How to Finish a Cross Stitch Bookmark

When I've completed a cross stitch piece that I would like to turn into a bookmark, I always cover the back to protect the stitches since this piece will be used. You can do this by covering the back with a piece of felt or fabric, but I like to use a scrap of Aida fabric.

I start by cutting my scrap piece of Aida the same size as my completed piece. I do this by counting 5 squares over on each side and 7 squares on both the top and bottom of my bookmark. I want to make sure that I have enough fabric to fold in on the sides and enough to make fringe on the top and bottom.

Once I have cut both pieces equally, I count 2 squares over on each side and fold under 3 squares. This gives me plenty of room to make sure that I catch all of the layers of Aida with my needle and thread.

I stitch one row over on the top, bottom and sides from the closest stitches using 2 strands of floss. I usually start on one of the sides of the bookmark and work my way around.

Once all the stitching has been completed, I pull 5 threads from the top and bottom of the bookmark to create the fringe.

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If you are interested in purchasing the book that the topiary pattern came out of, you can visit here.

Happy Stitching!

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