Often when people think of crochet, they only think of larger crafts such as afghans or sweaters. However, it is well suited for small crafts like bookmarks as long as you use the proper crochet hook and thread.

On this How to Crochet a Bookworm Bookmark page, you are taught how to create two different styles of crocheted bookworm bookmarks. First, you are shown how to make the traditional squiggly 3D worm shape version. Then, you find out how to create a bookmark using tapestry crochet in a worm pattern.

Tapestry crochet creates a very sturdy fabric that lets you replicate any grid pattern. You can easily make color changes while keeping the material free of long floats on the back. It is an ancient technique that can be found on hats in Africa, bags in Guatemala and yarmulkes in Israel.http://iweb.tntech.edu/cventura/MTChistory.htm

This tutorial is suitable for crocheters that are comfortable with the basic crochet stitches. You need to use a size 5 steel crochet hook and either bedspread weight yarn or embroidery floss for the tapestry project. If you plan to make the tapestry crochet piece, you need 2 colors. For the traditional bookworm, you need 2 colors of cotton crochet yarn and a size G crochet hook. It should take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to make either project.

• Slip Knot:

1. Create a loop with the yarn while holding the tail behind it.
2. Take the hook through the loop on the right side then push it up under the bar made by the tail. Bring it through the loop on the left.
3. Tug the tail and tighten the loop. Leave a 6 inch tail to weave in later.

• Circle Chain:

1. Form a slip knot on the hook.
2. With the hook in your right hand, yarn over the hook.
3. Pull it through to make your first chain loop.
4. Continue with this procedure until you have the number of loops needed for the pattern. Do not count the loop still on the hook.
5. Slip stitch into the initial loop.

• Straight Chain:

1. Make it like the circle chain, but do not slip stitch it to form a circle.

• Slip Stitch:

1. Place the hook in the stitch indicated in the pattern.
2. Yarn over and pull a loop through the stitch and loop on the hook.

• Making a Chain in Pattern:

1. With the yarn in a loop, wrap the yarn over then pull a loop through the old one.
2. Repeat for the number listed in the patten.

• Single Crochet:

1. Chain 1 at the beginning of the row. It is not the first single crochet in the row.
2. Insert the hook into the stitch. Yarn over.
3. Bring up a loop then wrap the yarn over again.
4. Pull the loop through both of the previous loops on the hook. You have created a single crochet stitch.

• Half Double Crochet:

1. Chain 2 at the beginning of the row. It is the first half double crochet stitch.
2. Wrap the yarn over then insert the hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over again and pull up a loop.
4. Pull the yarn through all 3 loops on the hook. You have created a half double crochet stitch.

• Double Crochet:

1. Chain 3 at the beginning of the row. It is the first double crochet stitch.
2. Then, yarn over and insert the hook through the next stitch.
3. Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull up a loop.
4. Bring the loop through the first 2 loops on the crochet hook.
5. Yarn over one last time and bring the loop through the 2 loops remaining on the hook. You have made a double crochet stitch.

To learn more about the basics of crochet, read the How to Do Basic Crochet Stitches page.

The most common type of bookworm bookmark is a 3-dimensional corkscrew form made from double crochet stitches. It is a simple and fun project that young children find enjoyable. You can use 2 different colors of green cotton crochet yarn to make your worm. However, if you are making it as a gift for a young reader, consider asking them what their 2 favorite colors are and use those instead.

• Instructions:
• Head: Start by chaining 25 loops. This is the base of the first corkscrew section that forms the head. Once you are done making the chain, insert the hook into the second chain loop from the hook. Then, make 3 single crochet stitches in that one loop. Repeat this process in the next 2 chains. In the next chain, make a single, half double and double crochet stitch. After that is done, place 3 double crochets in each of the remaining chain loops until you reach the last 2 loops. In the second chain from the end, create a double, half double and single crochet stitch. Then, make 3 single crochets in the last chain. From there, make a chain with 68 loops.

• Tail: Make 3 single crochet stitches into the second chain from the hook. Form 3 single crochets in each of the next 2 chain loops. In the next chain loop, create a single, half double and double crochet stitch. After that, make 3 double crochets in each of the next 4 chain loops. Then, add a double, half double then single crochet stitch in the next loop. Finally, make 3 single crochets in the next loop. Slip stitch in the next loop. Cut off a 6 inch tail. Weave in both tails at this point.

• Edging: Starting at the tail, single crochet in every stitch with your second color. Then, slip stitch across the middle empty chain links. Once you reach the bottom of the head, place a single crochet in every stitch of the head corkscrew. After you are done, cut off a 6 inch tail and weave it in.

Tapestry crochet isn't difficult since it usually just entails using only single crochet stitches. However, you do have to maintain a consistent tension while seamlessly changing colors back and forth. If you have never done this technique before, it is recommended that you practice with a larger yarn and hook before tackling the small embroidery floss.

• How to Begin:

This pattern is worked in the round. So, you need to make a circle chain with 14 loops using your main color.

• Round 1: Chain 1 to represent the first single crochet. Place a small safety pin or piece of string around this first stitch to mark the beginning of the round. Starting with the next loop, single crochet into each chain loop. Once you reach the end, slip stitch into the initial single crochet (which is the chain holding the marker).

• Round 2: Repeat round 1. However, you should lay the tail of your secondary color over the round one single crochets after making the first 5 single crochets. Crochet over the tail normally.

• Round 3: On this row, you will make your first color exchange. Chain 1. Then, make 8 single crochet stitches in your main color. The next stitch needs to be the main color followed by the new color. This is your signal to swap colors. In the tenth single crochet, begin to crochet a single crochet stitch in your main color. However, leave the last two loops on the hook. Instead of pulling a loop through of your main color, yarn over with your secondary color and pull through to finish the stitch. Now, you have made the last main color stitch and swapped colors.

Insert your needle into the next single crochet, twist your new color down over the old trapping it as you hook it with the crochet hook. Pull up a loop and make a new color single crochet stitch. This is your first stitch with the new color. Now, make a single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches like normal over the old thread. Once again, it is time to switch colors. Follow the same steps above to swap back to the main color. Finish the round by single crocheting in the rest of the stitches to the end. Slip stitch into the initial single crochet chain to end that round.

Follow the rest of the pattern grid to finish the remaining rounds. Start with round 4 since you have already completed rounds 1 through 3.

• Pattern Grid:
• Terms:
• Main color = MC
• Contrasting color = CC

• Round 1: 24 MC
• Round 2: 24 MC
• Round 3: 10 MC, 4 CC, 10 MC
• Round 4: 9 MC, 6 CC, 9 MC
• Round 5 - 8: 8 MC, 8 CC, 8 MC
• Round 9: Repeat round 4.
• Round 10: Repeat round 3.
• Round 11: 11 MC, 2 CC, 11 MC
• Round 12: 10 MC, 4 CC, 10 MC
• Round 13 - 16: 9 MC, 6 CC, 9 MC
• Round 17: Repeat round 12.
• Round 18: Repeat round 11.

Repeat rounds 11 through 18 until you reach the length that you prefer. Then, end with 2 rounds of your main color to end. Cut a 6 inch tail and weave it in.

• Edging:

Once you are done, take your secondary color and edge your bookmark with a row of single crochet stitches in each stitch. Make sure to use 3 single crochet stitches in each corner stitch to ease the curve.