How I sew corner bookmarks | #LRCrafts - DIY Passion: if you can think it, you can make it
Have you ever needed a last-minute gift that’s both thoughtful and fun to make?
Recently, I was looking for a gift idea for a dear friend, and I wanted to make something myself. I love making useful things for my closest ones. The problem was I didn’t have much time to work on it. I feared I wouldn’t be able to complete a complex project on time, such as an embroidered piece or a clothing item.
Since my friend is fond of books, and we’d just texted each other on the topic, I had an idea: creating a custom fabric corner bookmark. As I started working on it, I realized how quick and easy it was: such a delightful project that I had to share the full process with you.
This project is perfect for using up fabric scraps, and the whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes! Try it yourself and tell me in the comments: how long did it take you?
Embroidery and sewing
Click for the finished project detailed photos
Looking for more inspiration?
I’ve put together a collection of simple yet meaningful sewn and embroidered gift ideas, that you can effortlessly create for your loved ones.
A treasure trove of inspiration, perfect for heartfelt gifting.
See all the ideasWhat you need to make your own corner book mark:
- Fabric: 3 squares, each about 12 cm (4 in) per side.
Mix and match your scraps for a unique look! - Fusible Interfacing (optional): 3 squares, each about 12 cm (4 in) per side.
It adds strength and thickness if your fabric is lightweight. - Sewing Notions (Needle, thread, scissors, pins, and (highly recommended for speed) a sewing machine).
Start by cutting three squares of fabric, each 12 cm (4 in) wide. If you’re using fusible interfacing, cut three squares of the same size.
The more precise your cuts, the easier the sewing will be. I highly recommend using a cutting mat with a rotary cutter: it makes the process so much smoother!
Take one of your squares and fold it diagonally, wrong sides together, to form a triangle. Press it with an iron to hold the shape. While pressing isn’t strictly necessary, it makes sewing easier and gives a cleaner, more polished result.
If you’ve opted for interfacing, attach it to the wrong side of each fabric square now. Depending on the type, you’ll either press it with an iron or sew it in place. This step is optional but helps give your bookmark more structure.
In my case, I didn’t have fusible interfacing on hand, but I used a thick and sturdy fabric as an inner reinforcement. Since it was quite strong, and my ballerina fabric wasn’t overly light, I only needed to cut one square for the inner layer. I just attached it to the wrong side of one of my squares.
If you’d like to add embroidery or other decorations, now’s the perfect time, before assembling your bookmark. I stitched an initial letter onto the front of my triangle, which made it extra special.
Now for the assembly.
Lay one fabric square right side up. Next, place the folded triangle on top, aligning its raw edges with the top left corner of the square below. Be sure the right side of the triangle (the side you want to be the prominent one) is facing you.
Finally, add the third square on top, right side down, creating a sandwich with the triangle in the middle. Always double-check that your fabric is oriented the way you want. In my case, I was using a ballerina print, so I made sure none of the dancers were upside down!
Once you’re happy with the placement, pin everything together to hold it securely.
Time now to sew it all together.
Using a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance, sew all the way around the edge of your fabric sandwich. Be sure to leave a gap along one side (about half the length of that side works well): you’ll need this gap to turn your bookmark right-side out later.
Trim the corners of your fabric layers, being careful not to snip through the stitching. This little step ensures crisp, sharp corners on the finished piece. Then, turn the whole bookmark right-side out through the gap.
Use a turning tool or the blunt end of a pencil to push out the corners neatly. Once everything is in place, give your bookmark a good press to smooth it out.
To finish, sew a narrow topstitch around the edge, as close to the edge as possible. This step not only closes the turning gap, but also gives the bookmark a polished look and added durability for frequent use.
And just like that, you’ve created a beautiful, handmade fabric corner bookmark! Simply slip it over the corner of a page to keep your place with style.
This project is quick, customizable, and an excellent way to use up those treasured fabric scraps. It’s a thoughtful gift for any book lover, or a lovely treat for yourself.
I hope you enjoy making these bookmarks as much as I did! If you have other creative ideas for using fabric scraps, I’d love to hear about them. Share your projects in the comments and let’s inspire each other!
by Rici86.
