How to Crochet a Thistle Bookmark

Q: How do I create the petal section of the thistle bookmark?

Switch to light purple yarn for the petal section. Work Round 4 by chaining three (counts as first sc) and completing eight single crochets around, then sliding the next eight stitches with slip stitches and ending with a slip stitch in the top of the starting chain. In Round 5, chain two (counts as first dc) and work six double crochets around, again sliding eight stitches with slip stitches and ending with a slip stitch. In the final round, work two double crochets into each of the last two stitches and two double crochets into the final stitch to complete the petals.

Materials & tools you'll need

Dark purple yarn — 70 metres (77 yards) · Light purple yarn — 50 metres (54 yards) · Size H / 5mm crochet hook · Yarn needle for weaving in ends · Scissors

Step 1 — Build the base

Using dark purple yarn and the H/5mm hook, chain 20 and join with a slip stitch to form a ring — this ring serves as the foundation of the entire bookmark. For Round 1, chain three (this counts as your first double crochet) and work six double crochets into the ring. Chain three again, then work a double crochet into the third chain from the hook, followed by six more double crochets into the ring. Slip stitch into the third chain from the hook to close the round. For Round 2, chain three (counts as first single crochet) and work five single crochets into the second chain-3 space. Work two double crochets into each of the next six double crochets, then chain three and complete a final double crochet in the top of the starting chain-3. Work five more single crochets into the second chain-3 space, then slip stitch into the third chain from the hook to join and complete the base.

Step 2 — Work the leaves

Keep your dark purple yarn for the leaves section. For Round 3, chain four (counts as first treble crochet) and work two treble crochets into the same stitch as the last double crochet. Work a single crochet, then two treble crochets into the next stitch. Chain four, work two treble crochets into the top of the starting treble crochet, and repeat this sequence for a total of two leaves. Slip stitch into the third chain from the hook to join the round. Keep your tension relaxed through the treble crochets so the leaves fan out naturally rather than pulling inward — this is what gives the finished bookmark its thistle silhouette.

Step 3 — Add the petals

Switch to light purple yarn for the petal section. For Round 4, chain three (counts as first single crochet) and work eight single crochets around. Slide the next eight stitches along with slip stitches, then end with a slip stitch into the top of the starting chain-3. For Round 5, chain two (counts as first double crochet) and work six double crochets around. Again slide the next eight stitches with slip stitches and end with a slip stitch into the third chain from the hook. Repeat this pattern until three stitches remain in the final round. To complete the petals, work two double crochets into each of the last two stitches, and two double crochets into the final stitch. The slip-stitch sliding technique through these rounds is what creates the layered, ruffled petal effect that distinguishes the thistle head shape.

Step 4 — Work the edging and finish

Switch back to dark purple yarn for the edging. For Round 6, chain four (counts as first treble crochet) and work two treble crochets around, then slip stitch into the third chain from the hook to join. Chain three and work a single crochet into each stitch around the base, placing a chain-3 space between each single crochet. Continue this pattern all the way around the bookmark until you reach the final single crochet. The alternating chain-3 spaces give the edging a delicate, lacy finish that frames the thistle motif cleanly. Once the edging is complete, fasten off and weave in all remaining yarn tails using the yarn needle, threading each tail through the back of several neighbouring stitches in two directions before trimming. Your thistle bookmark is ready to use in any book or journal.

Frequently asked questions

What are the finished dimensions of the crochet thistle bookmark?
The finished thistle bookmark measures approximately 15 cm (6 inches) wide by 3.5 cm (1.4 inches) tall. It fits neatly inside most books and journals without adding bulk.

What crochet stitches are used to make the thistle bookmark?
The thistle bookmark uses four basic stitches: single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), chain stitch (ch), and treble crochet (tr). All four are standard US-terminology stitches that beginners who have completed a few small projects should be comfortable with.

How do I create the petal section of the thistle bookmark?
Switch to light purple yarn and work Round 4 by chaining three and completing eight single crochets around, sliding the next eight stitches with slip stitches before closing the round. In Round 5, chain two and work six double crochets around in the same way. In the final round, work two double crochets into each of the last two stitches and two double crochets into the final stitch to complete the layered petal shape.

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