Most cross stitch fans love creating something special for family and friends. Often, they stitch a card to commemorate a special occasion or holiday. These cards are beautiful and are greatly admired by their recipients. But after a time, the cards are stored away and forgotten. A better idea might be to give a specially designed bookmark as a present.
Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?
Like any other stitching project, you'll want to consider a few suggestions before you begin creating your gifts.
Start by thinking of a pattern that in some way reflects the personality of the recipient. For instance, does your friend like to garden or have a beloved flower? How about a craft or hobby he or she enjoys? Stitching a bookmark is easy and doesn't take long because the pattern is, by necessity, small and simple. So pick just one element that signifies what this person likes and use that for your cross stitch bookmark.
If you're looking for ways to help your children be enthusiastic about reading, consider stitching them bookmarks decorated with their favorite characters.
The easiest way to make a cross stitch bookmark is to buy a branded kit, choosing the most appropriate design for your friend. In any case, buying a kit for the first bookmark you make is probably a good idea, as it will contain all the necessary threads, fabric and instructions you need. You will be able to get some information from this as a sort of template for your future projects.
As a general rule, a bookmark is tall and narrow. It should slip easily between the pages of a book. Don't use floss that is thick or fuzzy, since this could make it difficult to close the book. When you're determining the exact dimensions for your bookmark, give some thought to the reading choices of your friend. If your friend reads hardcovers, create a longer bookmark than if he or she prefers paperbacks. Generally, you'll want the finished bookmark to be no longer than nine inches but no shorter than six inches (15 to 22cm). Regarding the width, many stitchers prefer to keep the bookmark around two and a half inches (6.5cm).
When you start making bookmarks without a kit, you'll want to cut the bookmark out of the cross stitch material, and then bind the edges with ribbon or other decorative fabric. Another pretty way to finish the edges is to create fringe. You fray the edges just enough to create a nice fringe, then use glue or spray to prevent additional fraying. You don't want the fraying to extend beyond the point where you stopped the fringe.
After you've cut out the fabric and secured the edges, you're ready to create the design. Locate a pattern you like. Magazines are a great place to locate patterns, as are books. Better yet, create your own pattern. Simply use a piece of graph paper and draw out your design. As always, each stitch is signified by a square on the paper.
Stitch the bookmark as neatly as you are able to, and when you have finished, stitch a piece of ribbon to hide the back of the work. Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps of thread on the back of your work, as this will show as a bulge through the ribbon. You will also want the ribbon to stick evenly to the bookmark.
You can add extra appeal to your bookmark by doing things such as making the bottom edge a triangle. A tassel, perhaps even with a few beads, dangling off this triangle-shaped end will be very attractive.
When you're done, slip the bookmark between two cloths for protection from the heat and press the project carefully.
Stitching bookmarks is fun and easy. After you've done a few, you may decide you really enjoy making bookmarks for gifts. These projects take very little time. Let your creativity run wild and see what you can make.
Any friend or family member is bound to love the cross stitch bookmark you make for them. Plus, unlike a card, your personalized bookmark will be treasured and used often, perhaps for many years to come.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Julia Wigham is a professional writer and co-owner of Patterns Patch cross stitch forums. An online cross stitch club whose subscribers get free: patterns, articles and tutorials. Come to our lively => cross stitch blogs today!
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