Why A Cross Stitch Bookmark Will Always Outlast A Card

Most cross stitch fans love creating something special for family and friends. Often, they stitch a card to commemorate a special occasion or holiday. These cards are beautiful and are greatly admired by their recipients. But after a time, the cards are stored away and forgotten. A better idea might be to give a specially designed bookmark as a present.

Bookmarks just make sense. Your friend will sit down to relax with a book, and your bookmark will help make that time even more enjoyable. Each time this person reads a book, he or she will once again get to admire the special gift you made. A cross stitch bookmark is a gift that's both practical and pretty.

There are a few principles to bear in mind if you are considering making bookmark presents.

Start by thinking of a pattern that in some way reflects the personality of the recipient. For instance, does your friend like to garden or have a beloved flower? How about a craft or hobby he or she enjoys? Stitching a bookmark is easy and doesn't take long because the pattern is, by necessity, small and simple. So pick just one element that signifies what this person likes and use that for your cross stitch bookmark.

If you're looking for ways to help your children be enthusiastic about reading, consider stitching them bookmarks decorated with their favorite characters.

If you're looking for a quick, easy way to create a bookmark, you may want to buy a kit. Select a kit that has a pattern your friend will like. If you haven't created a cross stitch bookmark before, a kit will show you what's involved. The kit will contain everything you need, including all of the various flosses, the required cross stitch material, and directions. After you complete this bookmark, you should save the directions so you can follow them when you stitch your next bookmark.

Traditionally, bookmarks are long and slim in shape. It is important that they are not too bulky or scratchy, as this could damage fine paper pages. You will need to consider what sorts of books your friend reads. Paperback books are usually smaller than their hardback counterparts, and therefore you need to take this into account when considering the size. As a general rule, it's advisable to make your bookmark between six to nine inches long (15 to 22cm) and two and a half inches (6.5cm) wide.

You will need to cut your cross stitch fabric (aida or evenweave) to the right size. In order to prevent the edges from fraying, you should stitch a piece of binding or ribbon to the edges. If you prefer, you can use a larger piece of fabric and deliberately fray the edges yourself, keeping the edges symmetrical and neat in appearance. You can then stop further fraying by spraying with a fray-stopping product.

As for the design, you can either pick a small design from a magazine or book, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can try drawing your own design. To do this, you will need a page of graph paper, with every square corresponding to a potential stitch. Make sure that you leave a small gap between the edge of your design and the edge of the fabric.

As you work, you'll want to make your stitching as tidy as possible. When you finish, glue a ribbon fragment onto the back so you can neatly cover the underside. Keep your knots small to avoid any bumps.

To give your bookmark added interest, do consider folding the bottom of it into a triangle shape instead of a straight line. You can add a tassel, some beads or a shell to the end, to make it look unusual.

When you're done, slip the bookmark between two cloths for protection from the heat and press the project carefully.

Bookmarks are really easy to make, and after you've stitched one, the next ones will be a snap. The projects will take you almost no time at all.

More importantly, think how delighted your friends will be when they receive a beautiful cross stitch bookmark. Unlike a stitched card, which may end up forgotten in a drawer, a personalized bookmark is sure to be treasured for years.