Ends: Thread your yarn needle and carefully weave all loose ends into the back of the stitches to hide them.
- Block to Shape: To make the lace pattern open up beautifully, dampen the bookmark, pin it flat to your finished dimensions (1 frac 3/4 x 6 frac1/2 inches) on a blocking mat, and let it dry completely.
- Stiffen (Optional): If you prefer a crisp, stiff bookmark, lightly brush the wrong side with a clear-drying fabric stiffener or diluted craft glue while it is pinned flat.
