Category: Utility

These two quilted fabric bookmarks are sturdy from the combination of Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing in both black and white, and Stick Fusible Interfacing. The step photos are for the black bookmark, but the steps are exactly the same for the white one, and any other color combo you chose. I used the “quilt as you go” method for sewing and adhering the fabrics to the Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing. This method makes the fabric pieces and seams lay flat. If you are familiar with straight and zigzag stitching, and can iron well, you can do this project.

What you need to make this project

Materials: Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing in Black; Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing in White; Stick Fusible Interfacing

Supplies: 6 Coordinating cotton fabrics with black background; 6 Coordinating cotton fabrics with white background; Black thread; White thread; Ruler; Scissors; Iron; Ironing board; Dritz Pressing Cloth; 2 Bobbins; Sewing machine

Instructions

Step One

I cut a 1 1/2″ x 7″ template from cardboard. Each layer will be the same dimensions. Cut 2 pieces Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing in Black, 2 pieces Smooth Fusible Fleece Interfacing in White, 2 pieces Stick Fusible Interfacing. Separate the materials into two stacks of 2 black and 1 Stick, and 2 white and 1 Stick.

Step Two

From your cotton fabrics, cut two 3″ x 3″ squares from each fabric. The bookmarks are quilted on both sides, so you’ll need matching fabrics for both sides. Separate the fabrics by black background and white background. Within those stacks, put your fabrics in order of how you want them for the front and back. They don’t need to be the same order for both sides, but I made them the same for ease.

Step Three

At the ironing board, place the black Smooth rectangles adhesive (rough) side up. Place one piece of cotton at the top of each Smooth rectangle. With the iron on the cotton setting and dry (steam turned off), carefully iron the fabric onto the Smooth rectangle. Make sure the iron doesn’t touch the uncovered adhesive. If you’re not a steady ironer, you can cover the pieces with a pressing cloth.

Step Four

At the sewing machine, load it with black thread and a black thread filled bobbin. Lay another piece of fabric on top of the ironed piece, right sides facing. Match up the bottom edges. Stitch straight 1/4″ from the edges.

Step Five

Unfold the fabric piece. Iron it in place. Repeat the sewing and ironing for all of the fabric pieces and Smooth rectangles, until they are covered with fabric pieces. For added interest, I cut the fabric pieces at different angles, as I worked.

Step Six

Flip the Smooth rectangles over to the fleece side. Use the scissors to trim off the excess fabric, following the Smooth rectangle edges.

Step Seven

At the sewing machine, top stitch down the center of each seam, using decorative stitches. I have a computerized sewing machine that has many decorative stitches. If you have a basic machine with just straight and zigzag stitches, you can zigzag down the seams. You can also use hand embroidery stitches.

Step Eight

Sandwich one Stick rectangle in between two fabric covered Smooth rectangles. The Stick will be touching the fleece of the Smooth rectangles. Cover the sandwich with the pressing cloth. Cover the sandwich with the hot iron. Press in place for 10 seconds, or until the Stick has bonded the fleece together. With the scissors, trim the edges, making all the layers even.

Step Nine

At the sewing machine, set your zigzag stitch to a short length and normal width. Line one bookmark edge up to the foot. I used the foot hole as my guide, do the zigzag stitches would bind over the edge. Zigzag stitch down the edge to the end, finishing with the needle down at the outer corner. When you finish, lift the foot, but not the needle. Turn the bookmark, counter-clockwise, so the next raw edge is straight along the foot. Lower the foot. Zigzag stitch down the edge to the end. Repeat turning and stitching the bookmark until all of the edges are bound. I always finish my zigzag stitching by backstitching straight, with the needle to the left, hiding the stitches in the zigzag row. Cut the thread flush with the bookmark.

Step Ten

When you are finished, the bookmarks should look similar to mine.

DIY Quilted Fabric Bookmarks