The Gilded Sunburst Bookmark: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Botanical Bookmark
A Little Piece of Summer for Your Pages: The Gilded Sunburst Bookmark
There’s something magical about turning the corner of a page to find a tiny, handcrafted treasure waiting for you. This isn't your average bookmark; it's a miniature, textured tapestry of a sunflower, worked in rich, earthy tones with a golden center. The layered petals and dense stitch pattern create a stunning, tactile piece that feels like a little piece of summer tucked into your pages. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a quick, satisfying project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, functional work of art.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these simple supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight, firm fabric to prevent the bookmark from being floppy. The sunflower motif should measure approximately 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
- Color A: Golden Yellow (approx 10 yds)
- Color B: Rich Brown (approx 5 yds)
- Color C: Deep Forest Green (approx 3 yds)
- Small amount of contrasting dark brown for the center seeds (embroidery floss or fine yarn works well)
- Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes for Success
This pattern is worked in joined rounds for the flower center, then in a spiral for the stem. The sunflower is made from the center out, then the stem and leaves are added. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Work tightly to create a firm, durable bookmark.
Sunflower Center (Color B - Rich Brown)
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the ring. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (12 stitches)
Round 3: Chain 1. *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (18 stitches)
Fasten off Color B. Weave in the end on the wrong side.
Sunflower Petals (Color A - Golden Yellow)
Round 4: Join Color A with a sl st in any stitch of Round 3. Chain 1. *Sc in the next stitch, chain 2, in the next stitch work (double crochet (dc), chain 2, sl st) to form a petal; repeat from * around. You will have 9 petals. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off Color A.
Tip: Each petal is formed by working into a single stitch. The sc between petals helps space them evenly.
Sunflower Seed Center (Contrasting Dark Brown)
Using the contrasting dark brown yarn or embroidery floss, embroider small French knots or tiny cross-stitches in the center of the sunflower (the 18 sc from Round 3) to represent seeds. Space them evenly. Weave in ends securely.
Stem (Color C - Deep Forest Green)
Round 5: Turn the sunflower so the back (wrong side) is facing you. Join Color C with a sl st in the back loop only of any sc from Round 3 (the center). Chain 1. Sc in the same stitch. Work sc in the back loops only of the next 5 stitches (6 sc total). Do not join. You will now work in a continuous spiral for the stem.
Rounds 6-20: Sc in each stitch around (6 sc). The stem will form a small, sturdy tube. For a longer bookmark, continue working more rounds. For a shorter one, work fewer. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches) for sewing.
Leaf (Make 2)
Using Color C, chain 6.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook. Half double crochet (hdc) in the next chain. Double crochet (dc) in the next chain. Hdc in the next chain. Sc in the last chain. Chain 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in the first stitch. Hdc in the next stitch. Dc in the next stitch. Hdc in the next stitch. Sc in the last stitch. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing (about 6 inches).
Finishing
- Attach the leaves: Using the tails, sew one leaf to each side of the stem, right at the base where the stem meets the sunflower. Position them so they point outward and slightly upward.
- Weave in ends: Use the yarn needle to weave in all remaining ends securely on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess.
- Block (optional): Lightly block the bookmark by pinning it flat and spritzing with water. This will help the petals lie flat and even. Allow to dry completely before using.
Your Gilded Sunburst Bookmark is now ready to grace your favorite book! This little sunflower is a perfect gift for a book lover or a delightful treat for yourself. Happy crocheting!
