Every now and then, I like to peek back at the earliest content I created for Perfectly Knotty. It’s a wonderful reminder of where we started! I recently updated the visuals and description for one of the very first tutorials I ever posted on my YouTube channel, and I realized: the project itself is absolutely timeless.
Even though my teaching style and video quality have improved over the years, the core lesson in this Beaded Crochet Book Thong tutorial is still 100% valid. It’s fast, uses simple stitches, and creates a beautiful, practical, heirloom-quality item that you’ll use constantly or love to gift.
This little project is a testament to the idea that you can always go back and upgrade your skills. In this post, I’ll walk you through the original pattern and share two modern technique suggestions—the Stacked Single Crochet and the Connected Double Crochet—that will instantly improve the look of your finished piece.
Why the Book Thong is the Ultimate Stash Buster Project
If you’re a, enthusiastic crocheter, you probably have a handful of yarn bits that are too precious to toss but too small for a scarf. This project is the answer!
1. The Stash Buster Angle: Forget running to the store! This project is designed for scraps. You only need a very small amount of fiber—especially if you opt for crochet thread or embroidery floss like the ones I made in the video. Or maybe something sturdier like the flax I used to make the one in this picture. It’s a quick way to turn something small into something useful, helping you be a resourceful and committed stitcher.
2. The Perfect Travel Project: There’s no pattern to carry, just a simple repeat. You can throw one small skein or tiny ball of small gauge yarn (crochet thread is awesome here!), a bead, and your hook into a little notions pouch, and you’re ready to stitch anywhere. It’s perfect for appointments, car rides, or while you’re waiting for the laundry to finish. This kind of calm, focused stitching is a great way to de-stress.
3. The Thoughtful Gift: The truth is, everyone loves receiving a handmade gift, and not every gift needs to be a blanket. A beautiful, beaded book thong is personal, practical, and elegant. They make:
- Wonderful additions to a gift basket for a reader.
- A sweet “thank you” gift for a teacher, coworker, or neighbor.
- A great stocking stuffer or party favor.
Materials Deep Dive: Thread, Hook, and Beads
The key to a delicate, durable, and classic-looking bookmark is often the right fiber and accessories.
Fiber Options:
While I used a tiny bit of flax yarn for my newer photos (since I’m so allergic to sheep wool and goat mohair, my stash is full of plant fibers!), the finished bookmark works best with smaller, finer fibers:
- Embroidery Floss: This is a fantastic option. It comes in nearly every color imaginable, and one skein is more than enough.
- Crochet Thread (Size 3 or 10): This creates a classic, lacy look that feels elegant and lightweight.
- Fingering Weight (Sock) Yarn: If you want a slightly thicker bookmark, a smooth fingering-weight cotton or silk blend is perfect.
Hook Size:
The hook size depends on the yarn you choose, but a good rule of thumb is to size down from the recommended hook size on your yarn label. This will ensure your stitches are tight and defined, giving your book thong a crisp structure. (I used a size zero steel hook, in the original tutorial which is approximately a B in aluminum sizes.)
Beads & Finishing:
A bead on the bottom adds weight, which helps the bookmark stay securely in place when the book is closed.
- The Key: Choose beads with a larger hole so you can easily thread the starting chain through it.
- Alternative: You can skip the bead entirely and simply add a tassel or a simple decorative knot to the end, though the bead does add that elegant finishing touch.
The Pattern & Modern Technique Upgrades
The entire body of the book thong is made using a simple, repetitive row that builds up a beautiful, cord-like fabric.
The Basic Pattern:
- Start: Chain enough stitches to pass through your bead(s), then slip stitch to join, forming a loop around the bead. Chain 2.
- Row 1: Work 2 Double Crochets (DC) into the same stitch where you made the join. (The Ch 2 counts as your first DC, giving you 3 DCs total.)
- Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as first DC), turn. DC in the next DC, DC in the top of the turning chain. (3 DCs total.)
- Repeat: Continue repeating Row 2 until your bookmark reaches your desired length (usually about 15-20 inches, or however long you like it to hang out of your favorite book).
- Finish: End with a decrease to taper the top (The video shows a decrease across the last three stitches) and secure your yarn. You can then add a fringe or just trim the ends.
Technique Upgrade 1: The Stacked Single Crochet (For Better Turning Chains)
In the original video, I used a Chain 2 to start each row, counting it as a Double Crochet. This is the classic method, but sometimes it leaves a little gap at the edge of your work.
The Fix: Instead of chaining 2, try the Stacked Single Crochet (SSC).
- At the start of the row, turn your work.
- Insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (like a regular SC).
- Yarn over and pull through both loops (that’s your first SC).
- Insert your hook into the side of that first SC (into the vertical loop), yarn over, and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops (that’s your second SC, stacked on top of the first).
- Result: This vertical stack creates a much sturdier, cleaner-looking substitute for the first DC!
Technique Upgrade 2: The Connected Double Crochet (For a Denser Fabric)
If you find that your bookmark fabric is a little too loose or gappy for your liking, you can substitute the standard Double Crochet with the Connected Double Crochet (CDC), also sometimes called the “Linked Double Crochet.”
- This technique anchors the current stitch into the previous one, creating a denser, less-gappy fabric that has more structure—perfect for a book thong!
- How to do it: Instead of simply chaining 2 and starting your DC in the second stitch, you pull up a loop in the side of the previous turning chain (or previous DC) before you execute the next Double Crochet stitch.
Using the Stacked Single Crochet for the turning chain and the Connected Double Crochet for the rest of the row will make your finished book thong look much more polished and professional.
Watch the Original Tutorial Here!
You can see the simple, core construction of this classic project in the original video. It’s low quality, but the instructions are clear!
And while you’re there, be sure to subscribe to the Perfectly Knotty YouTube channel! There is a wealth of great content there for dedicated stitchers like you.
Connect, Share, and Inspire!
I am on a mission to help crocheters and knitters achieve their vision of beautiful, heirloom-quality hand-knit and crochet items by providing clear patterns, practical techniques, and empowering instruction. The best way to achieve creative accomplishment is by sharing it!
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Show Off Your Makes!
If you make one of these book thongs (or any other Perfectly Knotty project you’re proud of!), I would absolutely love to see it. Please share a photo in the Brag Board submission form and be watching for me to share YOUR project with our stitching community! Sharing your artistic expression helps inspire other members and gives you the confidence boost you deserve.
Happy stitching, and may your next read be marked in style! Love, SuziQ