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Okay so I have a problem and I know someone can help me here. I was sent this lovely bookmark pattern and I am going to be making one for several people. The problem is that I have no idea how to finish it. Do I glue on a piece of felt on the back, do I fold the sides over and stitch them closed, do I fray and if so how do I do it and on and on. It doesn't have to be fancy but I really have no idea how to do this. If I put felt on the back do I first put a piece of cardstock to make it a bit stiffer and then glue the felt on? Yes I know I am totally hopeless but you guys have known this and still accept me hehe. Thanks for anyone that responds, it means so much to me. The first bookmark is for a very dear friend and it has to be sent out by the 15 so yes I need help now lol. Okay enough rambling on.

Thanks so much,
Lynn

Lynn, I usually just fray the edges if it is done on aida. Just gentle tug off a block of threads all around and then usually iron on a piece of fabric stiffener ( I think its called vilene here in Aus) that I use when dressmaking - its used to stiffen collars etc. A quilt shop will also have the iron on stiffener fabric but maybe called something else.


Or you can add a piece of felt to the back and glue it on with fabric glue.

Hope this helps.

Ooh you answered another question that even hubby asked lol. He asked what type of glue and I said I had no idea but now I do. Thanks so much.

I usually don't use glue to back my bookmarks because it can seep through to the stitching and discolor the threads. I use iron-on seam tape - it goes in between the felt and the bookmark, you iron it, and voila! Your bookmark is finished!

NinjaBetty wrote:... Do I glue on a piece of felt on the back, do I fold the sides over and stitch them closed, do I fray and if so how do I do it and on and on....

Yes.. all the above
Lots of different ways to finish a bookmark- all depends on the look you're going for, what you have time for and what supplies you have on hand.
I've backed with regular fabric, sewen together. I've backed with fabric- stuck together with that iron on adhesive (I know it as Stitch Witchery.. sold in a roll, maybe 1/2" wide) I've backed with felt. I've done nothing and just frayed the ends.

There are loads of online instructions. Take a look in the Small Finishes, or Mini Projects.. whatever that thread is. There are bookmarks in there to look at.

i usually keep it easy and simple.. i stitched a frame of crosses all around and fraied from there on. not very sofisticated but works.. no glue. no sewing

Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions. I am going to implement these into finishing my bookmarks. I like the idea of finishing them different instead of each one the same as the other. I like that I can just cross stitch a frame all around it and then fray. I am so delighted now.

I have done some book markers over the years, and the ones I did were on the vinyl fabric Aida. I have also bought the bookmarkers with lace already on it. So all you do is stitch your pattern.
Gl on whatever system works for you. I hope you will post your pics. so we can over them.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.

I've used all of these. It just depends on how you feel and what compliments the design. I've also used cardstock in co-ordinating colors. I cut it just slightly larger than the bookmark and I usually round the corners. I have found an adhesive that comes in sheets to stick the two pieces together. I like bookmarks, they are fun to make. Sometimes I have made my own designs. Or maybe I adapt something out of a larger design.

When I do a bookmark I don't put any backing on it. I stitch it to be viewed from either side. Instead of using two threads, I put a single strand of the color in the needle and then stitch each stitch twice -- bottom cross, bottom cross, top cross, top cross. Anchor each color under itself and be ultra-freakazoid about being neat. At 'normal' viewing distance, you can't tell which side is the back and which is the front. Under very close scrutiny, you can see which is the back, but you really have to look. I have a fancy dragon bookmark around here somewhere. If I can hunt it up, I'll scan both sides of it and post it.