soofha
If you love crochet and enjoy making small projects that are both useful and adorable, this crochet dachshund bookmark is a fun little pattern to try. With its long body, short legs, floppy ear, and curly tail, this tiny sausage dog makes a charming companion for your favorite books.
Welcome to Soofha! Today, we’re making a dachshund-inspired bookmark that brings a little personality to your reading time. It’s a lovely project for using leftover yarn, experimenting with colors, or making a handmade gift for someone who loves dogs and books.
The finished dachshund can also be used as a decorative crochet applique. Simply adjust the length of the body to suit your project, and you’ll have a cute little dog that can be added to blankets, bags, or other handmade items.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Dachshund Bookmark
Dachshunds are instantly recognizable thanks to their long bodies and short legs, which makes them a perfect choice for a playful crochet design. As you work through the pattern, you’ll gradually shape the dog’s body, chest, head, ear, and tail.
This project is especially enjoyable if you like making small crochet pieces without committing to a large project. It doesn’t require much yarn, and you can personalize your dog with different colors or a contrasting collar.
The bookmark also makes a thoughtful gift for a book-loving friend, a child who enjoys reading, or anyone who appreciates handmade items with a little character.
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly, with basic crochet experience recommended.
You should be comfortable making chains, single crochet stitches, slip stitches, increases, and decreases. The pattern uses US crochet terminology, and the instructions are worked in rows to create the dachshund’s shape.
If you’re new to crochet, take your time and count your stitches at the end of each row. Because this design has several shaping sections, checking your stitch count will help you keep the body and legs looking neat.
Materials You’ll Need
Gather the following supplies before you begin:
- Cotton yarn, preferably in a fingering or lightweight weight
- A 3 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- A yarn needle for weaving in the ends
- Optional contrasting yarn for a collar or decorative details
Cotton yarn is a good choice for bookmarks because it tends to hold its shape and gives the finished piece a neat appearance. A lightweight yarn will also help keep the bookmark thin enough to sit comfortably between book pages.
You can use another yarn you already have, but remember that the finished size and drape will change depending on the yarn weight and hook size.
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
The pattern uses standard US crochet terms.
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- sl st: Slip stitch
- inc: Increase by working 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch
- dec: Decrease by working 2 stitches together
A few helpful reminders before you start:
- Keep your tension fairly even so the bookmark doesn’t become too stiff or loose.
- Count your stitches after each shaping row.
- When the instructions say to turn, rotate your work and crochet back across the row.
- The turning chains are written as part of the instructions, so follow them as listed.
Before You Begin
The dachshund is crocheted in sections, starting with the hind legs and continuing into the long body, front legs, chest, and head. The ear and tail are added to complete the recognizable dog shape.
Because the original instructions include some shaping details that may need to be checked against the accompanying photo or video, use the stitch counts below as written and compare the developing shape with your visual reference whenever possible.
Step 1: Crochet the Hind Legs
This is where your little dachshund begins to take shape.
- Chain 6.
- Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
- Make 4 more single crochet stitches.
- Chain 4 and turn.
- Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
- Make 7 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 8 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Work 2 single crochet stitches into the first stitch to increase.
- Slip stitch in the next 2 stitches.
- Make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
Keep your stitches relaxed and consistent. This section forms the back of the dog, so it’s worth checking that your edges look tidy before moving on.
Step 2: Work the Long Body
The dachshund’s long body is what gives this bookmark its distinctive appearance.
Repeat the following row:
- Make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
Continue repeating the row until the body reaches your preferred length.
For a bookmark, make the body long enough to sit along the page, with the legs and tail extending beyond the edge if you like that look. For an applique, you can make the body shorter to suit the item you’re decorating.
Try to finish at a point that allows you to continue shaping the back and belly naturally.
Tip: Lay your work flat every few rows. This makes it easier to spot uneven edges or changes in tension before they become noticeable.
Step 3: Shape the Front Legs and Chest
Next, you’ll work on the front of the dachshund. This section helps form the chest and the beginning of the neck.
Follow the instructions in order:
- Make 4 single crochet stitches, then increase in the last stitch on the belly side.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Work 2 single crochet stitches into the first stitch, then make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 7 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 4 and turn.
- Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
- Make 9 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 10 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Increase in the first stitch, then slip stitch in the next 2 stitches.
- Make 7 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 6 single crochet stitches, then fasten off.
The shaping can look a little unusual while you’re working on it, so don’t worry if the dog doesn’t look completely recognizable just yet. The head, ear, and finishing round will help bring the design together.
Step 4: Crochet the Head
The head gives your dachshund its character, and this is a good opportunity to add a little color.
If you’d like to make a contrasting collar, consider changing yarn colors before working on the head or adding a small decorative detail afterward.
To begin:
- Attach the yarn to the dog’s back, approximately 5 rows from the end.
- Make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 5 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 4 and turn.
- Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
- Make 7 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 8 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Increase in the first stitch, then make 7 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Make 4 single crochet stitches, then work a decrease.
- Fasten off.
Check the head against your reference image before sewing on the ear. If you’re making this pattern for the first time, a photo or video reference can be particularly helpful for confirming the placement and proportions.
Step 5: Make the Floppy Ear
A floppy ear is a lovely finishing detail that makes the dachshund easy to recognize.
- Chain 4.
- Single crochet in the second chain from the hook.
- Make 2 more single crochet stitches.
For rows 2–4:
- Make 3 single crochet stitches.
- Chain 1 and turn.
After completing those rows, work a single crochet decrease across 3 stitches. Then single crochet evenly around the ear and fasten off.
Position the ear near the top of the head. Sew it in place with a yarn needle, or attach it using crochet stitches if you prefer a seamless finish.
Before securing it permanently, try a few different positions. A slightly angled ear can give the finished dog a playful expression.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Border
A border around the dachshund helps neaten the edges and gives the bookmark a more finished appearance.
Work single crochet stitches around the entire dog, placing your stitches evenly along the sides.
At the tail corner:
- Make a single crochet stitch in the corner.
- Chain 10.
- Slip stitch back along the chain.
- Make another single crochet stitch in the same corner.
This creates a narrow tail that can peek out from the book.
At the other corners, work 2 single crochet stitches into each corner stitch where needed to help the border lie flat.
If the edges begin to ripple, you may need to adjust the number of stitches along the sides. The original pattern suggests working 2 single crochet stitches, then skipping 1 stitch along the belly and back. Treat this as an adjustment rather than a strict rule, since the correct spacing will depend on your yarn, tension, and stitch placement.
Step 7: Finish and Shape Your Bookmark
You’re nearly finished!
Weave in all the loose yarn ends with your yarn needle. Secure them neatly so they won’t come undone with regular use.
Lay the dachshund on a flat surface and check the overall shape. If the bookmark curls slightly, gentle blocking can help it lie flatter.
For cotton yarn, you can lightly dampen the piece, shape it, and leave it flat to dry. If you choose to use an iron, check the yarn label first and use an appropriate low-temperature setting with care. Avoid pressing directly on the crochet if the fiber could be damaged by heat.
Once it’s dry, your little dachshund is ready to mark the page in your favorite book.
Video Tutorial
If you prefer learning by watching, use the accompanying video tutorial to help you follow the shaping and finishing steps. Seeing how the pieces are positioned can be especially useful when working on the head, ear, and tail.
Add your video tutorial or embed it here.
Tips for a Neat Crochet Dachshund Bookmark
A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to the finished result.
Choose lightweight yarn. A thin cotton yarn is a good option for a bookmark because it creates a relatively flat fabric without adding too much bulk to your book.
Use a suitable hook. The recommended 3 mm hook is a starting point. If your stitches are very loose, a smaller hook may help; if the fabric is too stiff, you may need to adjust your tension or hook size.
Keep the body straight. Check your work as you go, particularly along the long section. Uneven tension or inconsistent stitch counts can make the body curve.
Personalize the colors. Natural brown, cream, caramel, and black are classic dachshund colors, but there’s no reason to stick to realistic shades. Pastel colors, stripes, or a bright collar can make each bookmark unique.
Check the border before finishing. Too many stitches can cause ruffles, while too few may pull the edges inward. Adjust the spacing until the piece lies comfortably flat.
Other Ways to Use Your Crochet Dachshund
Although this design works beautifully as a bookmark, you can adapt the idea for other handmade projects.
- Crochet applique: Make a shorter body and sew the dachshund onto a blanket, tote bag, or cushion.
- Small handmade gift: Pair the bookmark with a book for a thoughtful present.
- Reading accessory: Make several dogs in different colors for friends or family members who enjoy reading.
- Scrap-yarn project: Use small amounts of leftover yarn to create a collection of colorful dachshunds.
If you plan to use the design as an applique, consider how it will be attached to the finished item and whether the shape needs to be adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crochet dachshund bookmark suitable for beginners?
It can be a good project for crocheters who know the basic stitches, including chains, single crochet, increases, and decreases. Beginners may need a little extra patience with the shaping sections.
What yarn is best for a crochet bookmark?
Cotton yarn is a good choice because it generally holds its shape well and produces a neat finish. Fingering-weight yarn is especially useful when you want a lightweight bookmark.
Can I use a different crochet hook?
Yes. The pattern recommends a 3 mm hook, but the best size depends on your yarn and tension. Keep in mind that changing the hook can affect the final dimensions.
Can I make the dachshund longer?
Yes. The body section is designed to be repeated, so you can add more rows to create a longer dog. For a bookmark, consider the size of the books you normally read and make the body a suitable length.
How do I stop my bookmark from curling?
Check your stitch count and tension first. If the finished piece still curls, lightly block it and allow it to dry flat. Avoid excessive heat, particularly if you’re unsure about the yarn fiber.
Can I give this bookmark as a gift?
Absolutely. It’s a sweet handmade gift for dog lovers, readers, teachers, and anyone who appreciates small crochet accessories. You can make it in the recipient’s favorite colors to give it a more personal touch.
A Little Handmade Dachshund to Brighten Your Reading Time
There’s something satisfying about finishing a small crochet project that has so much personality. This dachshund bookmark combines a practical purpose with the charm of a handmade dog, making it a lovely addition to your reading routine.
Choose your favorite yarn, take your time with the shaping, and enjoy adding your own details. Whether you make a traditional brown dachshund or a colorful little character, each version can have its own personality.
You could even make a few and tuck them into books for friends and family. Sometimes the simplest handmade gifts are the ones people remember most.
Happy crocheting, and thank you for spending some time with us here at Soofha! 🧶
