Don't you just love sending a special cross stitch gift to a friend? A card you've stitched is a great way to mark special occasions and holidays. Your friends are probably thrilled when they receive your cards and admire them for quite some time. Sadly, though, eventually the cards end up tucked away inside cabinets and drawers. Instead of a card, you may want to create a personalised bookmark the next time a special person in your life celebrates an occasion.



Think about the possibilities. Not only can a cross stitch bookmark carry a personalized message just like a card can, but it also will be used time and again. Moreover, your friends will think of you each time they settle down with a good book. What better way to be remembered?

Like any other stitching project, you'll want to consider a few suggestions before you begin creating your gifts.

Pick a bookmark design that means something to your friend. You want to personalize this present by making it depict something this person loves. For instance, does she love flowers? Is he a golf fan? Decide on a pattern that captures the interests of the recipient. Of course, since your cross stitch bookmark will be small, the pattern must reflect this. So pick one interest the recipient has and use that as the pattern.

Children may be encouraged to read by being given their very own bookmark, with a favourite cute character stitched onto it to make it personal for them.

If you're looking for a quick, easy way to create a bookmark, you may want to buy a kit. Select a kit that has a pattern your friend will like. If you haven't created a cross stitch bookmark before, a kit will show you what's involved. The kit will contain everything you need, including all of the various flosses, the required cross stitch material, and directions. After you complete this bookmark, you should save the directions so you can follow them when you stitch your next bookmark.

Traditionally, bookmarks are long and slim in shape. It is important that they are not too bulky or scratchy, as this could damage fine paper pages. You will need to consider what sorts of books your friend reads. Paperback books are usually smaller than their hardback counterparts, and therefore you need to take this into account when considering the size. As a general rule, it's advisable to make your bookmark between six to nine inches long (15 to 22cm) and two and a half inches (6.5cm) wide.

When you're ready to start, measure and cut the aida or evenweave material. Since you don't want the fabric to fray, cover the edges with a pretty piece of ribbon or edge binding. One cute technique some stitchers use is to create a fringed edge on the bookmark. You do this by cutting a piece of fabric larger than the intended bookmark and then carefully fraying around each side. You'll want the frayed edges to be the same length. To prevent the fraying from continuing once you're done creating the fringe, use an anti-fray glue or spray.

Many bookmark designs exists, so finding one should be easy. Look in cross stitch books and magazines for a small pattern that will look nice on a bookmark. Of course, you can draw your own pattern. Keep it small enough that it doesn't run right up to the edges. Use graph paper to draw your pattern. Each square on the paper should indicate a single stitch on your bookmark.

As you work, you'll want to make your stitching as tidy as possible. When you finish, glue a ribbon fragment onto the back so you can neatly cover the underside. Keep your knots small to avoid any bumps.

To give your bookmark added interest, do consider folding the bottom of it into a triangle shape instead of a straight line. You can add a tassel, some beads or a shell to the end, to make it look unusual.

When you're done, slip the bookmark between two cloths for protection from the heat and press the project carefully.

Stitching bookmarks is fun and easy. After you've done a few, you may decide you really enjoy making bookmarks for gifts. These projects take very little time. Let your creativity run wild and see what you can make.

I'm sure you'll agree that making a cross stitch bookmark for a friend is a great alternative to stitching a card. Individualising the design can be great fun, and also give lots of pleasure to the recipient of your gift.