Liberty Elastic Bookmark

Elastic Bookmark Tutorial

Who else loves scrap sewing!? I Know I do. So, when I saw the Ava_and_Neve Liberty scrap challenge on Instagram. I racked my brain for ideas on how to use up a few precious scraps of liberty Betsy print I had. Then I remembered how nuts it drives me when my bookmark is always slipping or falling out of my book when it is in my bag and just like that, the liberty non-slip elastic bookmark was born and all my bookmark woes solved.

Note: Please read all instructions before beginning. This bookmark fits a standard novel or book that is around 9” tall. For a book much larger or smaller you will need to adjust the elastic size accordingly. Seam allowance is ¼” unless otherwise stated.

Finished size: 2 ¼” x 6 ¼” (not including the elastic loop)

Supplies

5 x different fabric prints (1 ¾” x 2 ¾”)
Linen for backing (2 ¾” x 6 ¾”)
Cotton batting (3 ¼”x7 ¼”)
Fold over elastic (11”)
Cotton tag for side embellishment (1 ½” long)
Cotton tag for top embellishment (1 ¼” long)
Quilt basting spray
Perle No.8 or similar for hand stitching
Basic sewing supplies

Liberty bookmark instructions

1.Take your 5 x fabric prints and sew them together along the long side using a ¼” seam allowance. Press seams open.

2. Adhere your patchwork panel to a piece of cotton batting with quil basting spray following the manufacturer’s directions.

3. Stitch along each edge of your seam, roughly ⅛”.

4.Take your 1 ½” cotton tag and fold in half. Baste in place ⅛” from the side around ½” from the bottom on the bookmark. Attach the top tag by placing in the middle of the top of the bookmark ½” from the top edge and stitching all around.

5. Place the fold over elastic shinny side down in the middle of the patchwork panel and baste in place ⅛” from each end, leaving a ¼” overhang.

6.Trim the excess batting away from the edge of your patchwork panel. Being careful not to cut through the ends for your elastic. You want to leave these longer so they don’t fray.

7.Pin your elastic in the middle to hold in place while attaching the back of your bookmark to prevent it from getting caught and sewn in the wrong spot.

8. Place linen right side down on top of your bookmark panel. Pin in place. Stitch all around using a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 2 ½” opening on the long side for turning. Remember to secure your stitches at the start and finish.

9. Turn the book mark right side out and press.

10. Sew opening closed using a ladder/invisible stitch.

11. Top stitch around your bookmark 1/8” from the edge. I choose to hand stitch using No.8 perle cotton. If your short on time you can also use your sewing machine. Just remember to move your elastic to the side so you don’t stitch through it.