Bookmark Knitting Pattern (Celtic Cable)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a bookmark knitting pattern with a Celtic cable design.
This is a fun project and a great way to use scrap yarn in your stash.
One of the easiest things to knit is a bookmark, and this cable knit will definitely be a treasured keepsake.
Please scroll down to view the free knitting pattern, or grab your printable ad-free PDF in my shop here.
Bookmark Knitting Pattern
Make a knitted bookmark with a Celtic cable design.
This quick knitting project will be great for stash-busting and using yarn scraps.
This easy bookmark pattern and finished product is for personal use only.
The beginning and end of your bookmark will be in ribbing.
Grab a printable version of this pattern here.
Skill Level – Intermediate Knitter.
Size Information
The bookmark length measures – 8 inches.
The width measures – 2.5 inches.
Gauge – 20 stitches/52 rows in 10 x 10 cm/4 inches.
The supplies you need…
Yarn
- Fingering weight yarn/4 Ply.
- Amount of yarn – around 10g/40 meters.
- I used a small amount of fingering yarn hand-dyed in spring green from one mini skein.
- You could use any yarn weight and needle size for this project, but it will affect the bookmark’s finished size.
Knitting Needle Size
- I used three double pointed needles for this design (two to knit and one as a cable needle).
- Size 2.25 mm needles (US 1)
Notions
- Darning needle/tapestry needle or yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- Stitch markers
List of Knitting Abbreviations
- CO – cast on
- Cont – continue
- C6B – (K3 and 3) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts on the cable needle.
- C6F – (K3 and 3) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts from the cable needle.
- C5L – (K3, P2) – Slip the next 3 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, P2 from the left-hand needle, and then knit the 3 sts from the cable needle.
- C5R – (P2, K3) – Slip the next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, K3 from the left-hand needle, and then purl the 2 sts from the cable needle.
- K – knit
- M1 – make one stitch
- P – purl
- PM – place marker
- SM – Slip marker
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rep – repeat
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
- 1×1 ribbing – K1, P1, every row.
Bookmark Knitting Pattern Instructions
Cast on 31 stitches.
Work in 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.
Cable Pattern
- Row 1(RS): K3, PM, K3, P4, K6, P4, K6, P2, PM, K3
- Row 2 (WS): K3, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, K3
- Row 3: K3, SM, K3, P4, C6F, P4, C6F, P2, SM, K3
- Row 4: K3, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, K3
- Row 5: K3, SM, C5L, C5R, C5L, C5R, C5L, SM, K3
- Row 6: K3, SM, P3, K4, P6, K4, P6, K2, SM, K3
- Row 7: K3, SM, P2, C6B, P4, C6B, P4, K3, SM, K3
- Row 8: K3, SM, P3, K4, P6, K4, P6, K2, SM, K3
- Row 9: K3, SM, C5R, C5L, C5R, C5L, C5R, SM, K3
- Row 10: K3, SM, K2, P6, K4, P6, K4, P3, SM, K3
Repeat rows 1-10 until your bookmark measures 7 inches from the cast on edge.
Work in 1×1 ribbing for 1 inch.
Cast off.
Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the free bookmark knitting pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group.
You can also check out my Facebook page here.
You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
What Kind Of Yarn Do You Use For Bookmarks?
For knitting or crocheting bookmarks, choosing the right type of yarn is crucial for achieving the best results in terms of durability, texture, and the overall look of the finished product.
Here are some considerations for selecting yarn for bookmarks:
1. Cotton Yarn:
- Why It’s Good: Cotton yarn is sturdy, doesn’t stretch much, and holds its shape well, making it a popular choice for bookmarks. It’s also washable, which is convenient for items that will be handled frequently.
- Weight: Lighter weights such as fingering, sport, or DK (double knit) are ideal because they create a thin, flat bookmark that won’t bulk up the pages of a book. A worsted weight yarn will probably be too thick.
2. Linen Yarn:
- Why It’s Good: Linen has similar qualities to cotton in terms of durability and washability but offers a unique crispness and slight sheen. Over time, linen becomes softer and maintains a luxurious feel.
- Weight: Like cotton, stick to finer weights to keep the bookmark slim and non-intrusive.
3. Wool Yarn:
- Why It’s Good: While not as common for bookmarks due to its thickness and potential to stretch, a fine wool or wool blend can be used for its softness and rich texture. Wool is less ideal for items that require frequent washing.
- Weight: If choosing wool, opt for lightweight or fingering yarns to minimize bulkiness.
4. Synthetic Yarns (Acrylic, Polyester):
- Why It’s Good: Synthetic yarns are affordable, come in a wide variety of colors, and are easy to care for. They can mimic the look and feel of natural fibers without the cost.
- Weight: Choose lighter weights for a more practical, flat bookmark.
5. Blended Yarns:
- Why It’s Good: Blends that combine natural fibers like cotton or linen with synthetics can offer the best of both worlds — durability, ease of care, and a comfortable feel.
- Weight: Again, lighter weights work best for bookmarks to ensure they don’t make the book too bulky.
Additional Considerations:
- Texture: For bookmarks, smoother yarns are generally better as they won’t snag on the pages of the book.
- Colorfastness: Ensure the yarn is colorfast, especially if you’re using a dark or vibrant color, to prevent any dye from transferring onto the pages of the book.
- Needle/Hook Size: Use an appropriate size of knitting needles or crochet hooks for the yarn weight to achieve a tight, dense fabric that holds its shape and offers durability.
Regardless of the yarn type you choose, always consider the end use — a bookmark should be thin, durable, and not too fuzzy to avoid damaging or marking book pages.
Creating a test swatch can also help you gauge how the finished bookmark will feel and behave in use.
