Pattern Description:
This beginner-friendly filet crochet bookmark pattern uses the 3-DC filet crochet technique to create a delicate lace design.
Worked with fine fingering (#1) yarn, it produces a lightweight and elegant bookmark measuring approximately 2.75 x 10.75 inches, perfect for crochet enthusiasts who love simple yet creative projects.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Yarn: Mary Maxim Cotton Socks yarn (fingering #1), about 1/5 skein
- Hook: 3.25 mm crochet hook
- Tools: Scissors and tapestry needle
- Finished Size: 2.75 x 10.75 inches
- Gauge: 6 stitches x 3 rows = 1 square inch
Abbreviations Used:
- st/sts: stitch/stitches
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dec: decrease
- ATC: alternative turning chain (equal to 2 stacked single crochets)
Understanding the 3-DC Filet Crochet Technique
This bookmark is made using the 3-DC Filet Crochet technique, a classic method used to form decorative mesh patterns and letters. In this design, the word “YARN” is displayed across the rows using a mix of open and closed mesh blocks. Each “pixel” of the pattern represents a group of three double crochets (dc). The third dc overlaps as the first stitch of the next mesh block, keeping the pattern continuous and neat.
Key Mesh Types:
- Open Mesh (White Pixel): 1 dc, ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc. The final dc also counts as the first stitch of the next pixel.
- Closed Mesh (Black Pixel): 1 dc in each of the next 3 sts. The last dc is shared with the next pixel.
For simpler visualization:
- Open Mesh = (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc)
- Closed Mesh = (1 dc in next 2 sts)
Each row starts with 1 dc, which can be made either by chaining 3 (counts as a dc) or using an ATC (Alternative Turning Chain) made of two stacked single crochets for a tighter edge.
Instructions for Making the Filet Crochet Bookmark Pattern Pattern:
Starting Chain
Begin by making a foundation chain of 16 stitches. This chain forms the base of your bookmark. Work all subsequent rows into this foundation chain following the pattern below.
Letter “N” of the YARN Bookmark (Rows 1-7)
- Row 1: 1 ATC, then work (1 dc in each of the next 2 sts) × 7 times.
- Row 2: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 3: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 2, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 4: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 5: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 2, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 6: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 7: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 7.
Letter “R” of the YARN Bookmark (Rows 8-13)
- Row 8: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 9: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 10: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 4, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2.
- Row 11: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 12: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 4, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2.
- Row 13: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 7.
Letter “A” of the YARN Bookmark (Rows 14-19)
- Row 14: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 15: Repeat Row 14.
- Row 16: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 5, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 17: Repeat Row 14 once more.
- Row 18: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 3, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2.
- Row 19: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 7.
Letter “Y” of the YARN Bookmark (Rows 20-25)
- Row 20: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3.
- Row 21: Repeat Row 20.
- Row 22: Repeat Row 20 again.
- Row 23: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 2.
- Row 24: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 3, (ch 1, sk 1, 1 dc) × 1, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 1.
- Row 25: 1 ATC, (1 dc in next 2 sts) × 7.
Top and Bottom Edging
Once you’ve completed Row 25, continue crocheting along the top edge to form a smooth finish. Then, reattach yarn below Row 1 and repeat the edging steps to mirror the top border.
Edging Instructions:
- R1: Work 1 sc dec, 1 sc in each st across until 2 sts remain, then 1 sc dec; turn.
- Repeat R1 until only 3 sts remain.
- Finally, decrease over the remaining 3 sts.
Fasten off and weave in all yarn ends using a tapestry needle.
Your filet crochet “YARN” bookmark is now complete- lightweight, elegant, and perfect for marking your favorite crafting book or gifting to a fellow yarn lover!
