Willow Bookmark Knitting Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.As the leaves fall and the air cools, there’s something incredibly comforting about curling up with a warm drink, a good book, and, of course, some knitting.
This season, I found inspiration from Taylor Swift’s hauntingly beautiful song, “Willow,” to create a bookmark that captures the autumnal essence of both the lyrics and the season.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
Knit With Lace Stitches
The Willow Bookmark is designed with delicate lace stitches that flow like willow branches in the wind.
Each leaf motif adds a touch of nature, symbolic of autumn’s graceful decay, while the burnt orange yarn brings warmth and richness reminiscent of falling leaves.
This small but meaningful project combines simplicity with elegance, making it ideal for knitters who love incorporating personal stories and inspirations into their work.
Pattern Highlights
- Inspiration: Taylor Swift’s “Willow” speaks of resilience, change, and enduring love, themes that I wanted to translate into a piece that could capture the same soulful mood. The bookmark’s flowing, organic shapes mimic a willow tree’s branches and leaves, bringing a sense of movement and mystery to this small accessory.
- Techniques Used: This bookmark is a perfect introduction to lace knitting. Simple, repetitive lace stitches come together to form an intricate pattern of tiny leaves. With a bit of focus and patience, you’ll see the leaf shapes emerge row by row, adding elegance without requiring advanced skills.
- Autumn Burnt Orange Yarn: The yarn choice adds depth to the design, embodying the season’s rich palette. Burnt orange brings to mind the earthy, cozy vibes of October and November, enhancing the bookmark’s visual and thematic appeal.
- Perfect Size: Small enough to tuck between the pages of your current read, the Willow Bookmark is both functional and beautiful. Its slim, delicate structure ensures it won’t stretch or damage your book’s binding, while the lacework makes it lightweight yet sturdy.
- Gift Idea for Swifties: Know someone who loves Taylor Swift as much as knitting? This bookmark could be the perfect handmade gift for a fellow Swiftie, combining their love for the song with a touch of autumn magic.
The Willow Bookmark Knitting Pattern
Skill Level – Intermediate (Experienced knitters)
- Make a knitted bookmark with an intricate lace 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
Yarn
- Fingering weight yarn/4 Ply.
- Amount of yarn – around 10g/40 meters.
- Yarn – Dark Omen, Merino Sock Mini in the color Furnace.
- Choose a lace or light-fingering-weight yarn in a burnt orange shade.
Needles
Notions
- Darning needle/tapestry needle or yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
Size Information
The bookmark length measures – 9 inches.
The width measures – 3 inches.
Gauge – 16 stitches/18 rows in 5 x 5 cm/2 inches.
Knitting Abbreviations
- CO – cast on
- K – knit
- K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
- P – purl
- PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over
- SL1 – Slip one stitch
- St(s) – stitch(es)
- Rep – repeat
- RS – Right side
- WS – Wrong side
- YB – Yarn to the back
- YFRN – With yarn in front around needle
- YF – Yarn to the front/yarn forward
- YON – Yarn over needle
Pattern Instructions
Cast on 20 stitches.
Work 4 rows of garter stitch (Knit 4 rows).
- Row 1 (RS): K2 (edge) P1, K3, K2tog, K1, YFRN, P2, YON, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K3, P1, K2 (edge).
- Row 2 (WS) and every alt row: K2, K1, P6, K2, P6, K1, K2.
- Row 3: K2, P1, K2, K2tog, K1, YF, K1, P2, K1, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K2, P1, K2.
- Row 5: K2, P1, K1, K2tog, K1, YF, K2, P2, K2, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, K1, P1, K2.
- Row 7: K2, P1, K2tog, K1, YF, K3, P2, K3, YF, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, P1, K2.
- Row 8: K2, K1, P6, K2, P6, K1, K2.
- Rep rows 1-8 until the length measures = 8.5 inches.
Work 4 rows in garter stitch (Knit 4 rows).
Cast off.
Weave in any loose ends/yarn tails.
Block the work.
Optional – Add a small tassel to the end of the bookmark.
Tips for Knitting the Willow Bookmark
- Swatch First: Since lace stitches can sometimes surprise you with their openness and gauge, knitting a small swatch helps you see how your yarn will behave.
- Blocking is Key: Blocking will be crucial to fully reveal the delicate lace patterns. Once you’re done knitting, wet block your bookmark to make the leaves pop and to get the correct shape.
- Customize the Length: Adjust the number of lace repeats to make your bookmark longer or shorter, depending on your preference or the size of your favorite book.
Final Thoughts
The Willow Bookmark is more than just a knitting project; it’s a reflection of art, music, and nature, all wrapped up in a piece of handmade creativity.
I hope you enjoy knitting it as much as I did designing it.
Let this little creation bring you moments of peace and inspiration as you slip it between the pages of a book or gift it to someone special this autumn season.
Happy knitting, and may the spirit of “Willow” guide each stitch!
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
If you enjoyed making the Willow 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!
