Easy Double Crochet Bookmark
Double crochet is the tallest of the basic stitches, and it comes with one idea that confuses almost every beginner: a turning chain that counts as a stitch. This bookmark is only nine stitches wide, so you can practice double crochet and that tricky last stitch on something small, quick and genuinely useful.
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Finished size
- About 2 × 7 in (5 × 18 cm), plus a 3 in (7.5 cm) tassel
- Yarn weight
- Light
- Hook
- 4 mm (US G-6)
- Time
- About 1 hour
- Terminology
- US terms
Gauge: About 18 dc and 10 rows = 4 in (10 cm). Gauge isn’t critical for a bookmark.
On this page
About this pattern
Each row starts with a chain 3 that stands in for the first double crochet, and ends with a stitch worked into the top of the chain 3 from the row below. Once that rhythm clicks, you will recognize it in granny squares, blankets and countless other patterns.
The bookmark is finished with a simple tassel attached with your hook — no extra tools needed.
Why you'll love it
- Learn double crochet on a tiny, low-pressure project
- Finally understand turning chains that count as a stitch
- Takes about an hour, including the tassel
- A sweet handmade gift for readers
Materials
DK (light
Includes the tassel
About 20 yd (18 m)
4 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
Tapestry needle and scissors
Stitch marker (optional)
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- dc
- double crochetUK: tr
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- rep
- repeat
This pattern uses US terms. Convert US ↔ UK terms
Stitches used
Notes before you start
- The chain 3 at the start of each row counts as the first double crochet.
- Because the chain 3 counts as a stitch, skip the first stitch of each row and work the last double crochet into the top of the chain 3 from the row below.
- The top of a chain 3 is its third chain, counting up from the bottom. Insert your hook under two strands of that chain.
Free pattern
The pattern
0 / 9
Tick rows and rounds as you finish them — your progress is saved on this device.
Foundation chain
Bookmark
Tip: If the bookmark gets wider, you are probably working into the first stitch instead of skipping it. If it gets narrower, the last stitch — the top of the ch-3 — is being missed.
Finishing
Tip: To help the bookmark lie flat, mist it with water, pat it flat and let it dry completely.
Tips
- Keep your stitches relaxed. Tight double crochet makes the bookmark curl.
- Put a stitch marker in the top of each ch-3 as soon as you make it. On the next row, it shows you exactly where the last stitch goes.
- Cotton and linen blends make the flattest bookmarks.
Variations
- Striped bookmark
- Change to a second color every 2 rows, changing on the last yarn over of the last stitch of the row.
- Wider bookmark
- Ch 13 for 11 double crochet per row, about 2.5 in (6 cm) wide.
- Without the tassel
- Leave the tassel off for a slimmer bookmark that won’t catch on bags.
Common questions
Why does the turning chain count as a stitch in double crochet?
A chain 3 is about as tall as a double crochet, so it can stand in for the first stitch of the row. The chain 1 used with single crochet is too short to look like a stitch, which is why it usually isn’t counted.
There are small gaps along my edges. Is that normal?
A slightly looser edge is normal when the turning chain counts as a stitch. Making the chain 3 a little tighter than your other chains helps it match the height of the stitches.
What yarn works best?
A smooth DK cotton or cotton blend in a light color. It shows the stitches clearly, lies flat and holds up well to being tucked into books.
Written by
Founder & editor
Akram Afkir runs All About Crochet from Casablanca, Morocco, and is responsible for the patterns, tutorials and guides published on the site.
- Pattern testing
- Not yet tested
Keep making
You may also like
Free pattern
Free pattern
Free pattern
Free pattern