Introduction
The Libby Bookmark, spike stitch crochet bookmark, is a fantastic first crochet project. It helps you to learn basic stitches and techniques while making a lovely project to gift for Mother’s Day, birthday or use as a stocking filler!
You can purchase the add free PDF version of the pattern at LoveCrafts here and Ravelry here.
Last updated: 28/02/2025
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Skills required:
To create this beautiful spike stitch crochet bookmark you will need to master (or already know) these stitches and techniques:
Chain, single crochet (sc), spike stitch (sp), adding fringe, blocking.
Skill level:
Finished measurements:
The final spike stitch crochet bookmark measurements (blocked):
2.0” x 7.75” (5 x 19.5 cm) (without fringe)
Materials and tools
Yarn:
To get the exact look as on the pictures of my spike stitch crochet bookmark, you will need:
Malabrigo Lace (100% Baby Merino Wool | lace weight | 50 g (1.76 oz) = 430 m (470 yds)),
- (#028) Blue Surf 1 skein (A),
- (#192) Periwinkle 1 skein (B)
The estimated yardage for this project is approximately 6 g (3 g per colour).
Other yarn alternatives:
Please always swatch when substituting yarn:
Lana Grossa: Cool Wool Lace
West Yorkshire Spinners: Exquisite Lace
For further alternatives, please see:
Malabrigo Yarn Lace | Substitutes
You can get your craft supplies here.
Tools and notions:
- Crochet hook size 3.0 mm
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Optional: laundry starch
Gauge:
Blocked Gauge:
24 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm (4” x 4”) over stitch pattern using 3 mm hook
The gauge is not essential for this spike stitch crochet bookmark, but it will impact the amount of yarn used.
Gauge helps you to understand how the project turns out in terms of the final size. If you would like to achieve the exact size of the final project as in the instructions above, you gauge needs to match exactly to the above.
If you get more stitches and/or rows than stated above using the exact hook size as per instructions, your final project will turn out smaller. Conversely, if you get less stitches and/or rows than stated above using the exact hooks size as per instructions, your final project will turn out bigger.
To make adjustments, if you get more stitches and/or rows, you can try using bigger hook size to get closer to the desired size. Conversely, if you get less stitches and/or rows, you can try using smaller hook size to get closer to the desired size.
It may take trial and error to try out a few hook sizes to achieve the exact size.
Alternatively, if you really don’t want to make several samples to achieve the desired size, you can try to alter your tension as you work the project. However, I would advise to try this out once you master the basics of crochet as it may be a bit tiresome to try to master the basics of crochet and focus on alternating your tension while working the project.
Stitch guide:
ch (chain) – yrh, pull through lp on the hook.
sc (double crochet) – insert hook into indicated st, yrh, pull up a lp (2 lps on hook), yrh, pull through 2 lps on hook.
sp (spike stitch) – insert hook as follows picking up a loop in each sp: 2 sts to right of next st 1 row down, 1 st to right 2 rows down, directly below 3 rows down, 1 st to left 2 rows down, 2 sts to left 1 row down (6 lps on hook), insert hook next st (next st in row currently being worked), yrh, pul, yrh and pull through all 7 lps on hook.
Abbreviations:
| Abbreviations used in spike stitch crochet bookmark: | |
| ch- chain | pul- pull up a loop |
| st(s)- stitch(es) | approx.- approximately |
| lp(s)- loop(s) | rep- repeat |
| sc- single crochet | sk- skip |
| sp- spike stitch | sp- space |
| yrh- yarn round the hook |
Notes:
- The spike stitch crochet bookmark is worked in rows from bottom up.
- Starting ch 1 does NOT counts as 1st sc.
- Similar lace weight yarns may be substituted; please check gauge.
- The bookmark is worked with yarn held double (2 strands of the same colour).
- The bookmark has a border of one row of sc.
- Fringe in B is added through each edge st along the bottom of the bookmark.
Instructions:
Bookmark
In A, chain 10.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, sc across, turn. 9 sts
Row 2: Ch 1 (does NOT counts as 1st sc), sc across, turn.
Rows 3-7: Rep Row 2.
Row 8: Ch 1, sc across to last st, insert hook into last st, yrh, pull up a lp (2 lps on hook), drop A, yrh in B, pull through 2 lps on hook.
Row 9: In B, ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, sp in next, sc in next 4 sts, turn.
Row 10: Ch 1, sc across, turn.
Rows 11-15: Rep Row 10.
Row 16: Ch 1, sc across to last st, insert hook into last st, yrh, pull up a lp (2 lps on hook), drop B, yrh in A, pull through 2 lps on hook.
Row 17: In A, ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, sp in next, sc in next 4 sts, turn.
Rows 18-23: Rep Row 2.
Row 24: Rep Row 8.
Rows 25-32: Rep Rows 9-16.
Rows 33-48: Rep Rows 17-32.
Border:
Work sc around with working 3 sc sts in each corner st.
Optional: add fringe as per notes.
Fasten-off.
Finishing:
Weave in all ends and block the spike stitch crochet bookmark to final measurements as above.
Optional: If you prefer the bookmark to have firmer shape, apply laundry starch during blocking
I would love to see and share your work on social media, use #libbybookmark or #exquisitecrochetuk.
Pattern support: exquisite.crochet.uk@gmail.com
Further resources:
Pattern video tutorial for this spike stitch crochet bookmark:
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You can purchase the add free PDF version of the pattern at LoveCrafts here and Ravelry here.
Did you enjoy the Libby Bookmark pattern? Why not try my other Mother’s Day gift crochet patterns:
Thank you so much if you got this far in the pattern! I hope you got inspired for your own version using different colours. I can’t wait to see it! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and let me know in the comment section below how you got on with it! As always, if you have any pattern query, the quickest way to get it answered is by emailing me on the pattern support email address above.
Happy crocheting!
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