A Cross Stitch Bookmark Makes A Superb Alternative To A Card

As cross stitchers, we love to create personalised cards for our nearest and dearest on birthdays, at Christmas or other special times. The chances are that these cards are much appreciated by the recipients, displayed prominently for a few days, and then... perhaps placed in a drawer or a cupboard, where they will stay for many more months, rarely seen. Here's an idea...

Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?

Keep these hints and tips in mind before you start your bookmark project.

Pick a bookmark design that means something to your friend. You want to personalize this present by making it depict something this person loves. For instance, does she love flowers? Is he a golf fan? Decide on a pattern that captures the interests of the recipient. Of course, since your cross stitch bookmark will be small, the pattern must reflect this. So pick one interest the recipient has and use that as the pattern.

If you're looking for ways to help your children be enthusiastic about reading, consider stitching them bookmarks decorated with their favorite characters.

If you're looking for a quick, easy way to create a bookmark, you may want to buy a kit. Select a kit that has a pattern your friend will like. If you haven't created a cross stitch bookmark before, a kit will show you what's involved. The kit will contain everything you need, including all of the various flosses, the required cross stitch material, and directions. After you complete this bookmark, you should save the directions so you can follow them when you stitch your next bookmark.

As you know, a bookmark is a long rectangle. It's made to rest between the pages of the book and easily be seen. When making bookmarks for friends, you may want to consider whether they normally read hardcovers or paperbacks. Paperbacks aren't as tall as hardcovers, and therefore don't need a long bookmark. The bookmarks also don't need to be very wide, perhaps between two and three inches (5 to 7.5cm) . Most bookmark patterns are traditionally somewhere around six inches long, although some bookmarks are up to nine inches (15 to 22cm) long.

When you're ready to start, measure and cut the aida or evenweave material. Since you don't want the fabric to fray, cover the edges with a pretty piece of ribbon or edge binding. One cute technique some stitchers use is to create a fringed edge on the bookmark. You do this by cutting a piece of fabric larger than the intended bookmark and then carefully fraying around each side. You'll want the frayed edges to be the same length. To prevent the fraying from continuing once you're done creating the fringe, use an anti-fray glue or spray.

After you've cut out the fabric and secured the edges, you're ready to create the design. Locate a pattern you like. Magazines are a great place to locate patterns, as are books. Better yet, create your own pattern. Simply use a piece of graph paper and draw out your design. As always, each stitch is signified by a square on the paper.

As you work, you'll want to make your stitching as tidy as possible. When you finish, glue a ribbon fragment onto the back so you can neatly cover the underside. Keep your knots small to avoid any bumps.

To give your bookmark added interest, do consider folding the bottom of it into a triangle shape instead of a straight line. You can add a tassel, some beads or a shell to the end, to make it look unusual.

When you're done, slip the bookmark between two cloths for protection from the heat and press the project carefully.

Once you have experimented with making one bookmark, you will be surprised how easy the next ones will be -- and how quickly you will complete these projects.

I'm sure you'll agree that making a cross stitch bookmark for a friend is a great alternative to stitching a card. Individualising the design can be great fun, and also give lots of pleasure to the recipient of your gift.

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Julia Wigham is a professional writer and co-founder of Patterns Patch cross stitch forums. An online cross stitch community whose members get free: patterns, articles and tutorials. Visit our colorful => cross stitch blogs today!

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