Are you an avid reader that loves simple cross-stitch patterns? If so, then I have the perfect bookmark project for you! Bookmarks are great little side projects that stitch up quickly and give you that “Yay, I did it!” type of feeling. 

I created my first bookmark last year after reviewing Cross Stitch Celebrations: Bundle of Joy authored by my friend Mollie! You can find the review blog here. 

That blog made me fall in love with the sturdiness of perforated canvas, and now I can’t stop using it! Sooo we will use it again today 😆, but I discovered an easier way to remove the excess canvas from around the design. Keep scrolling to see my ✂️ Cut that perforated canvas hack.✂️ 

✋🏾Oh, Wait! Before you scroll on your merry little way, remember to download the pattern below!

Okay! Let’s get it started in here. 🎶

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Poppies bookmark:

• Blooming Poppies Cross Stitch Pattern
• Clover Water Erasable Marker Art No. 515
• Clover Thread Clipper “Kuroha” Art No.415 
• Clover Gold Eye Tapestry Needles Art No.238/24 
• Clover Embroidery Threader Art No. 8611
• Clover Dome Threaded Needle Case Art No. 625
• Clover Rotary Cutter Art No. 7500
• Clover Mat Art No.7520
• Perforated Canvas or White 14 ct Aida Fabric
• Embroidery Thread (Red, Green and Black)
• Lightweight felt 
• Printer Paper
• Pen

Let’s begin by discussing how to start a counted cross stitch project using the DMC 14 ct Bookmark. I found this bookmark at my local craft store, but you can find it online too.

All you need to do is fold the bookmark in half, then mark the center with an erasable marker.

This bookmark has to withstand being around a toddler, so perforated canvas to the rescue!

Grab a sheet of paper and a pen to create a template.

Fold the paper in half twice and mark the center with a dot. Then, place the paper template behind the perforated canvas and mark the center using Clover’s Water Erasable Pen.

I decided against cutting the canvas because it’s much easier to cross-stitch while holding the entire sheet.

Now let’s choose some embroidery threads. Here are the numbers.
DMC 310 / Aurifil 2692
DMC 498 / Aurifil 2250
DMC 904/ Aurifil 5016
I used Aurifil’s Little Quaker Christmas Cotton Floss Set, but you can use whatever colors that you have in your stash.

Anytime I use 14 ct perforated canvas, I have to start my project with three strands.

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I also like using Clover’s Dome Threaded Needle Case for cross-stitching, hand-stitching, and embroidery projects because it winds the thread up and holds it in place until needed. In the photo below, you can see that I used it more for keeping the needles, but it’s an excellent tool for stitching on the go.

Okay! We’re all set to start stitching out the bookmark. Start in the center, work on the stem first, then continue cross-stitching up towards the first poppy.

❗️Remember: Take your time and cross stitch in the same direction if you want the stitching to come out ah-mazing!

Alright, now it’s time for me to share my new tip. Instead of using scissors to trim the canvas, I used Clover’s rotary cutter!

If you use this method, hold the rotary cutter tight and steer it ever so slowly.

Keep rotating and cutting the excess canvas off to reveal your bookmark!

Wait to put your rotary blade away! We have to use it again to cut the felt. I could not find my pattern weights or clover wonder clips, but if you have those tools, I’d recommend using them to hold the bookmark in place.

I usually would glue the canvas to the felt, but I decided to backstitch around the entire bookmark. Doesn’t it look beautiful?

Have you used this finishing technique for a bookmark before? If so, let me know in the comments.

And that’s it! The blooming poppies cross stitch bookmark is done and ready to be used. I love how the red felt peeks through the empty white holes. Feel free to add a different thread color if you want to hide the white.

Thank you so much for downloading the pattern and reading the blog! As a new cross-stitch designer, I sincerely appreciate the support.

A special shout out to Clover USA for partnering with me to bring this blog to you!

Well, until next time, keep crafting and making things with zeal!

-Danielle

Looking for another cross stitch project?

Check out my Snowman Ornament over on Clover’s Blog!

This post is sponsored by Clover USA. All opinions, ideas and images are my own.