6 DIY Corner Bookmarks with Free Printable

I am a chronic book folder. You know the type—the heathen who bends page corners to mark their spot. My wife hides her library books from me. It’s a problem.

But recently, I decided to try and reform my wicked ways. I needed something so easy, so accessible, that it would break my terrible habit. The answer? Corner bookmarks.

They are essentially pockets of paper that hug the corner of your page. They are cute, they don’t damage the paper, and best of all? They are ridiculously easy to make.

I got a little carried away with the designs, so I’m sharing six of my favorites with you today. And because I’m not a complete monster, I’ve also designed a free printable that includes all the templates. You literally just need to print, cut, and fold. Let’s save some pages, shall we?

Why Corner Bookmarks Beat Traditional Ones

Before we dive into the crafts, let’s talk about why I’m obsessed with these little guys. I love a heavy, metallic bookmark as much as the next person, but they always seem to slip out of my book and end up under the couch.

Corner bookmarks clip onto the page. They aren’t going anywhere. Plus, they use way less paper than a traditional flat bookmark, which makes them perfect for using up those fancy scrapbook offcuts you’ve been hoarding for three years.

And the best part? They take about two minutes to make. Two minutes! That’s faster than it takes me to find a pen that actually works in my house.

Getting Started: The Free Printable Template

Okay, so the secret sauce here is the template. I designed a printable sheet that has guides for all six designs we’re making today.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Scroll to the bottom of this post (I’ll put a handy link there) and download the PDF.
2. Print it on a standard sheet of US Letter or A4 paper.
   • Pro Tip: Use cardstock if you have it. Regular printer paper works, but cardstock makes them durable and feel fancy.
3. Grab a pair of scissors, some glue (a glue stick is your best friend here), and maybe a scoring tool (a butter knife works if you’re a rebel like me).

Ready? Let’s make a mess.

1. The Classic Origami Corner

This is the granddaddy of them all. It’s the base design that most corner bookmarks start from. If you learn nothing else today, learn this fold.

How to Assemble the Classic

1. Cut out the square from the printable. It has a dotted line on it.
2. With the design facing down, fold it diagonally to make a triangle.
3. Take the left corner of the triangle and fold it up to meet the top point. Do the same with the right corner. You’ll have a diamond shape now.
4. Unfold those two corners back out.
5. Now, take the top layer of the top point and fold it all the way down to the bottom edge. Crease it well.
6. Fold the left and right corners back into the pockets you just created. Tuck them in so they hold everything together.

Boom. You just made a bookmark. IMO, this is the most satisfying fold because it feels like magic when those corners tuck in. Use this base to glue on little ears, eyes, or just leave it plain and minimalist.

2. The Monstrously Cute Monster

This is the design everyone fights over in my house. It’s just the classic fold with a set of googly eyes and some teeth, but the personality shift is enormous.

Giving Your Monster Life

1. Start with a Classic Origami Corner base using a solid color or fun pattern from the printable.
2. Cut out the eye shapes and the teeth from the template.
3. Glue the eyes onto the front flap. I like to put them at a slight angle to make him look a little unhinged. 🙂
4. Glue the teeth under the front flap, so they peek out when you open the bookmark.

Honestly, just looking at this little guy on my nightstand judging me for staying up too late reading makes me smile. It’s a functional craft and a tiny friend.

3. The Suave Puppy Dog

If the monster is a bit much for your literary tastes, maybe you need a friend who is a little more distinguished. This puppy dog design uses a slightly different cut-out for the face, but the base is still the classic fold.

Creating the Pup

1. Cut out the puppy base piece from the printable. It’s shaped like a dog’s head already.
2. Fold it exactly like you did for the Classic Origami Corner. The folds will go right through the face, but that’s how we get the 3D effect.
3. Once folded, you’ll have a puppy-shaped bookmark.
4. Cut out the ears and the nose from the template.
5. Glue the ears to the back of the head so they poke out the top.
6. Add the nose to the front tip.

This one is great for kids because it looks complicated, but it’s basically just the classic fold with extra bits glued on. I’m not crying, it’s just… allergies.

4. The Simple Slider (No Glue!)

Okay, some of you are lazy. I say that with love. I am you. Sometimes I want a bookmark right now and I don’t want to wait for glue to dry. This design is for those moments.

The Cut-and-Slide Method

1. Cut out the rectangle shape from the printable. It will have two slits cut in the middle.
2. Take a separate strip of paper (or a contrasting color from the template).
3. Weave that strip through the slits—over, under, over.
4. Slide it so the ends are even on the back.

This creates a little pocket that sits on the corner. It’s not as sturdy as the folded ones, but it’s perfect for a quick project or for using with a magazine. FYI, this is my go-to when I’m watching TV and need a craft that requires zero brain power.

5. The Tassel-Topped Classic

Ever wonder why bookmarks always look like they are going to a fancy party while the rest of us are in pajamas? Let’s add some glamour to a simple craft. This one is so simple, it hurts.

Adding Flair to the Fold

1. Make a Classic Origami Corner using any of the patterned squares from the printable.
2. Cut a small length of yarn or embroidery floss. About 3-4 inches is perfect.
3. Tie a knot at one end of the yarn.
4. Using a needle or just the tip of your scissors, poke a small hole through the tip of the back layer of your bookmark.
5. Thread the yarn through from the inside so the knot is hidden inside the pocket. Pull it through so the tassel dangles from the top.

Now your book looks like it has a fancy little piece of art sticking out of it. It’s the little things, people.

6. The Character Crown

This last one is a template hack. Instead of just folding the paper, you cut out a specific silhouette and fold it. The printable has a unicorn/cat head shape for this.

Making the Silhouette

1. Cut out the character silhouette piece.
2. You will fold it just like the classic corner, but because the top has the shape of ears/a horn, those parts will stick up above the fold.
3. Fold the base corners in first to form the pocket.
4. Fold the top flap down as usual.
5. The ears/horn will now be standing at attention on top of your book.

This is a great way to make themed bookmarks for holidays. Imagine a little reindeer for Christmas or a bunny for Easter. The possibilities are endless, and it requires zero extra glue-on pieces if you don’t want them.

Tips for a Perfect Fold Every Time

Alright, before you run off and print fifty of these, let me save you some frustration. I learned these lessons the hard way so you don’t have to.

• Crease Hard: Use a bone folder or the side of a pair of scissors to really flatten those folds. A weak crease makes a floppy bookmark.
• Score Thick Paper: If you’re using heavy cardstock, lightly score the fold lines with a knife and ruler (or a butter knife) first. It makes the fold crisp and prevents the paper from cracking.
• Glue Stick > Liquid Glue: Liquid glue will wrinkle your paper. A glue stick is dry and keeps everything flat. Trust me on this.

Where to Find the Free Printable

I promised you a free printable, and I always deliver. I’ve put all six of these templates onto one handy PDF sheet.

[CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CORNER BOOKMARK TEMPLATE] (You would insert your actual download link here)

Just download, print, and you’re ready to go. It includes the squares for the classic fold, the monster teeth, the puppy ears, and the special silhouette shapes.

My Final Honest Takeaway

So, will these bookmarks cure my page-folding addiction? Honestly? Probably not entirely. I’m weak, and sometimes the corner is just right there.

But, I have to say, having a tiny monster staring at me from the page makes me think twice. It’s a visual reminder to be a better person (or at least a better book owner). Plus, these make for killer last-minute gifts. Pop one inside a book you’re giving a friend, and you’ve just leveled up your present from “nice” to “thoughtful.”

They take minutes to make, use almost no materials, and can be customized to death. I challenge you to make one for every book on your nightstand. Go on. I dare you.