Easy Crochet Bookmark Pattern for Scrap Yarn

This crochet bookmark pattern is the ideal way to use tiny leftover balls of yarn sitting in your craft stash. This simple lace-look bookmark works up in under twenty minutes, using basic stitches to create a flat, functional page holder that will not bulk up your books. Grab a scrap of yarn and a small hook, and let us make a beautiful handmade bookmark!

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Small leftover scraps of Sport or Fingering weight yarn (Weight 2 or 1, approx. 10 to 15 yards total)
• Crochet Hook: 3.0 mm (US C-2) crochet hook
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, and a stiff ruler

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• ch-sp: chain space

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but thin yarn yields the flattest result.
• Finished Size: Approximately 1.5 inches wide by 7 inches long (excluding tassel).

Crochet Bookmark Pattern: Step-by-Step Instructions

Foundation Chain

• Foundation Chain: Ch 7.

Main Bookmark Body

• Row 1: Work 1 dc in the 4th ch from your hook (the 3 skipped chains count as your first dc). Work 1 dc in each of the remaining 3 chs across. Turn your work. (5 dc total)
• Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc here and throughout). Skip the first st, work 1 dc in the next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, work 1 dc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn your work. (4 dc, 1 ch-sp)
• Row 3: Ch 3. Skip the first st, work 1 dc in the next st, work 1 dc directly into the ch-1 sp, work 1 dc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn your work. (5 dc)
• Rows 4 to 21 (or until desired length): Repeat Rows 2 and 3 sequentially until your bookmark reaches about 6.5 to 7 inches long. End on a repeat of Row 3. Do not turn after the final row.

Border and Tassel Attachment

1. Border Round: Ch 1, work sl st evenly down the long side edge, work 3 sl st in the bottom corner, work 1 sl st across each foundation loop on the bottom edge, work 3 sl st in the opposite bottom corner, sl st evenly up the second long edge, and sl st across the top edge. Sl st into the first border st to join. Fasten off.
2. Optional Tassel: Cut 3 pieces of scrap yarn, each 8 inches long. Fold them in half to form a loop. Insert your hook into the center stitch at the top of the bookmark, pull the fold through to form a loop, then pull the loose ends through the loop to tighten. Trim the tassel ends evenly.

Practical Tips for Beginners

1. Opt for Thinner Yarn: Thicker yarns like worsted or chunky create bulky bookmarks that can stretch book spines. Stick to thin cotton or fingering weight yarn scraps for a flat finish.
2. Block with Steam or Water: Cotton bookmarks lie flatter after blocking. Spray the finished bookmark with water, pin it straight on a towel, and let it dry completely before slipping it into a book.
3. Keep Your Tension Uniform: Because this pattern features alternating solid and open rows, maintaining consistent tension ensures the side edges remain perfectly parallel.
4. Mix Colors Between Rows: If your scrap yarn pieces are extremely short, change yarn colors on a Row 3 repeat to create a fun, multi-colored striped bookmark.

Crocheting practical accessories does not require a huge budget or large skeins of yarn. This simple crochet bookmark pattern turns leftover yarn into thoughtful, gift-worthy bookmarks in just a few minutes. Once you finish this crochet bookmark pattern, explore more free patterns on the homepage, and check stitch standards at the Craft Yarn Council. Happy reading, and enjoy clearing out your yarn stash!