Bookmark Hearts Trio Stitched A6 Card

Stitch three “ombre” style hearts (or solid, mix ‘n match, etc.) 

on a 6” long bookmark, then tuck it between tabs 

inside this A6 card. 

Assemble the window card with accent front overlay – 

use print & cut machine and software tools 

to prepare overlay with “THINKING OF YOU 

with every stitch” printed sentiment, if desired. 

Tie bookmark tassel through punch hole 

(through all layers), with slash that allows card 

to be opened to display bookmark held inside. 

Design includes standard one-shape companion 

A6 envelope. Requires 12x12 stock and 

cutting capacity for one-piece envelope. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A card main shape with window cut out

B front panel overlay with window cut out and

printed phrase

C bookmark stitched panels (2 for strength)

D bookmark back "buffer" panel

E bookmark solid back panel

F envelope one piece body

(recommend using print paper weight 65 lb or lighter)

G opt. envelope flap "seal" to assist closure

2. Obtain other supplies and equipment  for cross stitching,

including 6-strand floss (sample uses DMC 221, 347 & 3712) . . .

. . . and blunt-tipped tapestry needles,

size 22 or 24.

3. Prepare the two bookmark stitching panels by

making sure that all "crumbs" are removed from holes.

One way to do this is to prepare a poking tool by

bending out the outside end of a standard paperclip.

4. Assemble the bookmark stitching panel by

layering the two cut panels and attaching together

to form one bookmark with stitching holes.

Immediately (while glue is still pliable), check to ensure

that ALL holes are aligned by poking the paperclip tool

through random holes at edges, within design,

and adjusting as necessary. 

Place glued-up bookmark on flat surface, then press

flat with a heavy flat object such as a thick book

volume, possibly with something else heavy placed

on top. Leave heavy objects in place until panels glue

is completely dried - this could require a few hours

or overnight. Pressing will help minimize or prevent

warping or curling caused by use of liquid glue.

5. Prepare to stitch by cutting a 24-26 inch

length of 6-ply floss for the right edge portion (lightest). 

Following sub steps will describe how to separate single strands

from the 6-ply group to minimize knotting:

(NOTE that these images are from a different but similar

project being demonstrate using darked floss)

A) Separate 2 plies by holding the grouped floss length

somewhat firmly between fingers of offhand, isolating one

ply to pull away, then . . .

. . .pull it gently away from others

while the twists of the group begin to bunch up behind it.

B) Place the two plies side by side and line up the ends.

Bring end pairs together to create a loop opposite end. 

C) Thread the ends through

the needle eye. 

Pull the loop through so that it is

the long end.

6. Study this diagram to understand how to form

cross stitches for uniform appearance and tension.

NOTE that the RIGHT SLANT stitches are generally

placed across the row first, followed by the LEFT SLANT

stitches placed coming back across the row.

7. For this project, begin at the bottom center where 

 the first cross stitch will be created, and will

complete row 1.

Each square on the pattern chart represents 4 holes that

would be needed to create both the right and left slants.

A) Insert the needle with thread UP from backside

in the TOP LEFT HOLE where the first X will be made.

B) Pull the floss through UNTIL about 3-2 inches

of the loop end remains, then insert the needle

diagonally to complete the first right slant stitch.

On the backside of work, insert the needle

through the loop and . . .

. . . pull the loop tight to remove all slack.

This is the "tying on" process.

8. Insert the needle through to front of work, in

the top right hole exactly above the last hole where

needle passed.

Move down and left to complete the left slant

stitch that will complete the first cross stitch

as well as the entire row 1 of this design.

9. Move up to row 2, but skip in past the first hole

which is NOT used in row 2, and create the three

right slant stitches across that row, then return

across the row with the three left slant stitches

to complete row 2.

10. Continue to move up to successive rows in order,

following chart, for the first color block. When the floss

on needle is depleted as stitching progresses, or

at the end of the section, draw the needle through to

backside of work, then pass under 3-4 nearby stitches

as shown here with a different project.

. . . slide the needle off, and . . .

. . . trim the tails close

to the surface of the work.

This is the "tying off" procedure.

11. Prepare a needle load with the second color block

floss and tie on as described in step 7.

Follow the chart to complete the rows in order

for the middle section, then tie off in usual manner.

12. Prepare a needle load with final color block floss

and tie on as before. 

Add the stitches for the final area then tie off.

Below  is the completed first heart.

13. Complete the other two hearts following

the same process and steps.

Here is the fully stitched bookmark front panel.

14. Add glue to buffer layer, then position on backside

of stitched panel, with outer edges and hang hole

edges aligned as precisely as possible.

Slight thickness of stitching on backside will fit

within the window.

15. Position and attach the solid back bookmark panel

in same manner. Press under heavy flat weight

until completely dry.

16. Prepare the card by positioning and attaching

the front panel overlay onto folded card front,

matching up the window cut out as preciisely

as possible.

17. Add the bookmark to the inside panel of card

by sliding long edges under the holding tabs

and pushing bookmark into position until ends

are between the card side edges . . .

. . . where the hang holes of all layers will line up.

18. Obtain or prepare a tassel for the bookmark,

then use it to hold the bookmark in place and

the card closed by looping it through the hang hole

then passing tassel head through loop and cinching.

(NOTE that a diagonal slice through card front layer

will allow the card to open with tassel still in place.

A temp closure "assist" may be needed at lower left

card front corner, such as a light-hold sticky dot.)

Recipient of bookmark card can unloop the tassel

to remove the bookmark, then re-attach tassel

through its hang hole.

19. Prepare the companion envelope by bending back

on all perforation lines. 

Bend side flaps inward and bottom flap up and

attach to side flaps in the narrow margin where

these overlap.

20. Insert card contents, then bend top flap down

into position and use temp adhesive to hold in place.

Position and attach heart seal (with temp adhesive too)

over the top flap tip).

Here are the two projects, completed card with

envelope.