Terracotta Bookmark with Tassel Free Crochet Pattern
Terracotta Bookmark with Tassel Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This little terracotta bookmark is the perfect quick win for any crocheter, whether you have been hooking for years or just picked up your first hook last week. It is worked flat in extended single crochet, which gives a smooth, dense fabric that will not stretch out of shape between the pages of your favorite novel. The warm terracotta body is broken up by two slim mustard stripes near each end, giving it a cozy dark academia feel that looks lovely tucked into a hardback. Add the simple tassel and you have a handmade gift that takes under an hour and uses only scraps of yarn.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton or acrylic. Color A (terracotta): 30 yd. Color B (mustard): 5 yd.
- Hook: 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape for the tassel.
- Finished size: 2 inches wide x 7 inches long, excluding the tassel.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
- esc – extended single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through one loop only, yarn over, pull through both loops.
- st(s) – stitch(es): the little V shapes you work into.
- A / B – Color A (terracotta) and Color B (mustard).
Gauge
14 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in extended single crochet. To check it, crochet a small swatch in esc and measure a 4-inch section; if you have more stitches than 14, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your turning chains loose but not sloppy; a tight ch 1 makes the edges pull in and the bookmark will not lie flat.
- Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of the row so the new color starts cleanly at the edge.
- Extended single crochet grows slightly taller than regular single crochet, so trust the row count rather than eyeballing the length.
- Do not skip the final row count check: 30 rows at this gauge gives you the full 7 inches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bookmark (Color A)
Row 1: With A, ch 8. Esc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (7 sts).
Rows 2-4: Ch 1, turn, esc in each st across (7 sts).
Change to B.
Rows 5-6: Ch 1, turn, esc in each st across (7 sts).
Change to A.
Rows 7-24: Ch 1, turn, esc in each st across (7 sts).
Change to B.
Rows 25-26: Ch 1, turn, esc in each st across (7 sts).
Change to A.
Rows 27-30: Ch 1, turn, esc in each st across (7 sts).
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
Tassel
Step 1: Cut 6 strands of A, each 10 inches long.
Step 2: Fold the strands in half together to make a loop.
Step 3: Insert your hook through the top corner of the bookmark, from front to back.
Step 4: Pull the folded loop through the corner, then pull the loose ends through that loop and tighten gently.
Step 5: Trim the ends evenly to 2 inches.
Assembly and Finishing
There is no seaming to do; the bookmark is worked in one flat piece. Weave in all yarn ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, working each tail back and forth through a few stitches so it will not work loose. Give the bookmark a light block by misting it with water, pinning it flat to a towel or blocking mat, and letting it dry completely; this evens out the edges and helps the fabric lie flat. Fluff the tassel with your fingers once dry.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the mustard stripes for a deep green or burgundy for a different dark academia palette.
- Make a matching set in several colors and tie them with twine for a quick handmade gift.
- For a longer bookmark, add extra rows in the central Color A section in multiples of 2 rows to keep the stripe placement balanced.
