This site contains affiliate links, view our disclaimer for more information.

DIY Macrame bookmark

These macrame bookmarks are THE cutest craft for book lovers! AND they are seriously so easy and cute to make.

If you are a beginner that is nervous to get into the world of macrame, this craft is a great place to start! These bookmarks are my favorite because the paperclip clips perfectly onto your book without sliding off. Not only this, but it is not too thick that it leaves the pages misshaped. On top of all that – the macrame design looks so cute coming out over the top of the book!

These are super simple to make and can be done in under 5 minutes! If you have extra macrame cord laying around at home this is the perfect way to use it up, give it as a gift, and have a fun girls night making crafts with your friends!

How to make a macrame bookmark

WHAT YOU NEED:

Now that we have all the supplies, let’s make this macrame bookmark!

macrame paperclip bookmark for reading

There are a million designs out there – but in my opinion the easiest pattern to learn looks is called the clove hitch.

The clove hitch looks like two diagonal lines meeting in the center. This stitch will look like this gray macrame bookmark pictured above!

Step one:

Measure and cut three cords that are roughly each 24 inches long.

Each cord will be tied to the paperclip using a lark’s head knot. A lark’s head knot is made by first taking the sting and folding it in half, then take that middle loop you just made and string it through the paperclip. Reaching through the loop, grab the two strings and thread them through. Pull the strings tight holding the base. Do this for all three strings. Here is an example of a lark’s head knot!

how to make a lark's head knot

Step two:

Now we will make a V pattern by tying a diagonal clove hitch knot for two rows on both sides!

First, you will take the outside string and lay it over the first string preceding inward. Take the first string it is laying across and follow it under the folded string, then loop it up and through the middle of the loop.

You will do this same motion TWICE for each string. The easiest way to get this pattern down is to hold the outside (I call guide) string with your inside hand and using your other hand grab the first string and make sure it first loops under the guide string and then loop it up and through the two strings, doing this twice. Here is a step-by-step example of how to make the clove hitch.

how to make a clove hitch pattern

Once you have completed the motion above, you will move on to the next string and complete these same steps, looping the new string around your diagonal guide string.

STEP THREE:

After you do the clove hitch for three rows, you can cut away the excess string hanging from the braid. I like to fray the ends and let them hang or gather them all together and tie a gathering knot on the end.

This youtube video is another quick tutorial and does a great job showing how to tie the clove hitch into a bookmark!

Congrats! you just made your very own macrame bookmark to enjoy with all your books!

macrame bookmark tutorial

Happy crafting 🙂