Fabric / 30 minutes

A bookmark from an offcut

Cut two rectangles of washable woven fabric, each about 6 × 20 cm. You will also need matching thread, a needle, scissors, and an iron if available.

1. Place the rectangles with their right sides together. Mark a seam about 8 mm from each edge.
2. Sew around the edge with small backstitches, leaving a 4 cm opening on one long side.
3. Trim the corners carefully without cutting the stitches. Turn the piece right-side out through the opening.
4. Fold the opening edges inward, flatten the bookmark, and close the gap with small stitches.
5. Add a line of stitching near the outer edge if you want a firmer finish.

Avoid beads or thick knots that might press into pages. Keep needles and scissors safely stored. Test an iron on a scrap first and use the temperature recommended for the fabric.