Send Someone Special A Cross Stitch Bookmark Instead Of A Card

By: John Wigham

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...

Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?

Like any other stitching project, you'll want to consider a few suggestions before you begin creating your gifts.

Pick a bookmark design that means something to your friend. You want to personalize this present by making it depict something this person loves. For instance, does she love flowers? Is he a golf fan? Decide on a pattern that captures the interests of the recipient. Of course, since your cross stitch bookmark will be small, the pattern must reflect this. So pick one interest the recipient has and use that as the pattern.

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.

If you're looking for a quick, easy way to create a bookmark, you may want to buy a kit. Select a kit that has a pattern your friend will like. If you haven't created a cross stitch bookmark before, a kit will show you what's involved. The kit will contain everything you need, including all of the various flosses, the required cross stitch material, and directions. After you complete this bookmark, you should save the directions so you can follow them when you stitch your next bookmark.

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.

As for the design, you can either pick a small design from a magazine or book, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can try drawing your own design. To do this, you will need a page of graph paper, with every square corresponding to a potential stitch. Make sure that you leave a small gap between the edge of your design and the edge of the fabric.

Stitch the bookmark as neatly as you are able to, and when you have finished, stitch a piece of ribbon to hide the back of the work. Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps of thread on the back of your work, as this will show as a bulge through the ribbon. You will also want the ribbon to stick evenly to the bookmark.

To give your bookmark added interest, do consider folding the bottom of it into a triangle shape instead of a straight line. You can add a tassel, some beads or a shell to the end, to make it look unusual.

When you're done, slip the bookmark between two cloths for protection from the heat and press the project carefully.

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.

I'm sure you'll agree that making a cross stitch bookmark for a friend is a great alternative to stitching a card. Individualising the design can be great fun, and also give lots of pleasure to the recipient of your gift.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Julia Wigham is an experienced author and co-founder of Patterns Patch cross stitch forums. An online cross stitch club whose subscribers get free: patterns, articles and tutorials. Visit our colorful => cross stitch blogs today!

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