If you love turning fabric scraps into something both practical and pretty, this scrappy bookmark sewing tutorial is for you! It's a fun, low-waste project that lets you get creative with colour and fabric choices, making each bookmark totally unique. Whether you prefer bold patchwork or something a bit more minimal, this tutorial can be adapted to suit your style!
Materials Needed:
- Scrap pieces of fabric
- Fusible Interfacing
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors or rotary cutter (with cutting mat)
- Ruler
- Pins or clips
- Point turner (or something with a pointy end)
- Sewing machine
- All purpose sewing thread
- Optional - ribbons and/or lace
- Optional - any other embellishments you'd like to use
Click below to explore my sewing patterns:
Groovy Ooze Sewing Patterns
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Studio Favourites - Amazon Storefront
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Recommended Measurements
You can make your fabric bookmark any size you like - however the dimensions I used that I feel work well are:
Fabric - 2.5" x 7.5"
Interfacing - 2" x 7"
I found it easier to create a template prior to starting to now use every time I make a bookmark.
Let's get making!
1. Cut Pieces
- Cut two pieces of fabric (one front, one back) to 2.5" x 7.5"
- Cut one piece of interfacing to 2" x 7"
- (Optional) Cut any scrappy pieces that you'd like to add to your bookmark.
- (Optional) Cut pieces of ribbon or lace (for the top of the bookmark) to measure approx 6"
2. Fuse Interfacing
- Place the fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the front piece of fabric (NOT on the pretty side) with the glue side facing down.
- Follow the interfacing manufacturer's instructions and iron to fuse.
3. Decorate The Bookmark
- Using your scrappy pieces of fabric decide on the layout of each piece.
- Sew each piece down individually - I use a zig-zag stitch for this.
- If you would like to attach a personalised label, do this now - I add mine to the bottom centre of the bookmark. Clip or pin to hold in place.
- Once you have your pieces of ribbon and/or lace layered how you would like it to be, place them so the raw edges meet at the top centre of the bookmark - make sure the pretty sides of the ribbon are facing the pretty sides of the fabric.
- Use a regular straight stitch to sew the ribbons and your personalised label in place.
4. Assemble The Bookmark
- Take the back piece of fabric and place it on top of your front fabric so the pretty sides are facing each other.
- Clip or pin to hold it in place.
- Mark a gap of around 2 inches - this gap will be left un-sewn and will be what we use for turning the bookmark right side out.
- Using a regular straight stitch and a 1/4" seam allowance sew around the bookmark, leaving the gap for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
- Trim down the seams at each of the corners.
- Carefully turn the bookmark right side out through the opening you left un-sewn.
- Gently push out each of the corners using a point turner or something with a pointy end.
- Fold in the opening 1/4" and give the bookmark a really good iron.
5. Final Steps
- Using a regular straight stitch and sewing as close as you can to the edge, sew around the entire bookmark - this will close that opening and give the bookmark a nice finish. Backstitch at the beginning and the end.
- Snip away any loose threads.
- To prevent the ribbons from fraying you can carefully use a lighter to seal the edges.
- You can be finished here OR you can add any final little embellishments - I added a little bow with some fabric glue to complete the barbie vibe!
Don't forget to tag me in your groovy creations! @GroovyOoze on instagram
Click below to explore my sewing patterns:
Groovy Ooze Sewing Patterns