Many bookworms have probably encountered a similar issue when marking a page in a good novel… Dog ear or bookmark? Maybe a piece of scrap paper or an old business card? Whether you’re an avid reader or you know someone who loves to read, a personalized bookmark is more than a functional gadget, it’s a special addition to someone’s favorite book. Plus, there are not many things better than getting cozy with a good story and a bookmark meant just for you.

How to embroider a in-the-hoop bookmark

Expand your embroidery world and have fun doing it with our new & improved Fun Effects Embroidery Course by learning 14 popular techniques to skyrocket your creative potential.

In The Hoop Embroidery Bookmark Tutorial & Video

By the end of these 10 easy steps, you’ll have created the perfect embroidered gift (or maybe you’ll have decided to save it for yourself).

More of a visual learner? Watch our step-by-step video below to for an easy-to-follow bookmark tutorial.

Take the fabric you want to use for your bookmark and lay it so that the wrong side is facing up. You’ll also want to iron down the fabric first so that it lays completely flat onto your surface.

Place the fusible no-show mesh backing onto the fabric with the fusible side down. Iron the two pieces together.  

Step 1:  Fuse no-show mesh to your fabric

Take the fabric you want to use for your bookmark and lay it so that the wrong side is facing up. You’ll also want to iron down the fabric first so that it lays completely flat onto your surface.

Place the fusible no-show mesh backing onto the fabric with the fusible side down. Iron the two pieces together.  

How to Create Embroidery In-the-hoop Bookmarks Step 1

Step 2:  Hoop your fabric

Flip the fabric over so that the fabric is facing up. Hoop with a 5”x7” hoop.

New to hooping embroidery? Click here to check out our hooping tutorial for tips, tricks & aids!

How to Create Embroidery In-the-hoop Bookmarks Step 1

Step 3: Embroider the first file of your bookmark

This will be the decorative front of your bookmark.

How to embroider a bookmark step 3

Step 4: Load the b file and sew out the back of the bookmark

Here, you can add lettering or customize however you wish.

How to embroider a bookmark step 4

Step 5:  Remove your hoop and carefully cut out the front and back of your bookmark

Cut as closely as you can to the outside edge without cutting the stitches.  

How to embroider a bookmark step 5

Step 6:  Secure your tassel to the bookmark

Take the back of your bookmark (maybe it has a name embroidered on it) and lay the embroidered side down on a table. Use a small piece of invisible tape to secure your tassel to the bottom-center of the design. Make sure to leave enough space between the tassel head and the embroidered border.  

How to embroider a bookmark step 6

Step 7:  Use adhesive spray to stick your bookmark pieces together

Take adhesive spray and spray the back of both pieces of your bookmark. Then, carefully line up the bookmark pieces and stick them together.  

how to embroider a bookmart step 7
how to embroider a bookmark step 7.2

Step 8:  Run the placement line for your bookmark

Take a piece of water-soluble backing and hoop it into a 5”x7” hoop. You’ll also want to change the bobbin in your machine to a bobbin that will match the outside border color of your bookmark. Use the “C” file and run the placement line for your bookmark.  

Then, lay down your bookmark as perfectly as you can within the placement line. Run the second color of the “C” file. This will secure the bookmark and embroider the border which will hold the bookmark together. If you find that your tassel is getting in the way, simply tape it down. 

how to embroider a bookmark step 8
how to embroider a bookmark step 8.5

Step 9:  Cut out the water-soluble backing from your bookmark

Remove your bookmark from the hoop and cut the water-soluble backing around the bookmark. Try to cut as close as you can without cutting into the stitches. Make sure the tassel is out of the way as you cut off the backing.

Once you finish cutting around the bookmark, flip it over and cut out the backing from the inside of the bookmark’s border. Cut as close as you can to the inside of the border without cutting the stitches.  

how to embroider a bookmark step 9
how to embroider a bookmark step 9.5

Step 10:  Dissolve the water-soluble backing from your embroidered bookmark

Almost done! Take a bowl of warm water (as warm as possible, but not boiling). Add a drop of dish soap and dip your finger into the water. Slide your finger around the edges of the bookmark to dissolve the water-soluble backing. You will need to repeat this step until the backing is completely removed.  

how to embroider a bookmark step 10

That’s it! Your new bookmark is ready to hold your place in your next page-turner.

completed embroidery bookmark

Embroidery Legacy In the Hoop Bookmark Designs and Patterns:

So, you want to make an embroidered bookmark, but don’t know what design to use?

In our selection of embroidery bookmark patterns (among close to 30,000 other designs), you can find elegant bookmarks for a special someone, holiday designs that will surely wow your friends and family, delicate florals, and sew much more! Click here to view our entire selection of in the hoop embroidery bookmark designs.

All of these designs (yes, and close to 30,000 more) are included with our Embroidery Legacy Design Club. Click here to learn more if you want to save money on quality designs.

Start Your Next Chapter with an In The Hoop Embroidered Bookmark

Whether you want that perfect gift for a book lover, a young reader, or just to hold that delicious recipe in a cookbook, a bookmark is a great way to add a personal touch to any page.

If you enjoyed reading this article, let us know with a comment below! If you’re interested in trying our designs for free, download our Embroidery Legacy Design Kit.

P.S. Don’t forget to learn the secrets, tips & tricks behind the most popular embroidery techniques and have fun doing it with our new & improved Fun Effects Embroidery Course

Happy stitching!