A fabric bookmark is a small, practical way to use two coordinating offcuts. The construction is straightforward: sew two rectangles together, turn them right side out, then stitch around the edge. It is also a useful project for practising straight seams, sharp corners and a narrow turning gap.
This version uses woven cotton and a 1 cm (⅜ inch) seam allowance. Quilting cotton or a similar medium-weight woven fabric is a suitable choice; very stretchy or loosely woven fabric is harder to handle neatly.
What you need
- Two woven cotton rectangles, each 7.5 × 23 cm (3 × 9 inches)
- Optional: one piece of lightweight fusible interfacing, cut to the same size
- Matching all-purpose sewing thread
- Fabric scissors, a ruler and pins or sewing clips
- An iron and ironing surface
- A sewing machine, or a hand-sewing needle
- A blunt point turner or the rounded end of a pencil for shaping the corners
Check that the two rectangles are the same size before you begin. If you use interfacing, apply it to the wrong side of one rectangle and follow the interfacing manufacturer’s instructions for heat, moisture and pressing time.
1. Place the fabric right sides together
Put the two rectangles together with their right sides facing inwards. If one piece has interfacing, it should be on the outside of the stack at this stage. Align all four edges and secure the layers with pins or clips.
Mark a 5 cm (2 inch) gap in the middle of one long edge. You will leave this section unstitched so the bookmark can be turned right side out.
2. Sew around the bookmark
Starting at one side of the marked gap, sew around the rectangle using a 1 cm (⅜ inch) seam allowance. Backstitch at the start to secure the seam. Pivot at each corner with the needle down so the stitching stays aligned.
Stop at the other side of the gap and backstitch again. Do not sew across the opening. If you are hand sewing, use small, even backstitches for a secure seam.
3. Trim the corners and seam allowance
Cut diagonally across each seam allowance at the corners, close to the stitching but without cutting through it. Removing this excess fabric reduces bulk when the corners are turned.
For a flatter finish, trim the remaining seam allowance to about 5 mm (¼ inch), leaving the fabric beside the turning gap slightly wider so it is easier to fold in later. Take care not to snip the seam.
4. Turn and press
Turn the bookmark right side out through the gap. Work the corners out gently with a blunt tool; avoid anything sharp that could push through the fabric or stitching.
Fold the raw edges at the opening to the inside, following the line of the existing seam. Press the bookmark flat with an iron setting suitable for your fabric and interfacing. Make sure the two sides of the gap align with the sewn edge.
5. Edge-stitch to finish
Stitch approximately 3 mm (⅛ inch) from the edge around the entire bookmark. This topstitching secures the layers and closes the turning gap. Backstitch at the beginning and end, then press once more if needed.
Check that the opening is fully closed and that no raw edges remain visible. Trim any loose thread ends.
Simple ways to adapt it
- Use two contrasting fabrics. Keep one fabric on each side rather than piecing extra seams into your first bookmark.
- Add detail before assembly. A small embroidered motif should be completed on one rectangle before the pieces are placed together. Keep the stitching clear of the seam allowance and turning gap. For embroidery guidance, see the simple floral bookmark tutorial.
- Adjust the firmness. Lightweight interfacing adds body, but the result depends on the fabric and interfacing used. Test a small fused offcut before applying it to the project pieces.
- Change the size deliberately. If you alter the rectangle dimensions, keep both pieces identical and leave a turning gap large enough for the layers to pass through.
If the edges look uneven
Check that both rectangles were cut to the same dimensions and that the seam allowance stayed consistent. A gap placed on a long straight edge is easier to close neatly than one at a corner. Pressing the folded opening before topstitching also helps keep its edges aligned.
If the fabric frays heavily, handle the trimmed seam allowances gently and avoid overworking the corners while turning. On a future bookmark, choose a more stable woven fabric.
Use the remaining offcuts
Keep leftover fabric clean, dry and protected from direct sunlight; the site’s guide to storing paper, fabric and paints explains the basic storage checks. When you are ready for another small sewing project, the simple drawstring bag tutorial uses a similar sequence of aligned panels, straight seams and careful finishing.