Design Doodler: Embroider Chic Bookmarks from Fabric Scraps

Transforming your leftover fabric scraps into a chic, practical project has never been more effortless!

This lovely upcycle project was created by Linda Rayburn.

From one embroiderer to another, we, too, have that overflowing pile of “I can use that later” fabric scraps. 

Today, it’s time to bust them out and create chic bookmarks for your friends, family, or yourself! Did we mention that they’re also super easy and budget-friendly?

Using the Design Doodler’s intuitive tools, even the smallest pieces of fabric can become stunning accessories for your favorite reads. Let’s explore the magic of upcycling and unleash your imagination to create unique bookmarks. 

If you’re new to the Doodler, try a free Design Doodler demo to easily turn your doodles into stitches without any digitizing skills required!

Grab your Design Doodler Software, and let’s get stitching!

Step 1: Click 3 Dots to change the Measurement settings to Imperial -inches> Click Close

Step 2: Select Running Stitch>Square. Drag out a Square.

Step 3: Select the Square> Select Properties Icon> Select Transform.

• Make sure ‘Maintain Aspect Ratio’ is Unchecked
• Change the Width to 2” and Height to 7”
• Unselect the Rectangle and change the Measurement setting back to Metric.

Step 4: Select the Rectangle > Copy and Paste, repeat. You will now have 3 Rectangles.

Step 5: Open the Sequence Docker.

Step 6: Open the Color Palette.

• Select the second Rectangle> Change to a new color.
• Select the third Rectangle> Change to a new color.
• These Rectangles will be the Placement Line, Tackdown Line for Batting, and Tackdown Line for Scrap fabric.

Step 7: Make sure Snap to Anchor is selected, indicated by a gray highlight.

Step 8: Select Bean Stitch and the Freehand Shape tool.

Step 9: Starting at the top left corner, Doodle a stippling pattern inside the rectangle. Make sure the lines do not cross over. If you lift your pen, you will see a black dot on the last stitch. Hover your pen over this dot to begin Doodling again where you left off.

Step 10: Select the First Rectangle> Copy and Paste. The copied rectangle will be at the bottom of the Sequence Docker. Select it.

Step 11: Open the Properties Docker > Change Stitch Length to 4.5mm > Bean Stitch> 7 Passes of Thread.

Step 12: Click the Save Icon> Name and Save this design as a JDX file. (JDX is the working editable file in the Design Doodler.)

Step 13: Select Save Icon> Scroll Down to find your machine format and Save it.

• Fabric Scraps
• No-Show Mesh Stabilizer
• 3” x 8” Batting
• 6” x 8” Fabric
• Heat n Bond LITE
• Masking Tape
• Spray Adhesive
• Scissors
• Rotary Cutter
• Ruler
• Iron
• Parchment paper
• Optional – Grommet, Crop a Dile to cut and set Grommet, Ribbon, or Tassel

Step 1: Iron on a piece of Heat n Bond LITE to the right side of the base fabric.

Step 2: Remove the paper.

Step 3: Use your fabric scraps and randomly place them over the Heat n Bond. Try not to overlap the scraps too much and trim where necessary so there are no large pieces that won’t be held in place by the Heat n Bond.

Step 4: Place Parchment paper over the top of the fabric scraps—iron to secure the scraps in place.

Step 5: Use a rotary cutter to cut the scrap fabric in half. One will be for the front of the bookmark and the other for the back.

Step 6: Stitch the Placement Line. Remove the Hoop.

Step 7: Lay the batting over the top and secure it with tape.

Step 8: Stitch the Tackdown Line. Remove the Hoop. Trim away the excess batting.

Step 9: Lightly spray the back of 1 Scrap fabric with adhesive. Place over the Batting. Smooth in place, secure with tape.

Step 10: Turn the hoop over and repeat with the other Scrap fabric piece. Carefully place the hoop on your machine, ensuring the bottom fabric is secure. Stitch the Tackdown Line and the rest of the design. Remove the hoop.

Step 11: Carefully trim 1/8” away from the rectangle Bean Stitch.

Step 12: OPTIONAL: Add Grommet

• Use Crop A Dile or hole cutter to make a hole for the grommet. Attach Grommet
• Use a Ribbon or a Decorative tassel fed through the Grommet.

You’ve now turned your fabric scraps into a functional, stylish bookmark! Adding flair to your reading experience is just that easy!

PS Don’t forget to download a free trial of the Design Doodler if you haven’t already to see how easy creating your own designs can be!