DIY magnetic bookmark tutorial: Create a personalized hand-embroidered page holder

How to make a magnetic bookmark – Step-by-step tutorial

1. Gather tools and materials

   Download the free Magnetic bookmark PDF pattern and stitch guide and print it. Gather the tools and materials listed above.

2. Transfer the pattern

   Layer the water-soluble stabilizer above the printed pattern and transfer the embroidery design and the bookmark template using a friction pen.

3. Prepare the pattern transfer

   Cut out the water-soluble stabilizer with a pattern. Leave a 0,5 cm edge around the marks.
   

4. Peal and stick

   Separate the stabilizer with a design from the paper backing and stick it on the felt fabric. Press with your fingers to attach the stabilizer.

5. Prepare the hoop

   Place the fabric with a design in the hoop. Tighten the tension screw so the fabric stays taut.
   

6. Embroider the wreath

   Use two strands of green embroidery floss and a Backstitch to embroider the wreath. I made 3-4 stitches between each pair of leaves. Start stitching with a folded thread method. This will help to avoid the knots on the back and the bumps on the front of your custom magnetic bookmark.

7. Embroider the leaves

   Use two strands of green embroidery floss to make the leaves. Make a Detached Chain stitch for each leave. Then, move on to the next section of the wreath with Backstitch.

8. Add red berries

   Use two strands of red embroidery floss and embroider French knots. Leave some empty spaces for the golden berries.

9. Add golden berries

   I separated a DMC Diamant Grande thread in half to attain the same size as the red French knots.

10. Embroider the second side of the magnetic bookmark

    When one side is done, move to the second circle and repeat all the steps – embroider the wreath and add red and golden berries. At this point, you can add additional personalization to this DIY magnetic bookmark and embroider your initials inside the wreath.
    

11. Prepare the embroidered bookmark for sewing

    Remove the fabric from the hoop and cut out the shape of the page marker.

12. Remove the stabilizer

    Submerge the fabric into the lukewarm water and wait some minutes till the water-soluble stabilizer melts. Wash the embroidery with running water and mild detergent. You will feel that all the stabilizer is gone, and the fabric is not sticky. Dry and iron the embroidered segment of the marker.

13. Prepare the backing

    While the embroidered piece is drying, cut out the blank shape of the marker from the pattern page, outline it on the felt fabric, and cut it out from the felt. Iron this piece and set it aside.

14. Prepare the magnets

    Cut two circles from the cardboard. The circle’s diameter is 1 cm smaller than the diameter of the bookmark. Glue the magnetic discs to the cardboard and let them dry well. Please pay attention to the sides of the magnets and turn them to the correct position before gluing.

15. Pin the pieces together

    Place the two pieces of the reading place holder one above another with an embroidery facing out. Match the angles and secure them together with a pin. Trim the edges if needed.
    

16. Sew with Blanket stitch

    Use two strands of green embroidery floss and sew the pieces of your personalized magnetic bookmark together. You can use Blanket stitch of Whip stitch for sewing. Start with a folded thread method or hide the knot between the layers of the felt fabric. When sewing, remember to leave the opening hole for the magnets.

17. Insert the magnets

    When almost the entire sewing is done, insert the pieces of cardboard with the magnets into each circle of the bookmark. Control if the poles of the magnets are positioned in the correct direction and the magnets are pulling each other instead of pushing.

18. Close the gap

    Finish sewing the pieces with the Blanket stitch.