The Spumoni Swirl Bookmark: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Color-Block Bookmark
Introducing the Spumoni Swirl Bookmark
Knit a delightful bookmark inspired by the classic Italian dessert, Spumoni, with its signature tri-color stripes of pistachio, cherry, and chocolate. This textured, garter-stitch bookmark adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to any reading nook. Perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike, this free pattern uses simple techniques and minimal yarn to create a charming, handmade gift or a treat for your own bookshelf.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors: Pistachio Green (A), Cherry Red (B), and Chocolate Brown (C). Approximately 10 yards each.
- Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, optional: small amount of matching yarn for tassel
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch (blocked). Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure a neat finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This bookmark is knit flat in garter stitch (knit every row) with simple color changes to create the Spumoni stripes. The edges are finished with a tidy i-cord bind-off for a polished look.
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- k2tog: knit two together
- yo: yarn over
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Pattern
Foundation: With Color A (Pistachio Green), cast on 10 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on works well).
Rows 1-10 (Pistachio Green Stripe):
- Row 1 (RS): Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 3: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 4: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 5: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 6: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 7: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 8: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 9: Knit all 10 stitches.
- Row 10: Knit all 10 stitches.
Color Change to B (Cherry Red): Cut Color A, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color B by simply starting to knit with the new yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail as well.
Rows 11-20 (Cherry Red Stripe): Repeat Rows 1-10 with Color B.
Color Change to C (Chocolate Brown): Cut Color B, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color C.
Rows 21-30 (Chocolate Brown Stripe): Repeat Rows 1-10 with Color C.
Color Change to B (Cherry Red): Cut Color C, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color B.
Rows 31-40 (Cherry Red Stripe): Repeat Rows 1-10 with Color B.
Color Change to A (Pistachio Green): Cut Color B, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join Color A.
Rows 41-50 (Pistachio Green Stripe): Repeat Rows 1-10 with Color A.
Finishing
I-Cord Bind-Off: Do not cut the yarn. Knit 3 stitches. *Slide the 3 stitches back to the left needle without turning the work. Bring the yarn around the back, and knit the 3 stitches again.* Repeat from * until you have a 4-inch long i-cord. Bind off all 3 stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last stitch.
Weave in Ends: Using a tapestry needle, weave in all yarn tails on the wrong side of the bookmark, securing them neatly. Weave in the tails from color changes along the edge of the stripe to keep them invisible.
Blocking: Lightly steam block or wet block the bookmark to even out the stitches and set the shape. To wet block, soak the bookmark in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), roll in a towel to remove moisture, then lay flat to dry, shaping to a rectangle. For steam blocking, hold a steam iron about 1 inch above the bookmark and steam thoroughly, then allow to dry flat.
Optional: Add a small tassel to the i-cord end for extra flair. To make a tassel, wrap a small amount of matching yarn (use Color C or any color you prefer) around a 2-inch wide piece of cardboard about 10 times. Cut the loops at one end, then tie a separate piece of yarn around the top to secure. Attach the tassel to the end of the i-cord by threading the tie through the last stitch and knotting securely.
Your Spumoni Swirl Bookmark is now complete! Enjoy using it to mark your place in your favorite book, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift.
