Make an Ombre Bookmark with Plastic Canvas

Plastic canvas bookmarks are fun, relaxing and a great way to use up scrap yarn. Our ombre-style bookmark is an excellent choice, featuring a few shades of yarn and a vertical brick stitch technique.  This project is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced stitchers.

In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to create a beautiful gradient or ombre effect using a vertical version of the brick stitch and three coordinating shades of yarn.  This technique produces an impressive look while remaining simple to stitch, and is a great way to use up scrap yarn from other projects.

Plastic Canvas is a fabulous material to work with.  It's sturdy, easy to handle, and ideal for practicing needlework techniques such as this bookmark.  For more plastic canvas bookmark ideas, visit this page.

Whether you’re making a bookmark for yourself or as a thoughtful, handmade gift, you’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together and how relaxing it is to stitch.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below and watch our YouTube video to learn how to cut the canvas, work the stitch pattern, and finish the edges for a unique, one-of-a-kind ombre bookmark.

how to make an ombre plastic canvas bookmark

WHAT YOU'll NEED:

• 7-mesh plastic canvas
• Scrap Yarn
• Plastic Canvas Needle (Purchase Amazon or Michaels)
• Craft Scissors (Amazon or Michaels)

IMPORTANT NOTES:  Each stitch will be done twice to ensure complete coverage of the canvas.

As you begin, bring the threaded needle up from the back of the canvas to the front, leaving a short tail in the back that the first several stitches will secure.

INSTRUCTIONS for making an ombre bookmark :

STEP 1: Gather Supplies

You’ll need 7-mesh plastic canvas, three shades of yarn in a similar color to create the ombre effect, yarn to cover the edge of the bookmark, a plastic canvas needle and craft scissors. 

STEP 2: Cut the bookmark Shape

Using your scissors, cut a piece of plastic mesh canvas to measure 12 holes wide by 43 holes long.  This will be the base for your bookmark.

STEP 3: Stitch the Foundation Row

The stitches in this first row will vary in lengths.  This is your “foundation row,” and it serves to establish the long and short pattern.  This foundation row and final row will be the only ones where the length of the stitches vary.

Thread your needle with the lightest shade of yarn.  Begin in the top left-hand corner of your canvas.  Bring the needle up from the back, leaving a short tail, and make a short vertical stitch by counting two holes down and inserting the needle.  Notice you have crossed two mesh threads.  Repeat this stitch again in the same holes.   

Next, make a longer stitch starting in the next hole in the top row to the right. Bring the needle and yarn up, then count down five holes vertically and insert the needle to make a straight vertical stitch.  Pull the yarn to the back.  Make another stitch in the same holes.

Continue across the row, alternating short and long vertical stitches.

When you reach the end of the row, weave the yarn tail into the stitches on the back to secure it.  Snip the yarn.

STEP 4: Row 2

Switch to your second yarn color.  Since you've established the pattern in your foundation row, all stitches moving forward until the final row will be the same length as the long stitch in the first row.

Begin directly below the first row, bringing the needle up in the same hole where the previous stitch ended.  Count down five holes and insert the needle to make a straight vertical stitch.Make another vertical stitch in the same holes.

Now, bring the needle up in the same hole as the second stitch in the first row.

Count down five holes and make a stitch.  Stitch again in the same holes.

Repeat this process across the row to build the pattern and create a staggered effect.

STEP 5: Row 3

Change to your third yarn color.  Stitch the third row in the same manner as Row 2, continuing with the same length of stitch.

STEP 6: Continue Stitching Rows 4 through 8

Keep working additional rows using the same stitching technique.  Alternate between your three yarn colors to create an ombre effect.

STEP 7: Final Row (Row 9)

For the final row of stitches, you’ll need to stagger the stitch lengths as done in the foundation row by alternating long and short stitches so they finish in the last row.

STEP 8: Overcast Edge

To give the bookmark a clean and finished appearance, use the overcast stitch to cover the outer edges.  Choose a yarn color that matches the design or a contrasting one.  Thread your needle and begin at one corner of the bookmark. 

Bring the needle up from the back and wrap the yarn over the edge, inserting the needle through the next hole.  In each corner, stitch through the hole two or three times.

Continue stitching around all four sides.  When you reach the end, weave the yarn tail into the back of the stitches to secure it neatly.

**Final note**  You may want to finish the backside of the bookmark with felt.

That’s it – your ombre bookmark is complete! It’s a simple yet eye-catching project that can be made in lots of combinations of colors.

It's perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.

More Bookmark Patterns with Plastic canvas

• Heart Bookmark by Strings Away
• Bargello Bookmarks (3 Free Patterns) by Amy Latta Creations
• Rainbow Tapestry Bookmark by Frankie