Working with Thread - Granny Square Bookmark Tutorial

Working with thread can seem intimidating.  I know the first time I picked up a tiny steel hook and #10 cotton thread I thought isn’t thread for sewing?! I felt out of my element.  There were a few rough moments, I won’t kid you, but with a little perseverance I discovered the magic feeling you get when bits of thread suddenly come together into a recognizable work of art that you created!

As an avid reader, bookmarks always seem in short supply at our house.  How better to combine my two passions than by designing a pattern for thread crochet bookmarks!

For the thread newbies out there I’ve taken lots of pictures to show you how it’s done.  If you’re very new to crochet, and have never made a granny square before I do recommend that you make a few with worsted weight yarn and an H hook before you try the thread.  As long as you’re comfortable with basic crochet techniques, and know the standard stitches than you should have no problem entering the wonderful world of thread.

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1.     Don't be afraid! I know the hook and thread seem impossibly small, but give it a chance.
2.     All projects look messy and are hard to hold/work during the first few rows or rounds.  Keep going and it         will come together.
3.     Always work in good light and when you're not tired.
4.     Many patterns for yarn can be adapted to thread, and doilies are always in fashion.
5.     Take the time to use an invisible join instead of a slip stitch to join rounds.
6.     Use standing stitches to start rows/rounds instead of starting chains.
7.     Learn the join-as-you-go technique for motifs and grannies.
8.     Weave in ends as you go.
9.     If your hook is too thin to hold comfortably try wrapping the end with scrap yarn for an easy custom                handle.
10.   Blocking and stiffening your finished project are worth the time.

The Classic Granny Square Bookmark Pattern

Rnd 1: With A make magic loop (or ch4 and join with sl st to form loop), ch3, 2dc in loop, ch2, (3dc in loop, ch2) 3 times. Join with sl st in top of starting ch3. Fasten off.

Rnd 2: Join B in any ch2 corner space. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same ch2 space, ch1. (3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch1) in next 3 ch2 sps. Join with sl st in top of starting ch3. Fasten off.

Rnd 3:  Join C in any ch2 corner sp. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same ch2 sp, ch1. * 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1, (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch2 corner sp, ch1. Repeat from * 3 times. 3dc in last ch1 sp, ch1.  Join with sl st to starting ch3.  Fasten off.

Joining Rnd 3:  Join C in any ch2 corner sp. (ch3, 2dc, ch2, 3dc) in same ch2 sp, ch1. 3dc in ch1 sp, ch1.
(now we start the joining edge) 3dc in ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1, sc to join in any ch2 corner of finished square, 3dc back in same ch2 corner sp of working square. Sc to join in first ch1 sp of finished square. 3dc in ch1 sp of working square, Sc to join in next ch1 sp of finished square. 3dc in ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1, sc to join in next ch2 corner sp of finished square, 3dc back in same ch2 corner sp of working square, ch1. (join is finished) 3dc in next ch1 sp, ch1. (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in next ch2 corner sp, ch1, 3dc in last ch1 sp, ch1. Join with sl st in top of starting ch3. Fasten off.

Attach remaining squares in the same fashion.

Rnd 1: Join B in any ch2 corner sp. (ch3, 2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in corner, ch1, (3dc, ch1) in each ch1 sp and each joining sc around. (3dc, ch2, 3dc) in each corner. Join with sl st in starting ch3. Fasten off.

Rnd 2: Join A in any ch2 corner sp. Ch1, *3sc in corner (mark center sc with st marker), sc in each dc and ch1 sp to next corner.  Repeat from * around.  Join with sl st in starting ch1. Fasten off. (168 st)

Rnd 3: Join C 2 sts to the left of any marked corner st. Ch1, sc in same st, tr in next st, *(sc in next st, tr in next st) to corner, (sc, tr, sc) in marked corner st (mark tr with st marker), tr in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Rnd 4: Join A 2 sts to the left of any marked corner st. Ch4 (counts as tr), *(sc in next tr, tr in next sc) to corner st, (sc, tr, sc) in marked corner st, tr in next sc, sc in next tr.  Repeat from * around leaving out last tr. Join with sl st to top of starting ch4. Fasten off.

Weave in any remaining ends.

To really make your stitches stand out, take the time to either block or stiffen your bookmark.
It’s worth the effort!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.  Be sure to check back for the final installment in my working with thread mini-series. I'll show you how to stiffen your bookmark and other thread projects using plain old white glue.  For your convenience I've included a downloadable copy of the pattern, just click on the link below and enjoy!

Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Granny Square Bookmark PDF