Pattern diagramAbout this image
Diagram drawn from this project’s written instructions. Use the instructions for measurements and construction. This is not a finished-project photograph.Cross-stitch
The little garden bookmark
A repeating geometric flower border for the book you keep coming back to.
Before you begin
Materials
- 6 × 20 cm strip of 14-count Aida
- Floss in rose, mustard, and green
- Size 24 tapestry needle
- 4 × 16 cm felt backing, sewing thread, scissors
Quick reference
Abbreviations
- P
- One rose full cross-stitch.
- Y
- One mustard full cross-stitch.
- G
- One green full cross-stitch.
- .
- Blank square.
One step at a time
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Mark the stitching area
Fold the fabric lengthwise to find the center. The design is five stitches wide and 65 stitches high: six 10-row motifs with one blank row between motifs. Leave at least 3 cm clear above and below the design.
- 2
Copy the flower motif
Use this five-column chart. Read downward, one line per row.
..P.. .PPP. PPYPP .PPP. ..P.. ..G.. .GGG. ..G.. ..G.. ..G..
- 3
Stitch the first flower
Use two strands of floss. Work one full cross for each letter in the chart using its indicated color. Keep every top diagonal facing the same direction. Secure tails under nearby stitches on the back.
- 4
Repeat the border
Leave one complete blank row after each 10-row flower, then repeat. Work six flowers total. Keep each motif centered on the same fabric column.
- 5
Press and turn the edges
Press face down on a towel using a temperature suitable for the thread and cloth. Fold 1 cm inward along each long edge and 2 cm at each short end, giving a 4 × 16 cm bookmark.
- 6
Add the backing
Place felt over the folded back edges. With matching sewing thread, use small whipstitches around all four sides, catching the folded Aida and felt without stitching through the front design.
Original starter instructions. Sizes and making times are approximate; check your tension and measurements as you go.
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