crafty bookmarks!

I found this great idea for cloth bookmarks at this great blog called Sew Mama Sew! I thought it was a great way to use up scrap fabric and I have a ton of that! I did a few that were a little different than the ones featured, which were a little easier, but all in all this is one simple project! I created 4 bookmarks in one afternoon without too much hassle. I'll go through the process with you so that you too can quickly make some bookmarks!



First, I cut two stips of fabric, I measured them and they were approximately 7 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wides. You really could do any size you want. I then cut two matching pieces of interfacing for durability. I then ironed the interfacing onto my fabric.



Place the two fabric pieces RIGHT sides out together. Pin in place.



Sew around all the edges of the fabric, about 1/2 inch in all the way around. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching for closure.

After you have sewn around the edges, use pinking shears and cut around the outer edge of your bookmark close to your stitching. This not only adds a decorative touch, but also prevents the fabric from fraying.



This is the more complicated bookmark with a button. It's still simple though, so keep reading! I cut out my pieces again, but this time I added a third fabric choice for the band on the front. After cutting the fabric, cut three matching pieces of interfacing again. Iron the interfacing onto the fabrics.



I then hand sewed the button onto the middle of the third fabric that is to be used as the band. After the button is securely fastened, you need to sew the band on all four sides onto the top of the right side of the fabric you choose for the front of the bookmark.

Pin the two main fabrics together, RIGHT sides of fabric facing each other (you'll be sewing on the WRONG side of the fabric). Sew all the way around, about 1/2 inch from the edge leaving the top of the bookmark unsewn. You will then turn the bookmark right side out through the top that you left open. Turn your top ends in and pin into place. Sew the top ends together. As a final touch, I then sewed a seam 1/4 inch from the edge all the way around the bookmark. This gives the bookmark a more finished look.

That's all there is to it! This is such a simple project! It's fun to do and is a great way to use up that fabric you don't want to throw out, but could still use. I think these bookmarks would make a great stocking stuffer or gift idea just for fun! Make one for all those people in your life that love to read! Have fun!