i’ve seen a lot of different DIY bookmark projects but this one really stuck out – i love the “X marks the spot” and although it appears to just be fabric it’s actually a pretty sturdy little bookmark so you’d be able to use it for a long time. kootoyoo has a full tutorial for how to make one – don’t be scared by the math in step 1, it’s not too bad!

what you need:
embroidery floss, scrap cardboard, calico, scissors, craft knife, needle, fadeout marker, adhesive backed magnetic tape.

step 1: cut a 13 cm (about 5 inches) square from scrap cardboard. cut a right angle triangle measuring 7.5cm x 7.5cm with a hypotenuse of 10.5cm.

step 2: cut your magnetic tape to fit and stick it to the triangles so that they come together neatly. set aside for later.

step 3: use the square template as a guide and cut out your calico. leave a seam allowance outside the template of approximately 1.5 cm (3/4 inch).

step 4: press your calico square around your cardboard template:

iron the corners as pictured above.

iron each of the sides as pictured – this removes the bulk in the corners and will keep the folds nice and neat.

step 5: remove the cardboard template and fold the square in half to form a triangle:

iron, fold in half again and iron.

step 6: print this template and trace it or draw your own X – you can be creative and make your own symbol or even a quote!

unfold the pressed triangle and position it right side up. with your fade out marker, check your folds carefully and mark the “X” where you’d like it positioned on the face of the bookmark. make sure you mark your X in the left hand triangle of your square. keep in mind that the center seam will run parallel to the spine of the book.

step 7: stitch your X or whatever you’ve chosen!

step 8: once you’re finished stitching, place your work face down on the ironing board as shown above and repress the folds.

step 9: position your triangle shapes (magnet side down) inside the seams and fold in half.

step 10: pin to secure.

step 11: stitch along each of the short sides of your triangle.

step 12: make the final fold and remove your pin. now stitch the short side closed to form your “cuff.”

voila! you’re done – now you can use this as you read the perks of being a wallflower for our book club :)