13 Free Crochet Bookmark Patterns for Book Lovers of all Ages

I’m never without a fiction book on the go and that makes me super excited to merge my passion for reading with my passion for crocheting in this roundup of crochet book mark patterns (I’m including a couple of photos from bookmarks I’ve crocheted from these patterns).

I’ve always been passionate about reading and having been a part of the online reading community since 2011 I know that as book lovers we have something important in common … we have bookmarks dotted all around us.  Some designs are so hard to resist that even if we think we have enough, that doesn’t stop us. 🙂 

I’m going to go a little deeper today and say … a bookmark is more than just a practical tool to keep our place in a book; it’s a reflection of our personalities!  Truly it is.  When we select or create a bookmark, we make a deliberate choice.  The design, colour, and even the material we choose is a reflection of our individual taste and preferences. 

This may seem like a simple choice and yes, it is subtle, but it is a meaningful reflection of your personality and the aesthetics that resonate with you. 

Each crochet bookmark below is unique.  Which one will you choose to crochet and what does that say about you? 🙂

Why you’ll love crocheting a bookmark

There are quite a few reasons why I think you’ll love to crochet a bookmark but I wanted to highlight my top 3:

A bookmark can be as simple as a crochet flower as in the one I crocheted below:

Or more a more intricate stitch pattern as in the bookmark below:

You’ll find bookmark patterns for different skill levels here today.  I hope you find inspiration!

My Top Tips for Crocheting Beautiful Bookmarks

These 13 tips will help you get started and create beautiful crochet bookmarks.

1. Select the Right Yarn: Book marks are often crocheted in cotton thread or a lightweight and thin yarn as this weight yarn works well for bookmarks. Cotton is a good choice as it is durable and won’t stretch excessively.  DK and Worsted weight/Aran yarns can be used too.  The crochet bookmarks I’m sharing today use size 10 cotton thread, 4ply, DK and Aran/Worsted weight so have a rummage through your stash for something suitable to use.
2. Choose the Right Hook Size: Use a smaller hook size than what you might typically use for the chosen yarn. This will help create a tighter and more dense fabric for your bookmark.
3. Practice Tension: Crocheting bookmarks often requires a consistent tension to maintain a uniform appearance. Practice keeping your tension even as you work.
4. Start with a Simple Pattern: If you’re new to crochet, begin with a straightforward pattern. A basic stitch like single crochet or double crochet can be a good starting point. As you gain confidence, you can explore more intricate patterns.
5. Use Stitch Markers: For patterns with multiple stitch repeats, use stitch markers to keep track of your progress. They can help prevent mistakes and make it easier to follow complex instructions.
6. Count Your Stitches: Count your stitches regularly to ensure your bookmark doesn’t become wider or narrower unintentionally. The number of stitches should remain consistent to maintain the desired width.
7. Experiment with Colours: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours and colour changes
8. Blocking: After finishing your bookmark, consider blocking it to make it more polished and flatter. Wet blocking or steam blocking can help shape the bookmark and set the stitches.
9. Add Embellishments: You can embellish your bookmark with tassels, beads, or buttons for added charm and personalization.
10. Tail Management: Weave in the starting and ending yarn tails securely to ensure they don’t unravel over time.
11. Keep It Flat: To maintain a flat bookmark, avoid tight stitches that can cause curling. If curling occurs, you can try using a larger hook or blocking the finished piece.
12. Take Your Time: Crocheting bookmarks can be a quick project, but rushing through it may lead to mistakes. Take your time and enjoy it!
13. Personalize: you can personalize your crochet bookmark by adding a label, embroidery, or your initials. It can make your bookmark even more special.

Adding embelishments is easy. I added a bead to the tail of the bookmark I crocheted below.  It really does give a lovely finish to a simple crochet flower bookmark!

Don’t be discouraged if at first you make mistakes; they are part of the learning process. Over time, you will develop the skill to create beautiful and intricate crochet bookmarks.

How to Stiffen your Crochet Bookmark

Before I get to the free patterns, I wanted to share a solution of what to do if your crochet book mark isn’t keeping shape or is curling. 

There is nothing more annoying that enjoying a crochet project and then when you’re finished, it doesn’t turn out how you thought it would!  I don’t want you to feel you’ve wasted your time if your bookmark is out of shape or curling.  There is an easy solution … stiffening.

Stiffening is a great way to give your bookmark a more polished and structured appearance.

There are a few methods you can use to stiffen your bookmark and I’m sharing them below:

Whichever method you choose, I would recommend you handle the damp bookmark carefully to avoid stretching or misshaping it.

The stiffness may vary depending on the method and solution you used but there’s nothing to stop you from experimenting with different methods to find the one that provides the level of stiffness you desire for your crochet bookmark.

Once your bookmark is dry and stiffened, it will maintain its shape, making it a more durable and an attractive additional reading accessory.

Relevant Posts

• Fiction Book Reviews
• Non-Fiction Book Reviews
• How to make an Origami Corner Bookmark
• Patterns for Crochet Flowers
• Quick and Easy Gifts for Beginners
• Boho Crochet Patterns
• Tunisian Crochet Patterns for Beginners
• Mosaic Crochet Patterns for Beginners
• Tapestry Crochet Patterns
• Crochet Heart Patterns
• Bobble Crochet Book Sleeve Pattern

Free Crochet Bookmark Patterns

Clicking on the numbered pattern name will take you directly to the free pattern.

The majority of these patterns are written in US crochet terms.

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Happy crocheting!

1. Botanical Crochet Bookmark

The size of the blossoms and two hanging leaves in this free pattern are the perfect size for a paperback.

This crochet bookmark is easy to follow and works up fab.  The image below is the bookmark I crocheted from this free pattern using DK yarn.

There’s a written pattern and a video tutorial for you to follow.

Depending on the yarn in your stash, you could crochet the blossoms in different colours as I did but this bookmark will look just as good in one colour!

You’ll need to know how to:

• Chain (ch)
• Double Crochet (dc)
• Slip Stitch (sl st)

This crochet bookmark measures 11 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

2. Easy Crochet Bookmark

When I first saw this bookmark, the colours reminded me of Christmas … which led me to thinking it would make a fab quick and easy gift to nestle on a Christmas tree branch (do you have this custom with your family?)

You’ll need to know how to:

• ch – chain
• st – stitch
• sl st – slip stitch
• hdc – half double crochet

Available in two sizes, small is approximately 6″ x 1″ (not including fringe) and large 8″ x 1″ (not including fringe).

I must admit I would be tempted to add tassels to only one end of the bookmark but that’s my personal preference. 

The tester images on this free pattern show what a versatile pattern it is.  It really does look lovely in all sorts of colours!

3. Bunny Bookmark

OMG how CUTE is this bunny bookmark!  I’m going to say right now that yes, your kids or grandkids might love it but it’s gorgeous for any age don’t you think?

You will need to know how to:

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase (2 single crochets in one stitch)
• dec = invisible decrease (2 stitches together)
• working on front loops only
• dc = double crochet

The length of finished bookmark is about 23 cm using DK yarn.

Written in clear instructions with photos, this pattern is a free PDF download on Ravelry.

4. Retro Flower Bookmark

These bookmarks would make a fab gift for your book club!  A pop of colour with a boho vibe will I’m sure be loved by everyone.

You will need to know how to:

• chain
• slip stitch
• single crochet
• half double crochet
• double crochet
• back post double crochet
• treble crochet
• picot

In the paid pattern you’ll find photo tutorials to show the necessary steps with a full stitch count.

5. Bookworm Bookmark

I’ve seen a few different patterns for the bookworm bookmark but the pattern for this one is the best I’ve seen.  It’s also a free PDF download on Ravelry!

The patterns above all use DK yarn but this pattern uses Worsted weight/Aran with a 5mm hook.  You’ll only need 10 yards so raid your stash!  If you don’t have googly eyes, you could embroider them on with a different colour yarn.

You will need to know how to:

• chain
• single crochet
• double crochet
• slip stitch

The worm body is 3”, tail is 9” – total of 12”

6. Tunisian Mosaic Crochet Bookmark

If you’ve always wanted to try Tunisian crochet or Mosaic crochet this beginner bookmark is the perfect project to get you started.

The designer has worked the pattern in fingering weight yarn which gives the best finish.  You could try DK yarn but it will highly likely be too thick to use as a bookmark.

With only 11 loops on the hook, if you don’t have a Tunisian crochet hook, a standard hook can be used.

The free pattern links to tutorials for the Tunisian stitches.

This crochet bookmark measures approximately 1.5” x 6.5” (4 cms x 16.5 cms)

If you prefer to print out patterns or work from a PDF on your device, this pattern is available to purchase on Etsy.

7. Zig Zag Bookmark

Written for 2 sizes and worked in long rows (there are 6 rows in total), this stunning bookmark works up quickly.

This is another pattern that uses DK yarn in cotton although the designer says you can use #4 weight yarn. 

You will need to know:

• Sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet
• Tc – treble crochet
• Decreasing by working 2 stitches together

The shorter version is approximately 6” long before the tassel, the longer version 8” and the width approximately 1.5”

This pattern is available as a PDF on Etsy.

8. Teabag Bookmark

How could I resist sharing these when there are SO CUTE!  If you’re looking for a fun and playful crochet book mark, this is for you 🙂

This is another pattern worked in Worsted weight/Aran yarn.  I’m sure you could make it in DK with a larger hook than recommended in the pattern to get a similar size.

Worked in rows, you’ll need to know how to single crochet, increase and decrease stitches.

The free pattern clearly states which rows to add eyes etc so you will be able to replicate the bookmark.

The teabag measures 2” and the total length is approximately 10”.

Prefer working from a PDF?  This crochet pattern is available to purchase on Etsy.

9. Octagonal Flower Bookmark

Isn’t it amazing the things we can create with crochet from simple shapes …  This free book mark pattern has a circular centre with octangular ‘petals.’ 

It’s worked in size 10 crochet thread and a 1.65mm hook.  You shouldn’t need to stiffen the finished bookmark!

You will need to know how to:

• Double crochet
• Half double crochet
• Work a picot stitch

You can adapt the length by chaining your stitches after round 4 (before you work the circle at the bottom).  Perfect if you read hardcovers or larger paperbacks.

10. Giraffe Book Mark

This free amigurumi giraffe bookmark pattern is just adorable.  Look at that face!

You will need a small amount of toy stuffing but if you don’t have any, raid your yarn stash and cut up small lengths to use instead.

The antenna and head are worked in a spiral (no joining end of rows with a slip stitch) before working the length of the book mark in rows.  The giraffe’s ears and tail are worked separately and sewn on.

Photos are included in this free written pattern which will guide you if you’re not sure. This designer has created six more animal bookmarks and the PDF is available in a bundle on Etsy.

11. Heart Crochet Bookmark

Using the tapestry technique to change colour, this little hearts bookmark is worked in DK cotton yarn and a 3.5mm hook.

If you felt this technique was too daunting on other projects, this free crochet pattern is the perfect size for practising and becoming skilled. 

There’s a linked video tutorial that will be a great help to you if you’re a beginner.

Tapestry hearts look great worked in crochet.  Take a look at my Hearts and Stripes tote bag to see what I mean.

If you prefer to work from a printed pattern or on your device, you can buy this pattern on Etsy.

12. Cat Crochet Bookmark

Looking for a really quick make?  This video tutorial will show you how to crochet a bookmark in just over 21 minutes.

You will need to know how to work basic crochet stitches and if you haven’t worked in front or back loops only on your projects, you’ll see how easy this is!

This bookmark would make great thank you gifts for the cat lovers you know.

13. Crochet Corner Bookmark

I do love a corner bookmark (follow these steps to make an origami corner bookmark in my tutorial) so when I saw this crochet corner bookmark I couldn’t resist sharing it in this roundup.

The lacy design is so elegant and although it might look difficult, this pattern uses a beginner friendly combination of lacy crochet stitches.  And as well as the written pattern, you’ll find a detailed video tutorial too.

Crocheted in cotton 4ply, I think this is one bookmark where stiffening will give structure and improve its durability for the longer term.

If you would like to alter the size, either larger or smaller, the designer gives tips and information on how you can do that.

Crochet stitches used:

• sc- single crochet
• dc- double crochet
• ch-sp – chain space
• V st- (1 dc, 1 ch, 1 dc)
• shell- (1 dc, 1 ch) 4 times, 1 dc in same stitch/space

This pattern is free on the link above but if you prefer working without ads, you can buy this crochet pattern on Etsy.

I hope you have discovered your next crochet project and you’re excited to get started on your crochet book mark!