End of term is coming - and if you're looking for a gift that's thoughtful, handmade, and genuinely useful, look no further. These fabric corner bookmarks are quick to make, use up your charm square scraps beautifully, and look like you've put in far more effort than you actually have. Teachers love them. Kids love making them. Everyone wins.
They work up in under an hour, require no specialist skills, and are a brilliant way to introduce younger sewists to the joy of making something with their hands. We used Moda charm squares - pre-cut to 5" and available in hundreds of gorgeous colourways - which makes the whole project even faster. We chose Balboa for its beautiful florals and vibrant contrast, but any coordinating charm pack will work a treat.
Here's how to make them, step by step.
What You'll Need
- 3 squares of coordinating fabric (5" or 4" work well - Moda charm squares are perfect)
- 2 squares of Heat n'Bond Lite, cut 1" smaller than your fabric squares
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing machine and thread
- Clover Wonder Clips or pins
- Purple Thang or turning tool (optional but very helpful!)
Step 1.
Gather your 3 fabric squares and 2 squares of Heat n'Bond Lite. We made two sizes - one using 5" squares and one using 4" squares. The 5" version fits most books beautifully and is the easiest to handle for little hands.
Step 2.
Take the fabric you'd like the corner triangle to be made from and iron Heat n'Bond Lite onto the reverse side. Once cooled, remove the paper backing, fold in half diagonally, and press again to fuse.
Step 3.
Sandwich the triangle between the other two fabric squares with both right sides facing in. The triangle should be tucked neatly inside.
Step 4.
Clip or pin together and stitch around the sandwich using a ¼" seam allowance, leaving a small gap for turning. We used Clover Wonder Clips throughout - they're brilliant for keeping layers flat without distorting the fabric.
Step 5.
Turn right side out (the Purple Thang is your best friend here), fold in the open seam, and topstitch around all the edges for a neat, professional finish. BERNINA lovers, Foot 10 gives you perfect topstitching every time - and the height compensation tool helps you glide smoothly over any lumps and bumps.
Ta-dah!
Slip one over the corner of a book and you've got a gift that any teacher would be genuinely delighted to receive. Make a few in different colourways and pop them in a little bag with a handwritten note - it's the kind of thoughtful, personal gift that stands out from the usual end-of-term bunch of flowers.
Happy making - and happy end of term!