Catona Lace Bookmark (flat, airy, symmetrical)

Designed for Scheepjes Catona 50g/125m (approx. 137 yds). Finished size approximately 2" x 8" (5 cm x 20 cm). The stitch pattern is open and flat (no puff or raised stitches), reversible enough to sit neatly between pages.

Materials

Scheepjes Catona: 1 ball 50g / 125 m (137 yds) – sample uses a few metres only.
Crochet hook (recommended): US C/2, 2.75 mm.
Also acceptable: US B/1 (2.25 mm) for a firmer bookmark or US D/3 (3.25 mm) for a slightly wider, airier bookmark.
UK (old) equivalents: 2.25 mm = UK 13, 2.75 mm = UK 12, 3.25 mm = UK 10 (use the metric mm if your local naming differs).
Small tapestry needle for ends, optional blocking pins and mat.

Finished size & gauge

Approximate finished size: 2" wide x 8" long. Gauge for this lace is not critical; aim to make your starting chain so the work lays flat and measures ~2" across. With Catona and a 2.75 mm hook the sample bookmark below used a starting chain of 30 and measured just under 2" across after a light blocking.

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble (UK double)
st(s) = stitch(es)
sk = skip

Notes: Pattern uses only chains and standard crochets so it stays flat.

Pattern notes

Work a flat, even tension. Bookmark should be worked with light blocking to square up and flatten.
Pattern is symmetric down the center. For a precise 12-stitch feel across the piece, you can adjust hook size down by 0.25–0.5 mm if your stitches are too wide.
Starting chain is given for a 2.75 mm hook. If you need a different width, change your hook and/or starting chain by multiples indicated in the pattern (see "Sizing" below).

Sizing and starting chain

The pattern repeat is written so you can choose your starting chain. The stitch pattern works comfortably when the starting chain is an even number. For this bookmark I recommend:

Sample width (approx 2" wide): ch 30.
If you want slightly narrower aim for ch 26; slightly wider ch 34. Adjust your hook if needed rather than adding more decorative width.

The stitch pattern (worked over an even number of chains)

All rows are worked turning at the end of each row. The chain-3 at the start of a row counts as a dc.

Chain 30. (If you want a different width use an even number of chains.)
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in each ch across to end. (You will have 28 dc after the turning chain counts.) Turn.
Row 2 (open mesh start): Ch 3 (counts as dc), *sk next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc; repeat from * across so you have a sequence of dc separated by ch-1 spaces. End with dc in last st. Turn.
Row 3 (eyelet row): Ch 1, sc in first dc, *ch 3, sk next ch-1 space and next dc, sc into next dc; repeat from * across ending sc in last dc. Turn.
Row 4 (bridge row): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first sc, *ch 1, sk next ch-3 space and next sc, dc in next sc; repeat from * across, ending with dc in last sc. Turn.
Row 5 (mirror of Row 2): Ch 1, sc in first dc, *ch 1, sk next dc, sc in next dc; repeat from * across. Turn.
Row 6 (mirror of Row 3): Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in first sc, *ch 3, sk next ch-1/space and next sc, dc in next sc; repeat across. Turn.

Rows 2–6 form a 5-row reversible lace repeat. Repeat Rows 2–6 until the bookmark measures about 7½–8" (19–20 cm) from the foundation chain. End by working one final Row 1 (solid dc row) to make a neat top edge, or work a single crochet row for a thinner edge.

Finishing (flat, symmetrical finish)

Work one final neat row of sc or dc across (sc gives a flatter edge, dc gives a little more stability).
Fasten off and weave in ends with a tapestry needle.
Lightly block: pin the bookmark flat to a blocking mat to measure exactly 2" x 8" and mist with water. Allow to dry fully. Blocking evens the lace and ensures it sits flat in a book.

Optional tidy long loop or tassel

To make a small loop for a tassel or to hang: at the top center, fold the bookmarked top edge and join with slip stitches to create a small loop, or add a short tassel (keep tassel weight light so it won’t splay pages). A tiny flat braided cord also works well and stays flat.

Troubleshooting & tips

If the bookmark cups (edges roll), tighten your starting chain tension a little or use a slightly smaller hook for the foundation rows, then switch back to the recommended hook for the lace rows.
If it’s too wide, go down 0.25–0.5 mm in hook size. If too narrow, go up a small size.
Because this is cotton and fairly firm it will hold shape after blocking and will stay flat between pages without stretching or deforming the book spine.

Yarn info (for reference)

Scheepjes Catona 50 g / 125 m (137 yds) – 100% mercerised cotton, recommended hooks 2.25–3.5 mm depending on desired drape.

Copyright & support

This pattern created for personal, non-commercial use. For questions or support: team@verde.uk. More patterns and variations at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share and tag your makes: #purljam.

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