This crochet ginkgo leaf bookmark pattern is an elegant mustard-yellow ginkgo leaf bookmark with a broad pleated fan, a shallow center cleft, seven raised veins, and a slim reinforced stem cord. The construction is designed specifically for the named project rather than adapted from a generic template.
A semicircular ginkgo fan grows from a 12-double-crochet adjustable ring through two graduated increase rows. A chain-space cleft divides the upper edge, seven loose surface-crochet veins shape the pleats, and a long reinforced stem becomes the bookmark cord.
Why You’ll Love This Project
The open fan motif, graduated double crochet, surface crochet veins, reinforced cord create a distinct bookmark with clear checkpoints, practical structure, and strong handmade texture.
Materials
- Approximately 30 yards mustard-yellow DK-weight cotton yarn
- Approximately 5 yards matching yarn for surface veins
- One locking stitch marker
- One rustproof blocking pin for each fan point
- 3.25 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Gauge, Measurements, and Planning
Make a generous swatch in the main stitch. The target gauge is one three-round ginkgo fan measures approximately 4 inches wide after blocking; change hook size if needed before beginning the full runner.
Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BLO: back loop only
- yo: yarn over
Special stitch guidance: Fan increase: work two double crochet in one stitch. Center cleft: chain 2, skip the two center stitches, and anchor with a single crochet. Reinforced cord: chain to length, then slip stitch back through every chain.
Before You Begin
- Maintain the stated 12-stitch construction count at every checkpoint.
- Beginning chains count only where explicitly stated.
- Block components before final assembly or border work.
- Use US crochet terminology throughout.
Instructions
Begin the Ginkgo Fan
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Motif Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 12 dc into it without joining into a full circle. Turn. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 3, work 2 dc in each stitch across, and turn. (24 sts)
- Keep the adjustable ring partly open so the lower edge remains a flat semicircle.
Shape the Fan and Center Cleft
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Round 3: Ch 3, repeat [dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] eleven times, dc in the final 2 stitches. (35 sts)
- At the center of the upper edge, ch 2, skip 2 stitches, and anchor with sc to form a shallow cleft.
- Work five graduated shell groups across each side of the cleft, increasing shell height toward the outer corners.
- Finish the rim with loose slip stitches and fasten off.
Add Seven Pleated Veins
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Mark seven evenly spaced rays from the lower center to the fan edge.
- Surface-slip-stitch along each marked ray, keeping the yarn loose enough that the fan stays flat.
- Steam-block the fan to 4 inches wide, opening the center cleft and spreading the seven veins evenly.
Crochet the Bookmark Cord
Count carefully and compare the work with the finished measurements.
- Join yarn at the fan base, ch 55, and slip stitch back through all 55 chains.
- Fasten off at the fan base and weave the tail beneath the center veins.
- Block the cord straight so the complete bookmark measures approximately 9 inches.
Assembly and Shaping
Follow the project-specific assembly sequence for ginkgo fan leaf bookmark. Pin or mark every component before joining and keep the finished layout balanced.
Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.
Finishing
- Weave every tail through matching stitches and reverse direction once.
- Inspect all joins, motif anchors, and border corners.
- Block to 9 inches long with a 4-inch-wide leaf.
- Allow the runner to dry completely before styling.
For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.
Helpful Tips
- Use locking markers at every construction checkpoint.
- Record row and motif counts as you work.
- Keep joins and color changes relaxed enough to lie flat.
- Photograph the complete layout before final assembly.
Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cord longer?
Yes. Add chains before reinforcing the cord, then test it in the intended book.
Why does the fan cup?
The surface veins are probably too tight; loosen them and wet-block the fan flat.
Can I use thread instead of DK yarn?
Yes. Use a smaller hook and expect a delicate, narrower bookmark.
Conclusion
The finished crochet ginkgo leaf bookmark pattern showcases open fan motif, graduated double crochet, surface crochet veins, reinforced cord in a construction that matches the project from foundation through finishing.
Printable Crochet Pattern Card
Project: Crochet Ginkgo Leaf Bookmark Pattern
Skill level: Easy Intermediate Hook: 3.25 mm Yarn: DK
Finished size: Approximately 9 inches long with a 4-inch-wide leaf
Card Materials
- Approximately 30 yards mustard-yellow DK-weight cotton yarn
- Approximately 5 yards matching yarn for surface veins
- One locking stitch marker
- One rustproof blocking pin for each fan point
- 3.25 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Blocking mats and rustproof pins
Card Instructions
- Begin the Ginkgo Fan: Motif Round 1: Make a magic ring and work 12 dc into it without joining into a full circle. Turn. (12 sts) Round 2: Ch 3, work 2 dc in each stitch across, and turn. (24 sts) Keep the adjustable ring partly open so the lower edge remains a flat semicircle.
- Shape the Fan and Center Cleft: Round 3: Ch 3, repeat [dc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] eleven times, dc in the final 2 stitches. (35 sts) At the center of the upper edge, ch 2, skip 2 stitches, and anchor with sc to form a shallow cleft. Work five graduated shell groups across each side of the cleft, increasing shell height toward the outer corners. Finish the rim with loose slip s
- Add Seven Pleated Veins: Mark seven evenly spaced rays from the lower center to the fan edge. Surface-slip-stitch along each marked ray, keeping the yarn loose enough that the fan stays flat. Steam-block the fan to 4 inches wide, opening the center cleft and spreading the seven veins evenly.
- Crochet the Bookmark Cord: Join yarn at the fan base, ch 55, and slip stitch back through all 55 chains. Fasten off at the fan base and weave the tail beneath the center veins. Block the cord straight so the complete bookmark measures approximately 9 inches.
Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.
