From Stitching to Showcasing: How to Finish Your Handmade Bookmark, the Craft of Bookmark Making
- Anna Jonsdottir
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Creating your own bookmark can be a fun and fulfilling activity, particularly with a bookmark kit that come equipped with everything you need to make a beautiful bookmark that showcases your creativity. A well-finished bookmark can be a delightful gift, making it a perfect handmade present that fits perfectly into the black gift box. In this guide, I will lead you through the steps to finalize your bookmark after, ensuring you achieve a polished and functional piece.
Gather Your Materials
Before diving into the finishing process, make sure you have all your materials within reach. Here’s a handy checklist:
Your stitched bookmark top (bookmark kits)
Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting board
Iron
A ruler
Backing fabric (included in the kit)
Bondaweb or a fusible web (included in the kit)
A tassel or ribbon (material included in the kit, check out this blog for instructions how to make one).
Attach the Leather Faux Backing
To secure the backing, iron the matte side of the Bondaweb to the back of the leather faux fabric included in the kit, peel of the paper and iron the stitched top to the leather faux fabric. Be careful, both the felt and the vinyl top melts if it overheats. Use the parchement paper to protect your iron and the stitched top.
The paper-backed fusible web strip (bondaweb) has a shiny side and a matte side. The matte side has a thin layer of glue/plastic that melts when it heats making it a fantastic way to bond two fabrics together. Best is to press down on the bondaweb, the shiny side for 8-10 seconds with a hot, dry iron. Let it cool and then peel of the paper. Now the leather faux backing is ready to be fixed to the top. Please, please use the parchment paper to protect the top and your iron!
If you have a kit that has two bondaweb strips, use the other one to fix the stitched vinyl top to the felt using the same method. Alternatively, stitch the finished vinyl top to the felt by using backstitch round the outside boarder and then use the fusible web to fix the stitched top to the faux leather backing.
Trim Excess Backing
Once the bookmark has cooled down and the glue is dry, make sure the back is completely fixed down. If not you need to iron again for few seconds with dry iron, no steam!
Use your scissors to trim any uneven edges, ensuring your bookmark has a uniform shape or a rotary cutter and a mat if you have one. A well-trimmed bookmark can elevate its overall appearance, making it look professionally crafted.
Add a Tassel
To personalize your bookmark, think about adding a tassel or a ribbon and beads. Use a needle or a hole punch (only if you have one) to make a hole at the top of your bookmark, and then thread the tassel through. Secure it with a knot.
This small addition can really enhance the look of your bookmark and even serves a practical purpose in keeping your place in the book you are reading. I wrote a step-by step guide to creating a tassel for bookmarks if you want to learn an easy way to make tassels to enhance your bookmarks.
Enjoy the Craft of Bookmark Making
After attaching your tassel, take a moment to thoroughly inspect your bookmark. Look for any loose threads or areas needing additional gluing down. Make adjustments where necessary to ensure your bookmark is not just beautiful but also functional. A well-finished bookmark can be a delightful gift, making it a perfect handmade present.
Completing a bookmark kit is such a rewarding experience that allows you to showcase your creativity. By following these easy steps, you can craft a beautiful and functional bookmark to enjoy or gift to a loved one. Take your time, have fun with the process, and embrace the joy of creating.
Happy stitching!
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