Sword Bookmark Tutorial

Using plastic canvas

In this tutorial, I'll walk you through turning your Lost Flower Blade and/or Lost Vine Blade pattern into a sturdy bookmark!

The steps below are written for 14ct white plastic canvas, which is a great choice for these patterns. I'll show you how to attach white felt backing to create a clean finish that will last a long time!

Prefer video? Watch the tutorial

Still need to grab a sword pattern? Choose one below

Lost Flower Blade Lost Vine Blade

Materials

White 14ct plastic canvas with your stitched pattern
2 small scissors (one for plastic, one for fabric/thread - the tinier the better!)
1–2 sheets of white felt
White thread (DMC Blanc or B5200)
Small tapestry needle

Note: if you haven't stitched your pattern yet, double-check that your 14ct plastic canvas has small, round holes like in the image below. It's easy to mix up cross-stitch and needlepoint canvas (which has square holes), so just make sure you have the right one before starting!

Creating Your Bookmark

Cutting Plastic

When you've finished stitching your bookmark onto the plastic canvas, you can carefully cut around the stitched areas using scissors. I'm using some retired embroidery scissors since they give me much precision.

The pattern design is such that you can cut away all holes that don't contain threads. Don't be afraid to get into all the nooks and crannies here! You can even round off the corners for a softer look. Just be careful not to clip any holes that contain threads!

Adding Felt Backing

Once you're happy with your plastic cut, you can stitch your bookmark onto your felt. I use two white felt sheets stacked on top of each other for an ultra-soft, padded look. Using two sheets also ensures that none of the threads on the back are visible (in case your felt is a bit see-through) and it allows for easy tucking of knots.

To stitch the bookmark onto the felt, cut 1 strand of DMC Blanc or B5200 and tie a knot at the end. Bring the needle between the two layers of felt and push it up through a hole at the very edge of your stitched work, sharing a hole with one of your outer cross stitches. Bring it back down through the next hole, pushing through both felt layers. Using a running stitch or backstitch, stitch your way around the entire bookmark, holding the felt in place as you go.

If you need to end your thread, you can secure it by running it between the plastic canvas and the felt. Cut it short at the edge, then simply start a new strand the same way you began!

Cutting The Shape

We've arrived at the step that requires most precision! Don't be afraid - a good, small pair of embroidery scissors will get you there.

Once your canvas is securely stitched onto the felt, cut the felt as closely to the plastic edge as possible. Taking your time here is crucial. Strategic angling helps you get into the tightest corners, and don't forget you can flip the bookmark over to cut from the back - sometimes that's all you need to get into a tricky spot!

Your Finished Bookmark!

Once you've finished cutting around your bookmark, you can go ahead and trim any remaining fluff that might be sticking out. Flip over your work to admire the back - it should look something like this! You've now created a sturdy, life-proof bookmark that you can take with you on all your literary adventures. En garde, pile of unread books!