Striped Bar Stitch Bookmark Set Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This little trio of bookmarks is the perfect quick win for any crocheter, whether you have been hooking for years or just picked up your first hook last week. Each bookmark is worked in the open, ladder-like bar stitch, which looks far more intricate than it actually is, and the simple two-color stripes give them a cheerful retro 90s feel. Worked in soft sage green and cream, they are flat, lightweight, and slim enough to slip between the pages without stretching the spine. Make one for yourself and a couple for the readers in your life, because they come together in under an hour each.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: (3) Light/DK weight cotton or acrylic. Sage green (A): 20 yds total. Cream (B): 20 yds total. This is enough for all three bookmarks.
• Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape for checking gauge.
• Finished size: Each bookmark is 2 inches (5 cm) wide x 7 inches (18 cm) long, excluding the tassel.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sp — space: the gap made by a chain, which you work into instead of a stitch.
• rep — repeat: work the instructions again as many times as stated.
• sts — stitches.

Gauge

4 bar stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in pattern. To check, work a small swatch in bar stitch and measure a 1-inch section; adjust your hook size if you are getting noticeably more or fewer stitches per inch.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your chain-3 loops loose and even. Tight loops make the bars pull in and the bookmark will curl at the edges.
• Carry your unused color up the side rather than cutting it every two rows; the edge will be hidden by the tassel and the finished border of the strip.
• Count your bars at the end of every row. You should always have 4 bars plus a sc at each edge, which keeps the strip straight and square.
• Work the first and last sc of each row firmly so the long edges stay crisp and flat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bookmark 1 (A/B stripes)

Row 1: With A, ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, skip next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * to end (4 bars).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * to end, sc in last sc (4 bars).

Rows 4–15: Rep Row 3, changing color every 2 rows as follows: 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows A. Fasten off after the final A row.

Tassel: Cut 6 strands of A, each 6 inches long. Fold the bundle in half, pull the loop through the top corner of the bookmark, pull the ends through the loop, and tighten. Trim ends evenly.

Bookmark 2 (B/A stripes)

Row 1: With B, ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, skip next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * to end (4 bars).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * to end, sc in last sc (4 bars).

Rows 4–15: Rep Row 3, changing color every 2 rows as follows: 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows A, 2 rows B. Fasten off after the final B row.

Tassel: Cut 6 strands of B, each 6 inches long. Attach as above and trim evenly.

Bookmark 3 (A/B narrow stripes)

Row 1: With A, ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, skip next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * to end (4 bars).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, *ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * to end, sc in last sc (4 bars).

Rows 4–15: Rep Row 3, changing color every row as follows: 1 row A, 1 row B, 1 row A, 1 row B, 1 row A, 1 row B, 1 row A, 1 row B, 1 row A, 1 row B, 1 row A, 1 row B. Fasten off after the final B row.

Tassel: Cut 3 strands of A and 3 strands of B, each 6 inches long. Hold them together, attach as above, and trim evenly.

Assembly and Finishing

There is no seaming needed, since each bookmark is worked as a single flat strip. Weave in all ends along the long edges with your tapestry needle, working in opposite directions so the ends stay secure. Block each bookmark lightly by misting with water and pinning flat to a towel or blocking mat, then let them dry completely; this opens up the bar stitch and straightens the edges. Fluff the tassels with your fingers and trim the ends once more so all three match.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the stripe sequence for a single solid color, or use up scrap yarn in three or four colors for a scrappy version.
• Add a simple sc border around the whole bookmark before the tassel for a more finished, sturdy edge.
• Make a matching set in different color pairs, such as dusty rose and oatmeal, for a gift bundle tied with twine.