Creating a Cross Stitch Bookmark for Someone Special

Don't you just love sending a special cross stitch gift to a friend? A card you've stitched is a great way to mark special occasions and holidays. Your friends are probably thrilled when they receive your cards and admire them for quite some time. Sadly, though, eventually the cards end up tucked away inside cabinets and drawers. Instead of a card, you may want to create a personalised bookmark the next time a special person in your life celebrates an occasion.

Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?

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

Pick a bookmark design that means something to your friend. You want to personalize this present by making it depict something this person loves. For instance, does she love flowers? Is he a golf fan? Decide on a pattern that captures the interests of the recipient. Of course, since your cross stitch bookmark will be small, the pattern must reflect this. So pick one interest the recipient has and use that as the pattern.

Children may be encouraged to read by being given their very own bookmark, with a favourite cute character stitched onto it to make it personal for them.

The easiest way to make a cross stitch bookmark is to buy a branded kit, choosing the most appropriate design for your friend. In any case, buying a kit for the first bookmark you make is probably a good idea, as it will contain all the necessary threads, fabric and instructions you need. You will be able to get some information from this as a sort of template for your future projects.

As you know, a bookmark is a long rectangle. It's made to rest between the pages of the book and easily be seen. When making bookmarks for friends, you may want to consider whether they normally read hardcovers or paperbacks. Paperbacks aren't as tall as hardcovers, and therefore don't need a long bookmark. The bookmarks also don't need to be very wide, perhaps between two and three inches (5 to 7.5cm) . Most bookmark patterns are traditionally somewhere around six inches long, although some bookmarks are up to nine inches (15 to 22cm) long.

When you're ready to start, measure and cut the aida or evenweave material. Since you don't want the fabric to fray, cover the edges with a pretty piece of ribbon or edge binding. One cute technique some stitchers use is to create a fringed edge on the bookmark. You do this by cutting a piece of fabric larger than the intended bookmark and then carefully fraying around each side. You'll want the frayed edges to be the same length. To prevent the fraying from continuing once you're done creating the fringe, use an anti-fray glue or spray.

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.

To make the back as attractive as the front, carefully glue ribbon or fabric to hide the stitching. As you stitch, you want to avoid thick knots or other bumps.

You can add extra appeal to your bookmark by doing things such as making the bottom edge a triangle. A tassel, perhaps even with a few beads, dangling off this triangle-shaped end will be very attractive.

Do not forget to iron the finished bookmark carefully, between two towels, so that it does not become overheated.

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.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

Read more than 150 cross stitch articles created by John Wigham with several concentrating on the innocuous cross stitch bookmark. Why not visit Patterns Patch cross stitch club for your free report.

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