How to Sew A Fabric Bookmark

This DIY fabric bookmark tutorial is a very quick and incredibly easy sewing project that turns pretty fabric from your scrap bin into something useful. 

The bookmark doesn't require much sewing skill making it an ideal project for beginning sewists, even a child.   If you have kids or teens at home who are looking for something to do, this project is perfect for them!

Looking for a fun and quick scrap busting project? Do you have a lot of leftover fabric from other projects?   Our fabric bookmark is the perfect project to use up fabric scraps because it requires only 2 1/2" fabric strips, along with some batting or interfacing (also use scraps).   

For other scrap busting sewing projects, visit our clever projects to upcycle leftover fabric scraps page.

This Fabric Scrap Bookmark is simple to put together taking about 15 minutes making the perfect last minutes gift and would make wonderful gifts to mail to love ones, as gifts for teachers and book club members, as stocking stuffers, for book lovers or for yourself.

Have you been wanting to teach your kid how to sew?  This bookmark is an excellent beginner project because they only need to sew straight. By allowing your child to choose their favorite fabric, they will become excited about learning to sew while at the same time learning a life skill.

If you are interested in more free sewing projects for kids, our Free Kids Sewing and Quilting page has over 40 sewing projects.

Watch this video or keep reading for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions to learn how to sew a fabric bookmark.

INSTRUCTIONS for sewing fabric bookmark

STEP 1: CUTTING FABRIC FOR BOOKMARK

To begin, from scrap fabric cut two pieces of fabric 2 1/2 inches wide by 8 or 9 inches long. You can use the same fabric or two coordinating fabrics.
Cut one piece of interfacing or batting the same measurement as the fabric. Use whatever scrap interfacing or batting you have on hand.

The use of batting/interfacing between the cotton fabrics stabilizes and adds stiffness to the bookmark, but it won’t make it bulky. 

STEP 2: LAYERING BOOKMARK FABRICS TOGETHER

If you are using fusible interfacing, fuse it to the wrong side (back side) of one of the fabric pieces according to the manufacturer's directions. Then, place the two fabrics with right sides together.

If you are using non-fusible interfacing or batting, place the interfacing/batting on your work surface, and put one fabric piece on the top, right side up. Then, place the second fabric on top of that with the right side down (the two fabric pieces will be right sides together).

Pin the pieces together to secure the layers for sewing.

STEP 3: SEW AROUND THREE SIDES OF THE FABRIC BOOKMARK

At the sewing machine, you will be sewing around three sides of the bookmark, two long sides and one short side. The second short side is left unsewn so the bookmark can be turned right side out.

Start by sewing one of the long sides. Position the edge of the presser foot along the edge of the bookmark. Start sewing using a straight stitch, backstitching at the beginning.

As you approach the corner, stop sewing close to the corner, lower the needle into the fabric, raise the presser foot, turn the fabric so you can sew across the short side, lower the presser foot and continue to sew. As you approach the next corner do the same thing.  At the end, backstitch to secure the stitches and thread.

STEP 4: TRIM CORNERS

With a fabric scissor, cut the corners diagonally being careful not to cut into the stitching. This will help reduce the bulk when you turn the bookmark to the right side.

STEP 5: TURN THE BOOKMARK RIGHT SIDE OUT

Through the opening on the short side, turn the bookmark right side out. You can use a pencil to help turn the bookmark and poke out the corners.

STEP 6: FOLD RAW EDGE AND PRESS

On the unfinished short side, fold the fabric to the inside about 1/2 inch. Next, press the bookmark flat keeping that unfinished side turned to the inside.

STEP 7: EDGESTITCH THE FABRIC BOOKMARK

Edgestitch around the entire bookmark.  This way you will sew the opening closed and give it a nice professional finish.

To do this, with the edge of the presser foot as a guide, start stitching using a straight stitch on one of the sides. When you get close to the corner, stop stitching, lower the needle into the fabric, raise the presser foot, turn the fabric, lower the presser foot and continue to sew. Continue sewing around the outside backstitch at the end to secure the stitching and thread.

VOILA! The fabric bookmark is done and ready to use or gift. 

If you liked this easy-to-sew fabric bookmark tutorial, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board and share it with friends on social media. Please consider signing up for our newsletter where you will be kept up to date on all our new project tutorials, free patterns and fun tips and tricks.

Happy Sewing! 

Annette

looking for some other fun easy sewing projects? check out these:

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• Scrunchie Tutorial - Make a fun fabric scrunchie to hold a ponytail.
• Fabric Cord Wrap - No more tangled and twisted electric and charger cords.
• Make a fun Fabric Tray or Basket with our free photo and video tutorial.
• Fabric Pocket Tissue Holder - These quick and easy pocket tissue pack covers can be sewn in 15 minutes!