Pattern Description:
The Ripples Crochet Bookmark is a quick and satisfying project suitable for advanced beginners or intermediate crocheters.
It features a ripple texture created by alternating single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) stitches, mostly worked in the back loop only (BLO). This bookmark is small, practical, and makes a charming handmade gift.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
| Category | Detail | |
| Yarn | Any fingering weight yarn (4ply), 100% cotton, in any three colours of your choice. | |
| Yardage | Total yardage approx. 27yds / 24.6m, or 9yds / 8.2m per colour. | |
| Hook | Crochet hook 3mm. | |
| Tools | Scissors, yarn needle, measuring tape. | |
| Finished Length (without tassels) | 8.75″ (22cm). | |
| Finished Length (with tassels) | 10″ (25cm). | |
| Finished Width | 1.5″ (4cm). | |
| Gauge | 6 Sts x 3 rows in pattern = 1″ (2.5cm). |
Abbreviations Used:
- Ch – Chain
- SC – Single Crochet
- DC – Double Crochet
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- Rep – Repeat
Instructions for Making the Ripples Crochet Bookmark Pattern:
Initial Chain:
With your first colour, chain 51 (or any multiple of 10 plus 1).
- Row 1: SC in the second chain from the hook and in the next 4 chains. DC in the next 5 chains, SC in the next 5 chains; repeat from across, ending with DC in the last 5 chains.
- Row 2: Chain 2 (counts as first DC), DC in BLO in next 4 stitches. SC in BLO for the next 5 stitches, DC in BLO for the next 5 stitches; repeat from across. In this row, work DC into DC and SC into SC from the previous row. Fasten off and leave a 3-inch tail.
- Row 3: Join the second colour. Chain 2 (counts as first DC), DC in BLO in next 4 stitches, SC in BLO for the next 5 stitches. DC in BLO for the next 5 stitches, SC in BLO for the next 5 stitches; repeat from across, ending with SC in BLO for the last 5 stitches.
- Row 4: Chain 1, SC in BLO for 5 stitches, DC in BLO for 5 stitches; repeat from across. Fasten off, leaving a 3-inch tail for tassels.
- Row 5: Join the third colour. Chain 1, *SC in BLO for 5 stitches, DC in BLO for 5 stitches; repeat across.
- Row 6: Chain 2 (counts as first DC), DC in BLO in next 4 stitches, SC in BLO for 5 stitches, DC in BLO for 5 stitches; repeat from across. Fasten off and leave a 3-inch tail.
Finishing and Tassels
- Weave in the single yarn tail on the side without colour changes. The remaining yarn ends will become tassels.
- To make tassels, cut seven 6-inch pieces of each colour. Fold each group in half to form loops.
- Insert your hook from underneath into the stitch where the tassel will attach and pull the folded loop halfway through.
- Thread the yarn ends through the loop and pull tight to secure. Add any leftover yarn tails from colour changes to the tassel and knot.
- Trim the tassels to a straight edge and your bookmark is ready.
Blocking Your Bookmark
If the edges curl, blocking will help:
- Wet your bookmark using running water or a spray bottle.
- Lay it flat on a blocking board or cardboard in the desired shape.
- Pin the corners and sides straight to prevent curling. Allow it to dry completely.
Tips & Notes
- Work all SC and DC stitches in the BLO unless otherwise stated to achieve the ripple texture.
- The pattern works well with any three contrasting colours to highlight the ripple effect.
- Adjust the initial chain to change the bookmark length (ensure it remains a multiple of 10 plus 1).
- This project can be completed in under an hour, making it perfect for a last-minute gift.
The Ripples Crochet Bookmark is practical, stylish, and a lovely addition to your handmade collection.
With its simple stitches and textured pattern, it’s an ideal way to explore colour changes, tassel-making, and back loop crochet techniques in a small, satisfying project.
