Free Crochet Bookmark Patterns
A crochet bookmark is a flat strip worked in filet crochet — a grid of solid blocks and open mesh made from just double crochet and chains. The bookmarks on this page are 7 cells wide (22 stitches to a row) and 21 rows long: in size 10 cotton thread on a 1.65–1.75 mm steel hook, that finishes about 2 × 5 in — one evening of crochet, start to tassel.
Every chart below is produced by deterministic algorithms and machine-validated for stitch-count accuracy — never written by a language model. Make one exactly as written, or open it in the free maker and change the motif to anything you want.
The lace bookmark — complete pattern
Materials
- Size 10 cotton thread (about 7 yd) with a 1.65–1.75 mm steel hook — blocks to about 2 × 5 in
- The same chart in worsted on a 5 mm hook (about 24 yd) makes a 7 × 17.5 in table runner — see thread vs yarn below
Gauge is forgiving — a bookmark has nothing to fit. If your open squares look square, you're on gauge.
Row-by-row instructions
Row 1 works into the foundation chain right to left; every following row turns and rises with ch 3, which counts as the first double crochet. Each line ends with its stitch count — 22 stitches, every row — so you can check yourself as you go.
Foundation: chain 24.
- Row 1: 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (first 3 ch = 1st dc). 1 dc in each of next 20 ch. (7 blocks, 22 sts)
- Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 5. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 5: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 7: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 8: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 5. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 9: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 10: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 11: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 12: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 13: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 14: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 5. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 15: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 16: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 17: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 18: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 19: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 2. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 20: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (ch 2, sk 2 sts, 1 dc in next st) × 5. 1 dc in each of next 3 sts. (22 sts)
- Row 21: Ch 3 (counts as dc). 1 dc in each of next 21 sts. (22 sts)
Three more bookmark charts
Same strip, same evening — a different picture in the mesh. Each card opens the complete free pattern: chart, foundation chain, written rows, and materials.
Thread or yarn? One chart, three sizes
A filet chart has no built-in size — the material sets it. The classic bookmark is size 10 cotton thread: thin enough to close inside a book, and crisp once blocked. The same 7 × 21 chart grows with the yarn:
| Material | Hook | Finished size | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 10 cotton thread | 1.65–1.75 mm steel | ≈ 2 × 5 in | The true bookmark |
| DK cotton | 3.5 mm | ≈ 5.8 × 15 in | A mini wall hanging |
| Worsted yarn | 5 mm | ≈ 7 × 17.5 in | A table runner |
Thread sizes are approximate: cotton thread blocks to shape, so a spray-starch finish settles the final half inch and keeps the mesh open.
Why a bookmark is the perfect first filet project
Filet crochet needs only three moves — chain, double crochet, and skip — and a bookmark asks for just 22 stitches to a row. There is no shaping and no fit, so nothing can come out the wrong size: if your count matches the chart, the fabric is right. You learn to read blocks and spaces on a strip that is finished tonight, and the same skill scales to curtains, table runners, and name banners.
New to the technique? The filet crochet guide walks the two stitches; every row below states its own count so the pattern checks you as you go.
Finishing: blocking and the tassel
A bookmark must lie flat, so block it: pin the strip square to a towel, mist with water — spray starch for thread — and let it dry. Cotton takes a crisp block; the steps are in how to block crochet.
For the tassel: cut six strands about 8 in long, fold the bundle in half, pull the fold through the center mesh of the bottom edge, and pass the ends through the loop. Trim level. Every chart on this page ends in a solid block band, so the tassel hangs from a firm edge.
Design your own bookmark
Any strip this width crochets up the same way — the maker recomputes the foundation chain and re-validates every row's stitch count as you draw. Put initials in the mesh (the maker turns any word into a block-and-space chart), swap in a different motif, or stretch the strip longer.
Start from this bookmark pre-loaded in the maker, or read how to design a crochet bookmark for the grid rules a bookmark wants.
Made one? Now change it.
Open this bookmark in the maker →Loads this exact grid into the free filet maker — change the motif, the length, or the border. No signup.Crochet bookmark questions, answered
What size is a crochet bookmark?
About 2 in wide and 5–7 in long, tassel not included. The charts on this page are 7 cells (22 stitches) wide and 21 rows long, which blocks to about 2 × 5 in in size 10 thread — sized to sit inside a paperback without poking out.
What thread and hook do I need for a crochet bookmark?
Size 10 crochet cotton with a 1.65–1.75 mm steel hook is the classic pairing. Size 3 cotton with a 2.5 mm hook gives a softer, slightly larger bookmark; worsted on a 5 mm hook turns the same chart into a table runner.
How long does a crochet bookmark take to make?
One evening. The lace bookmark here is a 24-chain foundation and 21 rows of 22 double crochet — a few focused hours even at a beginner's pace, plus drying time for the block.
Do I need to block a crochet bookmark?
Yes — blocking is the one finishing step a bookmark can't skip. Pin it square, mist with water or spray starch, and let it dry flat: the mesh opens evenly and the strip stays flat between pages instead of curling.
How do I add a tassel to a crochet bookmark?
Cut six strands about 8 in long, fold them in half, pull the folded loop through the center mesh of the bookmark's bottom edge, then pass the ends through the loop and pull snug. Trim the ends level.
Can I put a name or initials on a crochet bookmark?
Yes — letters are filet crochet's signature strength. The free maker turns any word or initials into a block-and-space chart and machine-validates every row's stitch count, so a monogrammed bookmark is a two-minute design.