How To Do The Embossed Shell Crochet Stitch

Looking for a quick crochet project that is just a little bit cheeky, surprisingly useful, and perfect for book lovers? This Book Thong Bookmark Free Crochet Pattern is one of those small makes that works up fast, uses simple stitches, and makes people smile the second they see it.

It is practical, a little playful, and ideal for gifting. If you have ever had a bookmark fall out of your book, disappear into the couch cushions, or get stolen by your growing pile of yarn and pattern printouts, this crochet bookmark solves that problem in a fun way. The stretchy band slips around the book, while the pointed front panel sits neatly on the cover and the lower string tucks inside the pages to hold your place.

This is a great stash-busting project too. You only need a small amount of size 4 yarn and a 5 mm hook, so it is perfect for using up leftovers from larger crochet projects. Make one for yourself, then make a few more for reader friends, teachers, book club swaps, or little handmade market gifts.

Why You Will Love This Crochet Bookmark Pattern

There is something very satisfying about a crochet project you can finish quickly and actually use straight away. This bookmark is:

• fast and beginner-friendly
• made with basic crochet stitches
• a fun gift for readers
• easy to customise
• ideal for leftover yarn
• practical for novels, journals, and notebooks

It also has plenty of room for personal touches. You can keep it plain and simple, or embellish it with tiny flowers, beads, buttons, bows, or themed accents to suit the person receiving it.

Materials Needed

For this pattern you will need:

• 5 mm crochet hook
• size 4 yarn
• scissors
• yarn needle for weaving in ends

Crochet Abbreviations

• FHDC – foundation half double crochet
• HDC – half double crochet
• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• dec – decrease
• FO – fasten off

Pattern Notes

The bookmark starts with a stretchy band worked in foundation half double crochet. This is joined to make a ring that fits around the book. The front triangle is then worked onto the band, and finally a chain is added so the lower string can sit inside the book to mark your page.

The stitch count given works for many standard books, but you may need to adjust slightly depending on:

• the size of your book
• your yarn thickness
• your crochet tension

The yarn stretch makes this design quite forgiving, so do not stress too much over exact sizing.

If you do not like foundation stitches, there is a simple chain alternative included too.

Book Thong Bookmark Free Crochet Pattern

Band

Leaving a bit of a tail, work FHDC 62.

Join with a sl st to the first FHDC to create a ring, making sure the band is not twisted.

Please note: depending on the size of your book, your tension, your yarn size, and how snug you want the fit, you may need more or fewer FHDC stitches. Thankfully yarn has a bit of stretch, so this pattern fits a range of book sizes.

If you would rather skip foundation stitches, you can use this option instead:

Alternative band:
Ch 63, turn, then work 62 HDC back across the chain. Join into a ring.

Front Triangular Panel

Row 1: Ch 1, HDC in the same stitch as join, 15 HDC, ch 1, turn.
16 stitches

Row 2: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 12 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
14 stitches

Row 3: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 10 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
12 stitches

Row 4: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 8 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
10 stitches

Row 5: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 6 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
8 stitches

Row 6: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 4 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
6 stitches

Row 7: Dec in the first 2 stitches, 2 HDC, dec in the last 2 stitches, ch 1, turn.
4 stitches

Row 8: Dec twice.
2 stitches

Row 9: Dec once.
1 stitch

Chain 20.

Attach this chain to the middle of the back of the band. In the sample, this was approximately 23 stitches from either side of the front triangle, but you may need to adjust depending on your band size.

Fasten off and secure well.

Return to your starting point and use the beginning yarn tail to secure the starting chain to the triangle and waistband.

Weave in ends.

Embellish as desired, or leave it plain for a clean and simple finish.

How the Book Thong Bookmark Works

Once your bookmark is finished, the top band wraps around the book cover. The triangular panel sits on the front of the book, and the bottom string goes inside the book to hold your page. That is what makes this style so handy. It is not just decorative, it actually stays put.

This makes it especially useful for:

• paperbacks
• hardcovers
• reading journals
• planners
• devotional books
• gift books

Easy Ways to Customise This Pattern

This pattern is so easy to tweak depending on your style.

Try using:

• pastel yarn for romance novels
• darker shades for mystery books
• bright colours for teen readers
• variegated yarn for a fun handmade look
• cotton yarn for a firmer finish
• acrylic yarn for extra stretch

You could also add:

• a tiny crocheted flower
• a charm
• a bead on the end string
• a mini bow
• initials for a personalised gift

Or keep it plain if you want the bookmark to look clean, modern, and practical.

Beginner Tips for Success

If you are new to crochet, this is a lovely little pattern to practise on without the stress of fitting a garment or counting endless rows for a blanket.

A few simple tips:

Make sure the band is not twisted before joining. That is the one part worth checking twice.

If your band feels too tight around the book, add a few more foundation stitches next time.

If it feels too loose, reduce the count slightly.

When working the decreases, try to keep them neat and even so the triangle keeps a tidy shape.

And as always, if your first one turns out a tiny bit wonky, call it handmade charm and keep going. Most crafters have an entire history of “learning experiences” hidden in baskets and drawers.

Handmade Gift Idea for Readers

This crochet bookmark would make a sweet extra gift tied around a new novel, tucked into a birthday present, or added to a teacher thank-you package. It is one of those small handmade touches that feels thoughtful without taking days to make.

It would also be cute for:

• book club gifts
• stocking fillers
• market stall stock
• Mother’s Day gifts
• librarian gifts
• back-to-school reading treats

If you sell at craft markets, these would be great worked up in a small range of colours and displayed around vintage books or journals.