10 Fun & Free Bookmark Patterns Make Delightful Gifts for Eager Readers
Offer the voracious readers in your life a charming gift with these free knitting patterns for bookmarks
Do you have a bunch of scraps of leftover yarn, particularly in DK weight or thinner?
Would you like a quick and fun way to use up some of those scraps?
Would you like those ways to be exceedingly practical–especially for anyone who loves to read?
If so, this collection of free knitting patterns for bookmarks may be just what you need!
What could be a better quick-knitting gift for an eager reader than a bookmark? And what could be better for you, as a knitter with many projects to work on, than knitting up one or more adorable bookmarks for the readers in your life that you love?
I’ve sorted these bookmarks into two categories. The first category are bookmarks that appear to be miniature articles of clothing–so cute!
And the second category consists of, well, everything else. You’ll find everything from a tiny bunting full of leaves to a bookmark that appears to be stamped with a spinal cord. (Yes, really!)
1. Tiny Clothing Turned Bookmarks
- What you’ll need to make it: Scraps of fingering weight yarn; US Size 1 needles (can be any type, as bookmark can be knitted flat or in the round); stitch markers
- Why you’ll want to: Yes–these are literally and actually tiny “fingerless mitts” on a string, used as a bookmark. It’s so cute, don’t be surprised if your kiddo recipient tells you his or her friends want their own!
A whole slew of Harry Potter bookmarks:
Hogwarts Double-Knitted Bookscarves
- What you’ll need to make them: Small amounts of sock yarn in “house colors”– burgundy and gold, green and white, yellow and black, or blue and bronze; US Size 0 needles
- Why you’ll want to: These gorgeous bookscarves look like they’re made with complicated colorwork, but these are made with double knitting–far easier than colorwork!
Harry Potter Double Knit Bookscarf
- What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of sport weight yarn in “house colors” (see the previous pattern for colors); US Size 3 needles
- Why you’ll want to: Double-knitted like the other bookscarf pattern, this is a simpler bookmark that will fly off your needles in a flash, yet still be delightful for any Harry Potter fan!
Photo: Dee Frey
- What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of fingering weight yarn in two colors; US Size 2 DPNs or circular needles (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round)
- Why you’ll want to: The great thing about this pattern is that it doesn’t scream “Harry Potter”–it’s literally just a small but long knitted tube with sock-feet at each end. Adorable for anyone, Harry Potter fan or not!
Photo: Hillmorrr on Ravelry
- What you’ll need to make it: Scraps of black and white (or any two contrasting colors) fingering weight yarn; US Size 0 needles
- Why you’ll want to: You know a child (or an adult, for that matter) who is absolutely obsessed with pirates and pirate stories!
2. Other Bookmarks To Make You Smile
- What you’ll need to make it: Scraps of worsted weight yarn; US Size 4 needles (can be circular or straight) plus DPNs (for I-cord)
- Why you’ll want to: I just love the name of this pattern. It has perhaps endless uses, but it can definitely be used as a bookmark! (As a bonus, it could hang from a doorknob when not in use.)
Photo: LadyFelix on Ravelry
- What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of worsted weight yarn in yellow and brown; US Size 5 needles
- Why you’ll want to: Because it’s so stinking cute and extraordinarily quick to make!
Photo: KristineHG
- What you’ll need to make it: Scrap yarn in any weight up to worsted; needles to match the gauge of the yarn
- Why you’ll want to: It’s a little like keeping a few leaves to keep your place in a book, only far less practical and little chance of disintegration and mess! This pattern is available in both English and Norwegian. (When you download from Ravelry, the English pattern will say “leafbook.pdf,” while the Norwegian version will say “bladiboka.pdf.”)
Photo: Twin Knits
- What you’ll need to make it: Scraps of DK-weight yarn in a bright, primary color and beige; US Size 4 needles
- Why you’ll want to: How perfect is this project for back-to-school? This makes a great gift for kiddos, especially those who love to color.
- What you’ll need to make it: Small amounts of fingering weight yarn; US Size 2 needles; cable needle (or spare DPN)
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern really does create a bookmark that looks like it possesses a spine! If you like to knit cables, you’ll love this pattern. If you’re not familiar with cable knitting, this is the perfect pattern to practice with!
Any or all of these bookmark patterns are the perfect way to use up leftover scrap yarn in a fun yet practical way–and they make great gifts!
p.s. I am also thrilled with the bookmark idea!!
Dear Nicole… I have been without computer access since MAY! Therefore, I have missed YOUR letters….and, just today, I am back in business! Finally, was able to look at your hat patterns and these are awesome. Currently, I am in the process of knitting my hats for Operation Backpack (as a “lone” knitter, my goal is always 25) for Deployed Military, Christmas boxes. In May, I entered the Senior Olympics and won 2nd place with my display of two Red, White, Blue hats–I had included a message in hopes that others would become as interested as I have been (7 years now), in charity knitting for O.G. or any one of their choices. Good to be back to receving your newsletter–I ALWAYS look to receive it.
Thanks, as always. Sandra
No computer since MAY?! I’d die. LOL. But seriously, so glad you’re back, and congratulations on that second-place finish. What an honor! Glad you enjoy the bookmark idea, too. ☺️
Hello, Nicole….Although every one of your newsletters are informative, and, of course, wonderful, this idea of book markers is absolutely awesome! And, your patterns are awesome.
I have knit my “own pattern”–which is a cross, for many family, friends, and others! Three years ago, for Easter, I knit 60 crosses in various colors, and, gave each senior at our local Senior Center, their choice. I was often asked, “how much are they?” When I answered, “they are a gift”, they were very surprised. My response was preferred they donate to their church, or give to a loved one. I enclose my Cross book mark in baby gifts, letters, strangers, etc. And, Nicole, it was you I came to you with this question: “Are different colors o.k.?” And, you messaged me, yes!!
I hope many of your followers will find this Cross project as rewarding as I have. As always, thanks, for your personal touch written in your newsletters. Sandra
I remember when you came to me with this question! I love that you give these bookmarks as free gifts and that so many are so surprised when you do. 🩷