Moose Antler Appliqué Bookmark Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little moose bookmark is made for anyone who loves cozy mountain-cabin style and wants a quick, satisfying project between bigger makes. A flat chocolate-brown rectangle gets a caramel edge and a tiny crocheted moose head with two gently curved antlers, so it looks charming peeking out of a favorite novel. The single-crochet fabric is smooth and firm, thin enough not to bulk up a book, and soft to the touch. It works up in an evening and makes a sweet handmade gift for readers, cabin lovers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of woodland whimsy.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic yarn — approximately 30 yards chocolate brown (A), 15 yards caramel (B), and 5 yards dark brown (C) for embroidery.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and embroidery, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional, for the magic ring). A small amount of polyester fiberfill is optional if you want a lightly puffed moose head.
• Finished size: Approximately 2.75 inches wide by 8.75 inches tall.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• hdc — half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all three loops.
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• inc — increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch.
• dec — decrease: work 2 sc together into one stitch.
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop you crochet into, then pull closed.
• st(s) — stitch(es).

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches. Gauge is not critical for this project, but a quick 4-inch swatch in single crochet will confirm your bookmark comes out close to the finished size.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your single crochet tension even and slightly firm so the bookmark stays flat and doesn't curl at the edges.
• Work the edging evenly — if the sides pull in, add an extra stitch between corners rather than stretching the fabric.
• Leave long tails (about 8 inches) on the moose head and antlers so you have plenty of yarn for sewing them down securely.
• Pin the appliqué in place before sewing so you can check that it sits centered and about 1.5 inches from the top edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bookmark Base (Yarn A — chocolate brown)

Row 1: Ch 12, sc in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (11 sts).

Rows 2–40: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (11 sts). Do not fasten off.

Edging (Yarn B — caramel)

Change to yarn B before beginning the edging.

Edging round: Ch 1, turn, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to the first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Moose Head Appliqué (Yarn B — caramel)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 4: Sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 5: [Sc, dec] x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 6: Dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Shape into an oval, stuffing lightly if desired (optional).

Antlers (Yarn B — caramel) — make 2

Row 1: Ch 7, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, dc in the next ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the moose head appliqué centered horizontally on the bookmark, about 1.5 inches from the top edge. Sew the antlers on either side of the top of the head, angling them outward and upward. With yarn C, embroider the eyes using 2 small straight stitches and the nose using 1 small horizontal stitch on the moose head. Weave in all ends securely on the back of the work. Block lightly by misting with water and pinning flat to shape, then let it dry completely before using.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the chocolate and caramel for any two contrasting colors, such as forest green and cream, for a different cabin palette.
• Add a small crocheted tassel or a short chain loop at the top so the bookmark can hang from a hook.
• For a stiffer, longer-lasting bookmark, work the base with a hook one size smaller or add a second edging round in yarn A.