Open-Lace Crochet Bookmark (2\" x 8\")

Light, flat and perfectly symmetrical: a delicate open-lace bookmark worked in fingering-weight cotton. Worked in a simple 2-row repeat so the pattern stays balanced and reversible. Recommended for crocheters who like airy texture with clean edges.

Finished size

Approx. 2 in / 5 cm wide x 8 in / 20.5 cm long after blocking. Adjust hook or starting chain if your gauge differs.

Materials

• Yarn: Fingering-weight cotton. Typical commercial skein: 50 g / 1.76 oz = about 170–220 yd / 155–200 m. This bookmark uses approx. 25–35 yd / 23–32 m.
• Hook (recommended): US E/4 | UK 9 (old 9) | 3.5 mm. Alternatives for a firmer fabric: US D/3 | UK 10 | 3.25 mm. For a looser lacy effect: US F/5 | UK 8 | 3.75 mm.
• Yarn needle for weaving ends, scissors, optional small tassel or charm.

Gauge & notes

• Pattern gauge (approx): 18 pattern sts x 10 rows = 4 in / 10 cm using 3.5 mm hook. Your gauge may differ with cotton; the bookmark is small so measure width rather than rely solely on stitch count.
• Starting chain is given to produce approx. 2 in / 5 cm width with suggested hook and yarn. If your swatch produces a different width, chain until foundation measures 2 in / 5 cm before starting the pattern. The pattern repeat is a multiple of 6 stitches + 1 for symmetry.
• Uses US crochet terminology throughout.

Abbreviations (US)

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side

Notes on construction

The bookmark is worked flat in rows. An edging sc is worked along the first and last stitch of every row to keep the sides straight and symmetrical. The central motif alternates between a ch-arch row and a V-stitch row, producing a reversible lacy ladder.

Instructions

Make a test swatch first so your finished bookmark measures 2\" wide. The pattern repeat is 6 + 1.

Foundation

Ch 25 (or any multiple of 6 + 1 until foundation measures 2\" / 5 cm).

Row 1 (RS) — setup row

Sc in 2nd ch from hook (counts as edge sc), *ch 3, skip next 2 ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, ending with sc in last ch (edge sc). Turn.

Row 2 — V-stitch row

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in same st as edge sc, *skip ch-3 space, ch 1, (dc, ch 1, dc) all in next sc (this makes a V-stitch), ch 1, skip next ch-3 space, dc in next sc; rep from * across, finish with dc in last sc (into the edge sc). Turn.

Row 3 — arch row

Ch 1, sc in first dc (edge sc), *ch 3, sc in the ch-1 space between the two dc of the V-stitch; rep from * across, ending with sc in last dc (edge sc). Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Rows 2–3 until the piece measures approximately 8 in / 20.5 cm from the foundation chain to the top edge (measure with blocking in mind), ending after Row 3 so the top edge mirrors the starting arch row. Typical length will be about 24–32 row repeats depending on yarn/hook and tension.

Finishing

1. Fasten off and weave in ends with a yarn needle.
2. Edging (optional): With RS facing, attach yarn at bottom corner and work 1 rnd of sc evenly around the bookmark, placing 3 sc in each corner to keep corners flat. Join and fasten off.
3. Lightly block: pin to 2\" x 8\" rectangle and mist with water or steam-block carefully to relax the cotton and open the lace. Let dry completely.
4. Add an optional tassel or metal charm to one end: fold a short length of yarn, attach to end with a lark’s head knot or run a small loop through the top ch space and secure.

Sizing adjustments

• To alter width: change hook size or start with a different number of repeats (multiple of 6 + 1) until foundation chain measures 2\" across before working Row 1.
• To alter length: repeat Rows 2–3 to desired length; measure periodically to reach exactly 8\" (20.5 cm).

Troubleshooting & tips

• If edges ripple: ensure you are working the first and last stitches each row as a clear edge (Row 1: sc as edge; subsequent rows: work into that edge stitch rather than into chain loops).
• If bookmark stretches too much after use, use a slightly smaller hook or a tighter tension; if too stiff, go up one hook size.
• For a more decorative end, replace the tassel with a loop-and-button closure or a small charm.

If you need pattern support, visit purljam.verde.uk or email team@verde.uk. Share photos with #purljam.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

Disclaimer: Enjoy the fun! Accuracy of patterns cannot be guaranteed. Remember to use and share content responsibly when engaging with this AI-powered app.