Pattern Description:
This crochet bookmark pattern creates a delicate and decorative accessory using shell stitches.
It is designed for crocheters with an intermediate skill level and works up quickly, making it ideal for using leftover yarn or gifting on occasions such as Mother’s Day, Easter, or as a stocking stuffer.
The finished bookmark measures approximately eight inches long and two inches wide.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Crochet Hook: 3.25 mm
- Yarn: One skein of Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (sample shown in Lilac)
- Yarn Weight: Worsted weight, #4
- Yardage: Approximately 25 yards per bookmark
- Finished Size: One size – 8 inches by 2 inches
- Gauge: 12-stitch repeat by 7 rows measures approximately 2 inches by 2 inches
Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc) Instructions
Begin with chain two. Insert the hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop (two loops remain on the hook).
Yarn over again and pull through one loop to create a small chain at the bottom of the stitch. Yarn over once more and pull through both loops to complete the first foundation single crochet.
To continue, insert the hook into the base of the previous stitch (the “V” at the bottom), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops. Repeat until the required number of stitches is achieved.
Bookmark Instructions
Row 1 (Starting Row):
Begin by working 49 foundation single crochet stitches across. Turn your work to begin the next row.
Row 2 (Establishing the Shell Pattern):
Chain five, then double crochet into the first stitch. Skip the next three stitches. Continue across the row with the following pattern until nine stitches remain: single crochet in the next five stitches, skip three stitches, then work a shell (double crochet, chain two, double crochet, chain two, double crochet) into the next stitch, skip three stitches.
Repeat this sequence until you reach the final nine stitches. Finish the row by working single crochet in the next five stitches, skip three stitches, and make a shell consisting of double crochet, chain two, and double crochet in the last stitch. Turn your work.
Row 3:
Chain three to start the row. Work four double crochet stitches into each chain-two space from the previous row, skip the next single crochet, and single crochet in the next three single crochet stitches.
Continue across the row following this sequence. The row finishes with the last double crochet placed into the third chain of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn the work.
Row 4:
Chain one, then work three single crochet stitches. Repeat the following sequence across the row until nine stitches and the turning chain remain: skip three stitches, make a shell (double crochet, chain two, double crochet, chain two, double crochet) in the next stitch, skip three stitches, single crochet in the next five stitches.
After completing the repeat, skip three stitches, make a shell in the next stitch, skip three stitches, and work single crochet in the next two double crochet stitches plus the third chain of the turning chain. Turn the work.
Row 5:
Chain one, then work two single crochet stitches. Across the row, repeat the following pattern: work four double crochet into the next chain-two space, double crochet in the next double crochet, four double crochet into the next chain-two space, skip the next two stitches, single crochet in the next three stitches. Continue across, ending with two single crochet stitches. Turn the work.
Rows 6 and 7:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 exactly. After completing Row 7, finish off the yarn and weave in the ends.
Finishing:
Your shell-stitch bookmark is now complete. The combination of foundation single crochet with alternating shells and single crochet creates a flexible yet sturdy texture that lies flat and is perfect for marking pages.
This quick project makes a charming handmade gift and allows you to showcase colorful cotton yarn or leftover scraps creatively.
Tips:
- Adjust the length of your bookmark by increasing or decreasing the number of foundation single crochet stitches in Row 1.
- Ensure your tension is even, especially in the shell stitches, for a polished finish.
- This pattern can easily be customized with different yarn colors or hooks to create unique variations.
