5.11.2012

TUTORIAL: Fabric Bookmark with Pocket


Here's a simple little tutorial you can whip up just in time for Mother's Day.
Who wouldn't love to receive a pretty bookmark with a little gift card or special note tucked in a clear pocket?

Grab some scraps and let's get to work.
 You'll need:  
  • 2 fabrics rectangles, 3.25inches x 7 inches
  • 1 rectangle of mid-weight, fusible interfacing 2.5inches X 6.25 inches (I use Craft Fuse)
  • 1 scrap piece of vinyl
  • optional ribbon scrap 
 With right sides together, sew around all  sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning on one short end.
 Clip the corners, turn right-side-out and iron.
Fold interfacing in thirds and slide it inside the bookmark.


 Then using a pen or knitting needle, flatten it out
Iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 If you are using a ribbon, fold it in half and insert the raw ends into the opening, pin in place.

 Grab your vinyl scrap and lay it on top of bookmark.  It should be about 3 inches tall.  Don't worry about the width, you'll trim it later.  It's best to have it hang over the sides, it makes it easier to sew.

Sewing with vinyl is like sewing oilcloth, it can be tricky.  My walking foot had no problem at all with this.  If you don't have a walking foot, there are some great tips HERE at sew, mama, sew.

With the vinyl in place, top-stitch all around, making sure to catch all the vinyl (this won't be a problem if you cut it larger than the bookmark) and close the opening you left for turning.
Add a gift card or note and you're done!



 A sweet little gift for someone special.
 Your mom, a friend, a favorite teacher....


Who will you give yours to?

11 comments:

  1. love it!

    just made with my schoolclass also fabric bookmarks! http://bykris.blogspot.com/2012/05/stikken-stikken-stikken-met-kids.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. thanks! made my mom and myself one for mom's day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are great! I have a special bookworm in my home that hasn't been feeling too good, so I'm going to sneak one of these in the book she's reading as a "cheer up"! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shared the ones I made on my blog today, http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2012/05/care-4-caregivers-opportunityat-home.html

      Thanks again!

      Delete
  4. I am new to sewing. Can you explain to me why you inserted the interfacing after you sewed the rectangles together instead of fusing it first? These are so cute. I will definitely give them a try!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great question that I should have explained. I inserted the interfacing afterwards because I sometimes find it hard to turn things right side out when the interfacing is already fused. You could fuse the interfacing first, then sew, if you prefer. Thanks for the comment and question.

      Delete
    2. If you cut the corners off of your piece of interfacing, so the very tips of the actual bookmark corners aren't covered, it will be easy to turn and get nice sharp corners.

      Delete
  5. So cute! I shared your project on my blog today: http://www.vixenmade.com/2013/08/diy-school-supplies.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. How do you trim the excess vinyl? Do you just cut it off even with the edges of the bookmark with a pair of scissors? I just saw this and really want to make some for gifts because they are so stinkin' cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, just trim it off with scissors. They make great teacher gifts!

      Delete