Pattern Description:
The Budding Leaf Bookmark features cute, self-standing leaves that appear to sprout from the top of a book.
It is a very simple, quick project and is beginner friendly.
Inspired by the spring season, the bookmark is easily adjustable in length and fits comfortably for average novel sizes (8″-10″). It makes a perfect gift for bookworm friends.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream Original (category 4 medium – worsted weight; 1 ball = 120yd/109m, 2.5oz/71g). One ball of any color is needed (the photo shows “Hot Green”).
- Hook: US 7/4.5mm crochet hook.
- Tools: Tapestry needle and Tape measure.
- Optional Items: Stitch marker and Bead (the designer used a bead approximately 10mm in size).
Measurements:
- Finished Size (Overall): About 13” (33cm) long.
- Leaves Size: About 3.5” (9cm) wide.
- The length is easily adjustable. The bookmark fits average novel book sizes (8″-10″) comfortably.
Abbreviations Used:
- CH – Chain
- SL ST – Slip Stitch
- SC – Single Crochet
- HDC – Half Double Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- TR – Treble Crochet (or Triple Crochet)
- YOH – Yarn Over Hook
- ST – Stitch
- SC. CH 1. SC. – Single Crochet, Chain 1, Single Crochet (worked in the same stitch)
- * – Repeat Section (indicates a repeatable sequence of stitches)
- ( ) – Stitch Grouping (stitches worked into the same stitch)
Instructions for Making the Leaf Bookmark Pattern:
Leaf Formation
- Step 1: CH 15. Fasten off.
- Step 2:
- SL ST in 7th CH.
- HDC in the same (7th) CH.
- Begin the repeating sequence: (DC. TR 2. DC. HDC. [SC. CH 1. SC.] in last CH. HDC. DC. TR 2. DC. HDC. SL ST in same stitch you just worked HDC in), marked as *.
- SL ST in the next (8th) CH.
- Step 3:
- HDC in the next CH.
- Repeat sequence * 1 time. (This completes the two leaves).
Connecting the Leaves
Step 4:
- Insert a hook into the next stitch (the 8th CH).
- YOH and draw up a loop.
- Insert a hook into the next stitch (the SL ST from the very beginning of Step 2).
- YOH and draw up a loop.
- YOH and draw through all 3 loops on the hook.
Preparing the Stem/Tassel
Step 5:
- Pull a loop about 25″ long.
- Align the working yarn to 25″ as well, then cut it.
- Weave in ends from Step 1 and the beginning of Step 2. (Remember: this loop length is where you adjust the overall bookmark length if needed).
Step 6:
- Tie a knot with all 3 strands.
- Tie it again as you overlap the previous knot.
- Make 2 more big knots.
Step 7:
- Cut the loop end.
- Braid the strands about 11″ (28cm) long.
- Tie a knot at the end.
Step 8 (Optional):
- Put a bead (the designer used a bead approximately 10mm in size).
- Tie a knot.
- Cut excess yarn at the end of the knot.
Finishing
- Weaving in Ends:
- After tying off your work, thread the tapestry needle.
- Weave the yarn tails through several stitches on the back side of the leaves.
- Trim any excess yarn once secure.
- Shaping the Leaves:
- Gently stretch and shape the leaves with your fingers.
- If needed, lightly steam block or pin them down to shape (especially if the edges curl).
- Securing the Braid (Stem/Tassel):
- Ensure the stem/tassel knots are tight and even.
- Trim the tassel ends neatly, or add a bead for a decorative touch.
- Adding a Bead (Optional):
- Thread the bead through all three strands of the tassel.
- Secure it with a firm knot just below the bead.
- Cut off any excess yarn below the final knot.
- Final Touch:
- Smooth the entire bookmark flat.
- Let it rest overnight (especially if blocked) before use or gifting.
