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As cross stitchers, we love to create personalised cards for our nearest and dearest on birthdays, at Christmas or other special times. The chances are that these cards are much appreciated by the recipients, displayed prominently for a few days, and then... perhaps placed in a drawer or a cupboard, where they will stay for many more months, rarely seen. Here's an idea... Why not create a cross stitch bookmark instead for one your friends? The advantages are that they will be used as often as the recipient reads a book, and will be associated with good leisure time. Also, your message of friendship will be reaffirmed every time your friend or relative opens the book. It will be useful as well as being ornamental. 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. Children may be encouraged to read by being given their very own bookmark, with a favourite cute character stitched onto it to make it personal for them. 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 you know, a bookmark is a long rectangle. It's made to rest between the pages of the book and easily be seen. When making bookmarks for friends, you may want to consider whether they normally read hardcovers or paperbacks. Paperbacks aren't as tall as hardcovers, and therefore don't need a long bookmark. The bookmarks also don't need to be very wide, perhaps between two and three inches (5 to 7.5cm) . Most bookmark patterns are traditionally somewhere around six inches long, although some bookmarks are up to nine inches (15 to 22cm) long. You will need to cut your cross stitch fabric (aida or evenweave) to the right size. In order to prevent the edges from fraying, you should stitch a piece of binding or ribbon to the edges. If you prefer, you can use a larger piece of fabric and deliberately fray the edges yourself, keeping the edges symmetrical and neat in appearance. You can then stop further fraying by spraying with a fray-stopping product. Many bookmark designs exists, so finding one should be easy. Look in cross stitch books and magazines for a small pattern that will look nice on a bookmark. Of course, you can draw your own pattern. Keep it small enough that it doesn't run right up to the edges. Use graph paper to draw your pattern. Each square on the paper should indicate a single stitch on your bookmark. As you work, you'll want to make your stitching as tidy as possible. When you finish, glue a ribbon fragment onto the back so you can neatly cover the underside. Keep your knots small to avoid any bumps. Another way you can add a little pizzazz to a bookmark is by folding the bottom into a point. The triangle point gives the bookmark extra flare and is a perfect place to hang a pretty tassel, perhaps one with a bead or other decoration. Do not forget to iron the finished bookmark carefully, between two towels, so that it does not become overheated. Bookmarks are really easy to make, and after you've stitched one, the next ones will be a snap. The projects will take you almost no time at all. 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.rightarticle.com
Browse through more than 150 cross stitch articles created by John Wigham with a number focusing on the humble cross stitch bookmark. Come and visit Patterns Patch cross stitch club for your free report.
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