This free crochet lace Bible cover pattern, which looks complex, is actually easy to pick up, and is something that you will be able to finish fairly quickly. It works for Bibles, journals, and books that need a bit of a vintage, feminine touch. Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
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A Beautiful Vintage-style Lacy Bible Cover Pattern
The delicate lace pattern made with puff stitches reminds me of lily flowers which are often associated with this time of year due to the themes of purity and rebirth. Because of that, this beautiful crochet cover would also work for a baby dedication, or baptism gift.
When I was a child my mom had, what I felt was, the most beautiful bible cover ever. It was blue, with pink and yellow roses; trimmed with lace, and accented with pearl beads–I admired it so much, and longed to have my own just like it! This pattern is a bit different, but still makes me smile whenever I look at it.
I used a #3 cotton crochet thread to crochet this Bible cover. Cotton thread is not as stretchy as acrylic or wool, but if you crochet your stitches with relaxed tension, and follow the gauge instructions, you should achieve the proper fit (which is a bit snug). The lilies stand out more once the cover is put on your Bible, making this piece look even more delicate!
If you’re looking for a special crochet project to commemorate your faith, or add an extra meaningful touch to your morning devotional, or reading time, this beautiful, heirloom quality, lacy Bible cover pattern is sure to be treasured for years to come! It is in honor of these memories, and the gift of Hope we have because of Christ’s death and resurrection, that this crochet Bible cover pattern came to be.
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Difficulty:
Easy
Materials Needed:
3.75mm (F) hook, or hook needed to obtain gauge
2 balls Aunt Lydia’s Fashion Crochet Thread #3 (Approx. 225-250 yards)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Measuring tape
Stitches Used (US Terms):
ch = chain
sc =single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
Additional Terms:
Puff Stitch (abbreviated “puff” in pattern): YO, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, YO, insert hook into same stitch, pull up a loop 2 more times. YO and pull through all 7 loops.
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sk = skip
prev = previous
Gauge:
19 sc stitches in 4″
Measurements:
9 ½” by 13 ½” including trim
Additional Notes:
-An assembly diagram is included further down.
-It is possible to customize this! Try a beginning ch of 50 for a smaller Bible cover. Measurements are taken across the back from one end of the cover to the other. The original stitch pattern called for multiples of 16 + 10 for the starting chain, but I have tried multiples of 8 + 10 also, and had it work. The following beginning chains should work with this pattern: 42, 50, 58, 66, and 74.
-You can find the stitch pattern I created this Bible cover from, over here.
Lacy Bible Cover Pattern (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Ch 66 (fun fact: Did you know there are 66 books in the Protestant Bible?),
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (65)
Row 2: sc in first st, *ch 1, sk 3 sts, (puff, ch 2, puff, ch 2, puff) in next st, ch 1, sk 3 sts, sc in next st, this will create a “shell”; repeat from * across, ch 2 (counts as first dc), turn. (8 shells)
Row 3: dc in first st, ch 2, sk to top of first “shell” in prev row, sc, ch 2, sk to sc between shells, 3 dc, ch 2 *sk to top of next “shell” in prev row, sc, ch 2, skip to sc between shells, 3 dc, ch 2; repeat from * across, 2 dc in final st, ch 2 (counts as first st of next row), turn.
Row 4: (puff, ch 2, puff) in first st, ch 1, *sk to sc from prev row, sc, ch 1, sk to center st of 3 dc grouping from prev row, (puff, ch 2, puff, ch 2, puff) in that st, ch 1; repeat from * across, (puff, ch 2, puff, dc) in final st (top of ch-2 from prev row), ch 1, turn. (7 shells, 2 half-shells)
Row 5: sc in first st, ch 2, sk to sc between shells, 3 dc, ch 2, *sk to top of next shell in prev row, sc, ch 2, sk to sc between shells, 3 dc, ch 2; repeat from * across, sc in final st (top of ch-2 from prev row), ch 1, turn.
Row 6: sc in first st, *ch 1, sk to center st of 3 dc grouping from prev row, work (puff, ch 2, puff, ch 2, puff) in that st, ch 1, sk to next sc, sc; repeat from * across, ch 2 (counts as first dc), turn. (8 shells)
Your piece should measure 13” wide by 2” tall at the shell tops.
Repeat rows 3-6 until your cover is about ½” to 1” shorter than the Bible or book you are making it for.
Repeat row 3 one more time, then ch 1, turn, and sc in each stitch across (65). I completed 22 rows for my cover.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
You may choose to block your lace at this point, or place the cover on your Bible after you’ve finished the entire piece and let the book do the blocking for you. If you decide to do the later, the cover will be pretty snug, since cotton does stretch with time.
Inside pocket panels, make 2:
Ch 41, (Note: If you have a shorter Bible, you will need to shorten this chain as it is meant to go from top to bottom of the book. The chain count is not particularly important, but check to make sure it is within ½” of the top to bottom measurements after 2 or 3 rows, if it’s not, try a different stitch count. My piece “expanded” after the second row!)
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook, sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (40)
Row 2: sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (40)
Repeat row 2 20 more times until your panel measures 3 1/2” tall by 9” wide (22 rows). If you want deeper panels, keep repeating until they are as tall as you like.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly:
Lay lace body flat, with front facing down. Place a pocket panel sideways over each end, and crochet them together with sc. Put 3 sc in each corner. Continue to sc around the entire lace piece (represented by pink line), attaching the panels on 3 sides as you go. This will create 2 “pockets”. Do not break yarn!
Note: One thing that helped me was, counting 22 stitches over from the corner of the lace cover, and placing stitch markers over both pieces of fabric at the points where the pockets were supposed to end to hold them in place. (See picture below):
Lace edging:
Row 1: This border is worked in multiples of 2. If your edge stitch count is not divisible by 2, just put an extra stitch (or subtract a stitch) at the end to make it so that it will be in multiples of 2.
ch 1, sc, ch 2, hdc into side of sc, sk st *sc, ch 2, hdc into side of sc, sk st; repeat from * around.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Cut 3 6-ft lengths of crochet thread. Braid them together to create a cord. Knot the ends. Fray ends. Attach cord to back of Bible cover so it doesn’t get separated. The cord can be used as a book mark while reading. Feel free to make it shorter if you prefer.
Use this cord to wind around your Bible and cover. Tie in a bow or knot.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” -Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
I would love to see a picture when you’re done, so please feel free to come by my Facebook group and show off your cover! Be sure to tag @kirstenhollowaydesigns when you share pictures of your finished Bible cover on Instagram, and use #HopeLaceBibleCoverPattern!
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Pattern Terms and Conditions:
You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!
This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! Please credit/link Kirsten Holloway Designs when selling finished products online. The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
