Spool Knitted Bookmark

Remember those fun times with the simple spool knitter to keep little hands occupied?  On this page is a tutorial for a spool knitting project that is fun and functional!

Enter the free knitting pattern for bookmarks!  The tutorial shows step by step how to make a bookmark by spool knitting.

What is another name for spool knitting?

Spool knitting is also known as corking, tomboy knitting or French knitting.  This form of knitting uses a spool with nails or pegs on the top edge.  As the knitting is worked using yarn, a tube or a sheet of fabric is made.

The device used is called a knitting spool or is sometimes known as a French knitter, knitting Nancy, or a knitting frame.

To learn how to spool knit or French knit, be sure to check out our spool knitting page.

Learn more about spool knitting a flower book mark by watching our video or keep reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Spool knitter
• Yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Straight pins
• Button
• Sewing needle, threaded
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Load the spool knitter

To begin the project, take the end of the yarn and lower it down into the top of the spool knitter, or knitting Nancy, and out through the bottom. 

Pull until there is about 5" hanging out of the bottom of the knitter.

STEP 2: Begin spool knitting on two pegs

For the spool knitted bookmark project, only two pegs will be used.  

Wrap the yarn clock wise around the first peg and then, moving to the next peg to the right, wrap the thread front to back in a counter clockwise motion.

Next, wrap the yarn once again around the first peg and the second peg in the same manner. The yarn will be forming a figure eight.

Lay the working yarn across the top of the spool knitter behind the first peg.

step 3: Pass the bottom loops over the top

Using the pick that comes with the spool knitter, start with the first peg.  The bottom loop on the peg is grabbed with the pick. 

Take the bottom loop, pass it over the top, and gently tug on the yarn coming out the bottom of the spool knitter.

Move to the second peg and use the tool to pass the bottom loop up and over the top loop as was done on the first peg.  Be sure to pull gently on the yarn coming from the bottom of the spool knitter.

step 4: Continue the spool knitting

Once the bottom loops have been passed over the top loops, form another figure 8, looping the working yarn around the first peg in a clock wise motion.

Moving the yarn to the second peg, wrap it front to back in a counter clockwise motion.

As before, lay the working yarn across the spool knitter behind the first peg.  Use the tool to pick up the lower loop and pass it over the top loop on the first peg.  Do the same for the second peg.

Continue in this fashion until the yarn cord measures about 24" long.

step 5: Cast off to finish the tube

Starting at the last stitch that was completed on the second peg, use the tool to move the loop up and over onto the last stitch that was completed on the first peg.

Use the tool to take the loop on the bottom of the first peg and loop it up over the top of the final stitch.

Use the tool to take the final loop that is on the first peg and lift it off the peg, pulling the yarn spool knitted cord up and through the spool knitter.  The entire knitting should be free from the spool knitter.

step 6: Tie off the end of the cord

Making sure to keep the final loop large enough to pass the yarn end through, cut the yarn approximately 10"-12" long.

Pass the end of the yarn through the loop and pull it tight.  

step 7: Making the loops on the flower petal bookmark

Using a ruler, measure every 2 1/2 " and place a pin through the cording.There will be five sections, each 2 1/2" long.

Once all of the pins are in place and the cord is sectioned off, thread the long piece of yarn at the end of the cording through a tapestry needle.

Pinch the cording at the mark where the first pin has been placed, and push the needle through that fold. 

Pull the yarn gently until the first petal is formed.

Move to the next pin on the cord.  Pinch at the pin location once again, and use the threaded tapestry needle to sew through this point on the cording. 

The second petal should be formed once the yarn is gently pulled.

Continue pinching the cord at each pin placement, making a stitch through the pinched mark, and pulling gently. Once all of the petals have been made, secure them by making a few stitches in the center with the threaded tapestry needle.

Once the petals are held in place, make a knot by passing the threaded needle through the final loop in the stitching.  Cut the yarn close to the flower center.  A button will be covering the knot, so there is no need to be concerned that it might show.

step 8: sew the button at the flower's center

Choose a large, colorful button to be sewn as the center of the flower bookmark.

Thread a sewing needle and knot the end.  Push the needle up into the center of the flower from the back then through one of the holes on the button.  Make a few stitches through two holes and then a few stitches through the other holes.

Make a knot on the back of the flower by passing the needle through a loop made by the final stitch.

Step 9: Hide the yarn tail at the end of the spool knitting

Thread the length of yarn at the bottom of the stem through a tapestry needle.  Push the threaded needle into the bottom of the stem a short distance, then bring the needle out of the cording.

Using the scissors, cut the yarn close to the cording.  The end of the thread will be secured inside of the knitted flower bookmark.

Now the French knitting project is complete!  Use the pretty bookmark for yourself or give as a gift to your avid reading friends!

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial on spool knitting a flower bookmark!

Try these other spool knitting projects

• Spool knit tree garland
• Spool knit bracelet