Crochet Daisy Bookmark for Beginners: Easy Video Tutorial

Some projects are just nice to hold. A crochet bookmark is one of them. It is small, it works up in an evening, it makes a great gift, and it gives you something to show for your time very quickly. A daisy bookmark adds a cheerful touch that feels a little like tucking a flower into your book.

I keep a few handmade bookmarks in my bag, and they are always the first thing people ask about. I like that they need so little yarn. You can make one from a tiny leftover, and you can play with color combinations you might never try on a big blanket.

The video below is from This Pixie Creates, who shows how to make a daisy bookmark. Their tutorial is below, and I will add a few notes on yarn, hooks, shaping and finishing so your bookmark turns out crisp and flat.

Yarn and supplies

Bookmarks live inside books, so flat and thin is the goal. Thick yarn makes a bookmark that bulges and stresses the spine of the book.

• Yarn: a thin cotton, such as sport or lightweight worsted, is ideal. Cotton is smooth and sturdy. You will need white or cream for the petals, a yellow for the center, and green for the stem or leaves.
• Hook: pick a size smaller than usual for your yarn. A tight, dense fabric holds its shape and does not stretch when you pull it out of a book.
• Tapestry needle: to weave in the tails and sew parts together.
• Scissors, and a little fabric stiffener or starch (optional): for extra crispness.
• A tassel or bead (optional): to dangle from the end.

If you only have acrylic yarn, it still works, but expect it to be a bit softer and to need a light press to sit flat.

The general method

I will explain the basic process in my own words. The video shows exact stitch counts and any special stitches, so follow that for the final pattern.

1. Make the daisy flower first. Work a small ring, then build a round of petals around it, using short stitches that stand up a little.
2. Switch to the yellow for the center. You can either work it in the first round or make a small circle and sew it on.
3. Make the bookmark strip. This is often a simple chain with a row of single crochet worked back along it, plus a second row for width.
4. Add leaves or a little green edging along the strip so the flower looks like it is growing from a stem.
5. Join the flower to the top of the strip with a few careful stitches.
6. Weave in every tail, and add a tassel if you want one.

Take your time on the flower. It is the focal point, and small differences in petal height or spacing stand out more on a tiny piece.

Tips for a neat daisy bookmark

• Keep the strip narrow. About one to two fingers wide is plenty. Wider strips feel clunky in a paperback.
• Use a tight tension. Hold the yarn a little firmer than usual so the bookmark does not droop.
• Count petals. A classic daisy has a good number of petals, and an even spacing gives a pleasing circle. Mark the start of the round.
• Block with a press. Lay the bookmark flat, cover it with a damp cloth, and press gently. Let it dry completely before using.
• Test in a book. Slip it into a book and check how it sits. If it pulls at the pages, trim the width next time.

When I wanted a bookmark to last, I switched to a thin cotton thread and a steel hook. The result is delicate and strong, but it needs more patience and better light.

Common mistakes and fixes

The daisy curls forward. The center has too many stitches for the space. Try fewer stitches in the first round or a smaller hook, and press it flat.

Petals look pointy or uneven. Keep the same stitch type in every petal, and make each one the same height. If one is too tall, redo it instead of hoping it disappears.

The strip twists. It is often a tension issue. Work both sides of the chain with equal care, and do not pull too hard on the first row.

The flower flops at the top. Stitch it on with several tiny stitches in a few spots, not just one. A dab of fabric glue under the flower can also help, as long as it dries clear.

Variations and gift ideas

Once you know the basic flower, you can change almost everything.

• Swap the colors for a sunflower, with yellow petals and a brown center.
• Make a row of tiny daisies along the whole strip for a garden feel.
• Add a small heart at the bottom. If you are curious, the simple crochet flower tutorial is a good companion for practicing petals.
• Use scrap yarn in random colors. A rainbow of small bookmarks makes a nice bundle for a book club.
• Pair the bookmark with a paperback and wrap them together for a quick, personal gift.

If you enjoy tiny projects, you may also like the approach in these coasters made from scrap yarn, since both use small amounts and suit leftover balls.

Finishing and care

Weave your tails in with care. On a thin piece, loose ends are obvious and can poke out. Run the needle through several stitches, turn, and go back the other way. Trim close once it feels secure.

If you want a stiffer flower, brush on a light mix of fabric stiffener or starch and shape it while it dries. Follow the product directions and protect your work surface. A stiff flower resists getting squashed at the bottom of a bag.

To clean a bookmark, hand wash gently in cool water with a drop of mild soap, then lay it flat on a towel to dry. Keep it away from wet glasses and coffee rings. Cotton can handle a little moisture, but it will look best if you treat it gently.

Finally, make a couple extra. Bookmarks vanish into books and never come back, which is a compliment to your work.

Frequently asked questions

What yarn is best for a crochet bookmark?

Thin cotton yarn, like sport weight or light worsted, is best. It is smooth, strong and stays flat inside a book. Use a hook a little smaller than the label suggests for a dense fabric.

How wide should a crochet bookmark be?

About one to two fingers wide works well. Anything wider can feel bulky in a paperback and may press against the pages.

How do I keep the daisy from curling?

Use a tight tension, avoid extra stitches in the center, and press the finished bookmark flat with a damp cloth. A light stiffener can also help the flower hold its shape.