Dagmar – blå – bogmærke – Tanja Dinesen Skudstrup (TS)

Dagmar - blue - bookmark - Tanja Skudstrup (TS)

A bookmark does not have to be just a random strip of paper between the pages. It can also be a small piece of embroidery that makes reading time more personal. Dagmar blue bookmark is an embroidery kit designed by Tanja Skudstrup, featuring a narrow, graphic motif in blue, white, black and greyish tones.

The long format suits a bookmark beautifully, allowing the pattern to run across the full length of the surface. The expression is decorative and precise, while the motif also carries an interesting historical story.

The design is inspired by the iconic Dagmar Cross – a unique Byzantine enamel cross from the 11th century, which is now preserved at the National Museum of Denmark. Tanja Skudstrup has taken the refined ornamentation and harmonious geometry of the cross as her starting point and transformed this historical design language into a simple cross-stitch motif with a contemporary expression.

Historical inspiration in blue cross stitch

The motif on Dagmar blue bookmark is built up in a narrow, vertical format with several decorative fields. The blue shades play the leading role and range from dark navy blue to clear blue and lighter blue details. The colour combination creates depth, while the expression remains calm and harmonious.

The pattern includes light medallion forms, small crosses, squares and graphic ornaments. The white and greyish areas add light to the composition, while the black fields create contrast and highlight the blue details.

Each individual pattern field contributes to the whole and creates a rhythm that brings to mind historical jewellery, enamel work and decorative borders. The name Dagmar emphasises the connection to Danish cultural history, while the clean graphic expression makes the design suitable for both classic and modern embroidery projects.

A pattern that can be repeated and used freely

One of the special strengths of the Dagmar design is that the ornament is built as a repeatable pattern. The bookmark shows one possible use, but the design can also be used as the starting point for a wide range of personal embroidery projects.

For example, the pattern can be repeated on bracelets, belts, bag straps, decorative edges on clothing, cushions, tablecloths or other textile projects. The graphic motif works particularly beautifully on denim, linen and other natural materials, where the historical design language meets contemporary textiles.

Tanja Skudstrup highlights this freedom as an important part of the design. The embroiderer can choose to follow the instructions and make the bookmark shown, or use the ornament as the beginning of their own project.

The option to repeat, combine and adapt the pattern makes the Dagmar series versatile and timeless. The design invites creativity and leaves room for personal solutions, without losing the connection to the historical inspiration.

A small embroidery kit with many details

The finished Dagmar blue bookmark measures 4 x 24 cm. The narrow size makes it suitable for books, notebooks and journals, or as a small handmade gift for someone who loves both books and embroidery.

The fine fringes at the ends give the bookmark a classic textile expression and make it more than just a practical object. It becomes a small, decorative piece of needlework that can be used and appreciated for many years.

The bookmark is embroidered with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme linen 11B. The fine linen provides a precise foundation for the small pattern fields, while Danish Flower Thread gives the colours a soft, natural and harmonious expression.

The blue, black, white and greyish contrasts stand out clearly without appearing harsh. The combination of materials and pattern highlights the many small details and supports the historical character of the design.

As an embroidery project, the bookmark is manageable in size, while still being interesting to work on. The changing ornaments and small graphic fields create variation along the way, and the finished result can then be used in everyday life.

Haandarbejdets Fremme and Tanja Skudstrup’s design language

Haandarbejdets Fremme is known for embroidery kits where fine materials, Danish design and strong craft traditions are closely connected. In this embroidery kit, linen 11B, Danish Flower Thread and a motif come together to show how much history and visual impact can be contained in a small format.

The Dagmar series is Tanja Skudstrup’s tribute to Danish cultural history and fine craftsmanship. The design has been created with respect for the past, while still leaving room for new interpretations and modern uses.

Dagmar blue bookmark is an ideal choice for retailers who want to offer their customers smaller, useful embroidery projects with a clear design story. The combination of historical inspiration, blue colours, quality materials and a manageable format makes the embroidery kit suitable for both experienced embroiderers and customers looking for a smaller project with a decorative and usable result.