Folklore Bookmark Knitting Pattern: A Cozy, Cable-Knit
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Inspired by the haunting, introspective world of Taylor Swift’s “Folklore,” I designed a knitting pattern that captures the album’s woodsy, reflective spirit in a beautifully textured bookmark.
The Folklore Bookmark combines classic cable stitches and soft, light beige yarn to create a piece that feels timeless and cozy—perfect for marking the pages of your favorite reads on chilly days.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
Pattern Inspiration
“Folklore” speaks to the quiet beauty in the details and the stories that unfold with time.
I wanted this bookmark to embody that same cozy, grounded energy, so I chose to work with cable stitches, giving the design a classic and rustic look.
The light beige yarn is warm and neutral, evoking the look of old book pages or forest paths.
This bookmark isn’t just a nod to the song—it’s an ode to all things simple, soothing, and story-filled.
Pattern Details
- Cable Stitches for Texture: The cables provide a textured, intricate feel, bringing depth to the design without overwhelming it. These interwoven stitches remind me of the layers of stories, memories, and emotions that “Folklore” delves into.
- Light Beige Yarn: This neutral color enhances the cozy, vintage vibe of the bookmark. It’s subtle enough not to overpower the cable pattern but warm enough to give it a classic look. The yarn choice makes it feel as timeless as a well-loved novel, adding to the bookmark’s nostalgic charm.
- Function Meets Aesthetic: Not only does this bookmark look beautiful, but it’s also functional. Its sturdy cables add durability, while the slim design fits snugly between book pages without causing any bulk.
- A Gift for Book Lovers and Swifties Alike: With its gentle color and sophisticated cable design, the Folklore Bookmark makes an ideal handmade gift. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Taylor Swift, literature, or simply appreciates handmade treasures.
The Folklore Bookmark Knitting Pattern
Skill Level – Intermediate (Experienced knitters)
- Make a knitted bookmark with an intricate 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.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
Materials Needed
Yarn
- Fingering weight yarn/4 Ply.
- Amount of yarn – around 15g/40 meters.
- Yarn – Dark Omen Yarn, Merino Sock Mini in the color Hastur.
Needles
Notions
- Darning needle/tapestry needle or yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
- 2 x Stitch markers
Size Information
The bookmark length measures – 9 inches.
The width measures – 4 inches.
Gauge – 32 stitches/36 rows in 10 x 10 cm/4 inches.
Knitting Abbreviations
- CO – Cast on
- C4B (Cable 4 Back) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 sts from left hand needle and then knit 2 sts from cable needle.
- C4F (Cable 4 Front) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 2 sts from left hand needle and then knit 2 sts from cable needle.
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- PM – Place marker
- SM – Slip marker
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- St st – Stocking stitch
- T3B (Twist 3 Back) – Slip next st onto cable needle and hold at back of work. Knit next 2 sts from left hand needle, then purl st from cable needle.
- T3F (Twist 3 Front) – Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, purl next st from left hand needle, then knit 2 sts from cable needle.
- Rep – Repeat
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
- 1×1 Ribbing – K1, P1 repeat.
Pattern Instructions
Panel of 16 sts on a background of rev st st.
Cast on 26 stitches.
Work 4 rows of 1×1 Ribbing.
- Row 1 (RS): K3, (edge) P2, PM, P2, C4B, P4, C4F, P2, PM, P2, K3 (edge).
- Row 2 (WS): K5, SM, K2, P4, K4, P4, K2, SM, K5.
- Row 3: K3, P2, SM, P1, T3B, T3F, P2, T3B, T3F, P1, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 4: K5, SM, K1, [P2, K2] 3 times, P2, K1, SM, K5.
- Row 5: K3, P2, SM, [T3B, P2, T3F] Twice, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 6: K5, SM, P2, K4, P4, K4, P2, SM, K5.
- Row 7: K3, P2, SM, K2, P4, C4B, P4, K2, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 8: As Row 6.
- Row 9: K3, P2, SM, K2, P4, K4, P4, K2, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 10: As Row 6.
- Row 11: As Row 7.
- Row 12: As Row 6.
- Row 13: K3, P2, SM, [T3F, P2, T3B] Twice, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 14: As Row 4.
- Row 15: K3, P2, SM, P1, T3F, T3B, P2, T3F, T3B, P1, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 16: As Row 2.
- Row 17: As Row 1.
- Row 18: As Row 2.
- Row 19: As Row 3.
- Row 20: As Row 4.
- Row 21: K3, P2, SM, P1, [K2, P2] 3 times, K2, P1, SM, P2, K3.
- Row 22: As Row 4.
- Row 23: As Row 15.
- Row 24: As Row 2.
- Rep rows 1-24 until the length measures = 8.5 inches.
Work 4 rows in 1×1 ribbing
Cast off in ribbing.
Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.
Block the work.
Optional – Add two small tassels to the end of the bookmark.
Knitting Tips for Folklore Bookmark
- Practice Your Cable Stitches: If you’re new to cables, don’t worry! The pattern uses simple cable techniques that add beautiful texture without being too challenging.
- Take Your Time with Blocking: Blocking will help the cables open up and lie flat, giving the bookmark a polished, professional look. Lightly block the piece to keep the cable texture intact.
- Adjustable Length: You can easily customize the bookmark’s length by adding or reducing cable repeats, allowing you to tailor it to your preferred book size.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
The Folklore Bookmark is not just a knitting project; it’s a little piece of the “Folklore” album brought to life in yarn form.
With its timeless design and nods to Taylor Swift’s evocative lyrics, it’s a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the magic that comes with each turn of the page.
Knitting this bookmark has a rhythm to it that feels peaceful, almost meditative—much like listening to “Folklore” on a quiet afternoon.
Whether you’re tucking it between pages of poetry, journaling, or gifting it to someone special, may it bring you a sense of calm and creativity.
Happy knitting, and may the Folklore spirit stay with you!
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the Folklore bookmark, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
