The best kind of books are the ones that you never want to put down. But sometimes it’s inevitable. So often I reach for the closest scrap of paper to use as a bookmark, which is silly. Making a fun bookmark in favorite colors is so easy!

This DIY project is simple enough for young readers to make with some help from a grown-up to do the cutting. And more advanced readers can make these bookmarks all on their own. Your kids may even want to make some for gifts or party favors.

• Felt
• 1/2-inch Ribbon
• Scissors
• Craft glue (optional)

Step 1
Cut a 1-1/2” x 6” rectangle of felt. You can adjust the size if you’d like, but this is a good starting point.

Step 2
Fold the end of the rectangle over at a 45-degree angle, with the short edge extending past the long edge just a bit.

Cut through the folded edge directly in the center of the fold, and cutting perpendicular to the fold. Your cut should stop about 1/4” from the edges of the felt so you don’t risk cutting all the way through.

Step 3
You will have a slit at a 45-degree angle.

Cutting this way will result in angled weaving. A simpler way to make this is to fold the rectangle in half (hot dog style!) and make cuts on the fold. The weaving will be straight, but the rest of the instructions will remain the same.

Step 4
Continue making folds and cuts. As you make each fold, check that the folded bookmark is forming a right angle, and space each cut about 1/2” apart.

WovenBookmark7

Step 5
You can mark out the cutting lines with a ruler, but the marked lines may show when you’re finished. I recommend cutting without the lines.

Step 6
Cut a 20-inch piece of ribbon and weave it through the slits in the felt. Fold it over at the top and weave through the slits again, this time starting on the opposite side.

You can have the fold of ribbon right against the edge of the felt, but it looks nice to have a little loop.

The ribbon will hold in place just like this. However, you can add a couple dabs of craft glue at the top and bottom to keep the weaving secure if you’d like.

Step 7
Trim the ends of the ribbon at an angle.

Now it’s time to put your new bookmark to use! These are also great to add to a gift of a new book.

Try different color combinations and bookmark sizes. Use narrow ribbon and weave four rows instead of two. Or, rather than folding the ribbon at the top, cut two 10-inch pieces each of a different color.

Another way to make these would be to swap out the felt for card stock. Have an adult cu the slits with a craft knife.

If you’re like me and frequently have several books that you’re reading, you may want to go ahead and make a few bookmarks. Or a few dozen!

Happy crafting and reading!