Amigurumi · Mixed construction
Crochet Panda Bookmark Pattern
By Looplader · Tested row by row · Updated
- Skill
- Easy
- Hook
- 2.75 mm (C/2)
- Yarn
- Fine/sport cotton (CYC 2)
- Time
- One quiet evening
This crochet panda bookmark is a flat, slim strip with a shallow oval panda head at one end, so it sits between book pages without a stuffed bump. The strip is worked in rows, then the ears, eye patches, and embroidered face are sewn flat.
Use smooth sport-weight cotton or another non-fuzzy yarn for a crisp page marker. The stitch count matters more than the exact brand: a bookmark that curls or grows too wide will not lie neatly in a book.
Why you’ll love this pattern
- The body is a repeat of 10 single crochet stitches, easy to make from scraps.
- All panda features are yarn or flat crochet pieces; there are no plastic eyes or stuffing.
- The oval head is sewn along its lower edge so the top remains visually clear without making the marker thick.
- A final light block flattens the strip and makes it book-ready.
Instructions
- 1
Make a small sc gauge swatch in the cream yarn. Aim for about 20 sc and 22 rows = 4 in / 10 cm. Exact gauge is not critical, but the flat strip should finish close to 1 3/4 in / 4.5 cm wide; change hook size if your fabric is stiff or too loose.
- 2
Bookmark strip: with cream, ch 11. Row 1: sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across; turn. (10 sts) Rows 2–32: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (10 sts each row) Do not pull the turning chain tight; tight side edges make a bookmark curl.
- 3
Check the strip before adding the face. At the stated gauge it should be about 1 3/4 in / 4.5 cm wide and 5 3/4 in / 14.5 cm long. If it is longer than needed for your book, remove whole rows from the bottom end; keep the width at 10 stitches.
- 416 sts
Panda head: with cream, ch 8. Rnd 1: sc in the second ch from hook and in the next 5 ch, 3 sc in the last ch; working on the opposite side of the foundation chain, sc in the next 5 ch, 2 sc in the first ch; join with a sl st.
- 5
Rnd 2: ch 1, inc, sc in the next 5 sts, inc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next 5 sts, inc in each of the final 2 sts; join. (22 sts) Rnd 3: ch 1, inc, sc in the next 7 sts, inc in each of the next 3 sts, sc in the next 7 sts, inc in each of the final 2 sts; join. (28 sts) Fasten off, leaving a 12 in / 30 cm sewing tail. The oval should lie flat.
- 6
Ears, make 2: with black, make a magic ring. Rnd 1: 6 sc in ring. (6 sts) Rnd 2: inc in each st around; join. (12 sts) Fasten off with a long tail. Fold each circle lightly in half to form a flat semicircle.
- 7
Eye patches, make 2: with soft gray, ch 6. Row 1: sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across; turn. (5 sts) Row 2: ch 1, inc, sc in the next 3 sts, inc; turn. (7 sts) Row 3: ch 1, inc, sc in the next 5 sts, inc. (9 sts) Fasten off with a long tail and shape each patch into a gentle oval.
- 8
Position the ears on the top curve of the head and the patches about 1/4 in / 6 mm below them. Sew around every edge with small whip stitches. With doubled black yarn, embroider two short curved eyes on the gray patches, a tiny triangular nose between them, and one short stitch below the nose. Keep every embroidery stitch short and flat.
- 9
Place the head at the top of the bookmark strip with the RS of both pieces facing up. Sew only the lower third of the oval to the top two rows of the strip, using the cream tail and small whip stitches. The upper part of the head should overlap the page edge while the strip stays completely flat beneath it.
- 10
Weave every tail through several stitch columns, changing direction once before trimming. Wet the bookmark lightly, lay it straight on a blocking mat, and pin only the outer corners and the head edge. Let it dry flat; do not stretch it wider.
- 11
Test the bookmark in a closed book. The head should rest outside the page block and the strip should lie between pages with no bulge. If the strip catches on page edges, use a smaller hook for the next one or block this one more firmly rather than adding weight or a tassel.
Tips for success
- Choose smooth cotton, bamboo, or a cotton blend; fuzzy yarn makes the narrow edges look thick.
- If the strip curves sideways, the first or last stitch of a row was missed. Count 10 stitches before turning.
- Block the finished bookmark flat. A bookmark needs flatness more than drape.
- Keep the head shallow and the attachment seam only along its lower edge; stuffing turns it into a page-bending lump.
Pattern at a glance
- Time to make
- One quiet evening
- Skill level
- Easy
- Hook
- 2.75 mm (C/2)
- Yarn weight
- Fine/sport cotton (CYC 2)CYC standard
- Yardage
- About 27 yd / 25 m total
- Gauge
- About 20 sc x 22 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
- Finished size
- About 1 3/4 x 7 1/2 in / 4.5 x 19 cm at stated gauge
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Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is best for a crochet bookmark?
Smooth fine or sport cotton is a strong choice because it makes a thin, flat fabric. Avoid bulky, fuzzy, or plush yarns: they add thickness and can mark or bend a closed book.
Can I make the panda bookmark longer?
Yes. Add full rows to the 10-stitch strip before sewing on the head, then test it in the intended book. Keep the width unchanged so it remains slim between the pages.
Why is my bookmark curling?
Curling usually comes from tight turning chains or a missed edge stitch. Work the ch-1 loosely, count 10 stitches across each row, then wet-block the strip flat.
Can I use safety eyes on the panda bookmark?
No. This flat bookmark is designed with yarn embroidery so it stays low-profile. Plastic eyes add a hard bump that can catch on pages and are unnecessary for the small facial details.
