Make Fabric Bookmarks
Make fabric bookmarks using felt, glue, and ribbon to practice cutting, decorating, and measuring while creating personalized keepsakes for your favorite books.
About this activity
Make fabric bookmarks using felt, glue, and ribbon to practice cutting, decorating, and measuring while creating personalized keepsakes for your favorite books.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and set them on a flat table so everything is easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Decide how big you want your bookmark and use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle on the felt about 6 in by 2 in (15 cm by 5 cm).
- 3
Step 3
Cut out the felt rectangle carefully along the pencil lines with scissors.
- 4
Step 4
Trim the four corners of the rectangle into rounded shapes so the bookmark looks smooth and neat.
- 5
Step 5
Measure and cut a piece of ribbon about 6 in (15 cm) long with the scissors.
- 6
Step 6
Fold the ribbon into a small loop and glue the cut ends together using a little craft glue.
- 7
Step 7
Put a dab of glue at the top center on the back of the felt and press the glued ribbon loop onto it until it sticks.
- 8
Step 8
Draw and color a design on the front of your bookmark using fabric markers or crayons.
- 9
Step 9
Glue on buttons or sequins as extra decorations and press them down gently so they stick.
- 10
Step 10
Let your bookmark dry completely on the table for at least 30 minutes or until no glue is wet.
- 11
Step 11
Share your finished fabric bookmark on DIY.org so others can see your awesome creation.
Fun facts
How do you make fabric bookmarks?
To make fabric bookmarks, measure and cut two felt rectangles about 2 x 6 inches (adjust size as wanted). Decorate one or both pieces with fabric markers, glued-on shapes, embroidery, or buttons. Sandwich a short length of ribbon at the top between the two pieces, then glue or stitch around the edges, leaving a small gap to remove air. Press flat and allow glue to dry completely. Optional topstitching adds durability and a finished look.
What materials do I need to make fabric bookmarks?
You’ll need felt or soft fabric, a ruler, pencil or fabric marker, child-safe scissors, fabric glue or a low-temp hot glue gun (adult use), ribbon or ric-rac, and small decorations like buttons, sequins, or fabric scraps. Optional supplies: embroidery thread and needle, fusible interfacing to stiffen bookmarks, and a cutting mat or cardboard underlay. Keep tiny embellishments and hot-glue use supervised for young children.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This craft suits a wide range: ages 3–5 can glue pre-cut shapes, add stickers, and choose ribbons with close adult help handling scissors and glue. Ages 6–8 can measure, cut with safety scissors, and try simple stitching under supervision. Ages 9+ can work more independently, sew neat edges, and use low-temp glue. Always supervise any use of hot glue, sharp scissors, or needles for safety.
What are the benefits of making fabric bookmarks?
Making fabric bookmarks boosts fine motor skills, practice with measuring and cutting, and creativity as kids decorate personal keepsakes. It encourages following steps, hand-eye coordination, and basic sewing or gluing techniques. The activity supports a love of reading by creating items children want to use, makes inexpensive gifts, and offers calm, screen-free family time that builds confidence and pride in finished projects.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of felt or craft glue if they're hard to find?
If you don't have felt, use sturdy craft foam or heavy cardstock cut to 6 by 2 in, and replace craft glue with double-sided fabric tape or a low-heat hot glue gun (with adult help) to attach the ribbon and decorations.
The ribbon loop won't stick to the felt—how can we fix that?
When the glued ribbon loop in the step 'Put a dab of glue at the top center on the back of the felt' won't hold, press it under a clothespin or small book for 5–10 minutes and, if needed, add a drop of stronger glue or a few hand stitches through the ribbon ends into the felt.
How can this activity be changed for different age groups?
For preschoolers, pre-cut the 6Ă—2 in felt and pre-glue the ribbon so they can safely color with crayons, while older kids can use fabric markers for detailed designs and sew on buttons or sequins themselves for extra challenge.
What are simple ways to personalize or make the bookmark last longer?
Personalize by writing a name with fabric markers on the front, layer two felt rectangles and glue them together for thickness, stitch around the trimmed rounded corners for durability, and let everything dry completely before sharing on DIY.org.