Catona Lace Bookmark (flat, symmetrical, airy)
Finished size: approx 2" / 5cm wide x 8" / 20cm long. Designed to lie flat between the pages: no puffs, bobbles, or raised stitches.
Quick specs
- Yarn: Scheepjes Catona. 50g (1.76oz) = 125m (137yd). Estimated use per bookmark: ~5g (≈12.5m / ~14yd).
- Hook sizes (recommended): Metric 2.75 mm (US C/2, UK old 12) – recommended for crisp flat lace. Alternate: Metric 3.25 mm (US D/3, UK old 11) for a slightly more open drape.
- Skill level: Easy+ (basic stitches, simple repeat)
Gauge & sizing notes
Gauge is not critical for a bookmark but affects width. This pattern is written so you can adjust width easily: foundation chain is worked in a multiple of 4 + 3. Example chain given will produce approximately 2" (5cm) width with the recommended hook and Catona. If your swatch is wider/narrower, change the starting chain by +/– 4 to keep the lace pattern intact.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Notes
- This design uses only flat stitches (sc, dc) and chain spaces to create an airy, lacy look that will lie flat.
- Turning chains: follow the instructions for each row. Use consistent tension on turning chains to avoid flaring.
- Work until the piece measures ~8" / 20cm from base (before edging). End after finishing a complete lace repeat so both ends are symmetrical.
- Block lightly after finishing to open the lace and ensure the bookmark lies perfectly flat.
Pattern (multiple of 4 + 3)
Example foundation: ch 23 (this is 4 x 5 + 3 and will give ~2"/5cm width with the recommended hook)
Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (You will have 22 sc.)
Row 2 (RS – lace row): Ch 3 (counts as dc), *skip next sc, V-st in next sc (dc, ch 1, dc), ch 1, skip next sc, dc in next sc; rep from * across to last st, end with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Notes about Row 2: The repeat across the row is "skip 1, V-st, ch1, skip 1, dc" which makes a symmetrical open ladder. The starting ch3 places a dc at the beginning to balance the pattern; the row ends with a dc to mirror that start.
Row 3 (WS – grounding row): Ch 1, sc in first st (top of turning ch), *sc in ch-1 space (between dc and dc of V-st), sc in next dc (the middle dc of the V or the solitary dc from previous row) ; rep from * across to last st, sc in last st. Turn.
Row 4 (RS): Repeat Row 2.
Row 5 (WS): Repeat Row 3.
Repeat Rows 2–3 until bookmark measures approx 8" / 20cm from the foundation chain, ending after a Row 3 (sc row) so both ends present a neat edged row.
Edge (simple flat border)
After reaching desired length (having finished a Row 3):
- Ch 1, sc evenly across the last row, one sc in each sc and one sc in each ch-1 space along the top edge; turn the work 90° to work down the long side.
- Work sc evenly along the side edge (counting the chain or the sides of rows as needed), place 3 sc in each corner (to keep the corners flat), continue along bottom edge in the same manner, then up the opposite side to meet where you started. Join with sl st to first sc and fasten off. Weave in ends.
Optional: Very small flat tassel/loop
If you want a bookmark loop that will still lie flat, make a short chain loop that sits flush with the top edge:
- At the top center, join yarn with a sl st.
- Ch 12 (or fewer for a smaller loop), sl st into base of chain to form a loop (do not bulk up with many strands). Fasten off, pull tail to inside and weave in neatly onto the back so the loop remains flat.
Finishing & blocking
- Weave in ends on the WS. Pin the bookmark to size on a blocking mat: gently stretch to 2"x8" (5x20cm) if needed and pin the edges straight. Lightly dampen or use a steam iron from a distance—do not press—then allow to dry. Blocking opens the lace and ensures the bookmark lays perfectly flat.
- Because this uses mercerized cotton, the fabric will hold its blocked shape well.
Yardage estimate
One bookmark uses about 5g of Catona (≈12.5m / ~14yd). A single 50g ball will make several bookmarks.
Troubleshooting
- If one edge flares: check turning chain tension and make sure your counts match (sc row must have one sc in every stitch and ch-1 space).
- If bookmark is curling: switch to a slightly larger hook and re-block; gentler tension on dc row helps flatten.
Notes on hook sizes (explicit)
- Metric: 2.75 mm recommended (alternate 3.25 mm)
- US: C/2 ≈ 2.75 mm (recommended), D/3 ≈ 3.25 mm (alternate)
- UK (old): 12 ≈ 2.75 mm (recommended), 11 ≈ 3.25 mm (alternate)
If you want a narrower or wider bookmark change foundation chain in multiples of 4 + 3 and repeat the pattern rows until you reach the desired length.
Enjoy making a set in different Catona shades — because the stitch pattern is all flat, color changes will sit nicely between pages.