Fiction Books About Quilting: Cozy Reads for Makers
Quilting isn’t just something we do, it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s slow, intentional, creative, and comforting which is exactly why I love reading fiction books that weave quilting into the story. There’s just something about a character stitching their way through life that feels so relatable, am I right?
If you’re looking for your next cozy read, I’ve rounded up four of my favorite fiction books about quilting — each one is full of heart, craft, and characters you’ll want to hang out with in your sewing room. Bonus: I’m also sharing a few handmade items from my shop that pair perfectly with book lovers like us.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THESE OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Make sure you grab a copy of my free Quilt Planning Journal. It’s filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 quilt or sewing projects! Use it to jot down ideas, fabrics, patterns and inspiration all in one place. Or create your own patterns and share with others. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!
Fiction Books About Quilting (so far)
If you like to read but haven’t lately, here are a few books to tempt you this summer. Great for reading on summer road trips or while at the beach trying to get your tan on point. The cool thing is that each of these books has quilting as part of the theme. What could be more perfect.
I just discovered this genre of books so this list is short for now. But I will share my latest reads as my search for cozy and heartwarming fictional books with quilting expands.
1. The Quilter’s Apprentice
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
If you love stories set in small towns with women supporting women (and stitching through tough times), this one’s for you. In The Quilter’s Apprentice, we have two very different ladies from different generations who are both out of sorts. Sarah is struggling after moving to a new town for her husbands new job and is falling into a depression until one day she eyes a quilt handing in the shop window. Silvia has returned to her family estate to clean it up and sell it after the death of her last remaining family member. This book follows their story and all the stories that are told when we get vulnerable and let people in.
What a gift to have a master quilter as your own personal teacher. Or is it? This book has so many quilt references and is fun for new quilters to read. It verbally walks you through how to make several quilt blocks for a sample quilt. It also spot lights how you don’t need big expensive machines and gadgets in order to quilt. You will love this book. And with any small town, there is lots of drama and two competing quilt guilds. The quilting scenes are spot-on and honestly gave me a few project ideas.
This book rattled off so many quilt blocks that our main character made in her quest to learn to how quilt. My book is marked on the pages where the block name is listed and hopefully some day soon I will try to make the blocks she made.
But best of all when you’re done reading this book, you can pick up another one and many more. This book is part of the Elm Creek Quilts Novels so the story doesn’t have to end when you finish this book.
Buy “The Quilter’s Apprentice”
2. Confessions from the Quilting Circle
Author: Maisey Yates
This book combines family history, love, and a quilt that ties it all together. A story about three very different sisters, their mother and their imperfect “crafty” grandma who passes away and leaves them the family home. It’s a beautiful story about homecoming, mending family relationships, reclaiming your best life and the healing power of fabric and quilts. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you and makes you want to dig through your stash afterward. Because the stash in this story is rich in history and every scrap of fabric saved has a story and purpose. Which sister’s life will you most relate to, or will it be the mom or grandmother?
This book hit home for me because I don’t live near my family and haven’t for over 10 years. Life is happening back home and I’m missing out on relationships with my family just because I’m not there. Phone calls don’t make up for missing events and little moments in life. This story shows how relationship restoration could look if we want healing. It shows how our minds play out a story that really isn’t true when we are isolated from others. See how these sisters get to know each other all over again as adults and refuse to let life circumstances define them. If this strikes a chord with your (or not) you will enjoy this read.
Buy “Confessions from the Quilting Circle”
3. Round Robin
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Not sure what a Round Robin quilt is? Well you will find out in the second book of the Elm Creek Quilts series. We continue with growing quilt guild members under their new name, featuring members of all ages as they juggle a new collective business venture along with everyday struggles and demands from their families. This time we really see what life looks like for the ladies of the quilt guild. Why is it that every time we ladies find ourselves in a group we enjoy being with (most of the time), our family life starts pulling us back home.
It’s also about adults and their children and supporting them as best we know how. It’s also about marriage and the ups and downs that come with being married for a long time. The power of friendship is front and center along with a special quilt and fabric. Most importantly, it’s about friendship and showing up for each other. Another wonderful book that won’t disappoint you, a must read.
Buy “Round Robin“
4. The Cross-Country Quilters
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
I know this is another Elm Creek Quilters Novel but now I’m invested in these books and story lines. This time the story line revolves around people coming to Elm Creek Manor for Quilt Camp. I haven’t read this one yet but can’t wait to start it. This time a group of far-flung friends pledge to complete a quilt challenge in one year and go to Quilt Camp. That’s all I’m sharing but it sounds like new stories with more drama but hopefully a good outcome in the end.
These are heartwarming books, sure to capture you heart and get your excited to try the patterns, quilt blocks, hand stitching or other quilting techniques they discuss in the book. You may find your own self writing down what they are making and then trying your luck at those same things.
Buy “The Cross-Country Quilters“
About the Author
Jennifer Chiaverini is a New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed historical novels and the Elm Creek Quilts series. She’s written six books of quilt patterns inspired by her books and she excels at telling stories about women, no matter their backgrounds, and capturing the texture of their lives. She’s written 87 books and they are available in Audible Audiobooks, Audio CD, hardcover, paperback and Kindle. Her newest novel, The World’s Fair Quilt – Elm Creek Quilts Series, was just released on April 1, 2025.
Want to Listen Instead?
If your hands are busy sewing but your brain wants a story, audiobooks are a game changer.
- Try Audible Free for 30 Days – Listen to thousands of quilting novels, memoirs, and more. Free 30-day trial for Amazon Prime members.
- Get Free Audiobooks with the Libby App – Borrow from your local library with just your library card. Totally free. Perfect app to listen to free audiobooks while at work, on a walk or quilting.
More Fiction Books About Quilting (TBR List)
5. The Cobbled Court Quilt Series
Author: Marie Bostwick
There are six books in this series by Marie Bostwick. I have not read any of these yet but they are next on my TBR list (To Be Read List). You can’t have a book with quilting unless it includes the unbreakable thread of friendship, faith and a little quilting thrown in. It claims to have new beginnings, old friends and the rich but diverse tapestry of lives fully lived. Sounds good to me, my list is growing.
Not all books need to be about quilting. Marie has a new book that just came out on April 22 and it sounds like it would be a fun read. They say it’s like Lesson in Chemistry (AppleTV) which was excellent and had one smart cookie for the female lead but was held back in her career because of the sexist climate when the book takes place. So she pivoted and took her Chemistry knowledge and applied it in the kitchen. Got a TV show and the rest was history.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women is said to be a perfect read for people who love book clubs, 1960s nostalgia and female friendship stories. Um yes, you’re preaching to the choir. Feel good beach reach on your handmade quilt this spring or summer.
You can grab this on Audiobook, Kindle, Hardcover or Paperback from Amazon.
Want to Listen Instead?
If your hands are busy sewing but your brain wants a story, audiobooks are a game changer.
- 🎧 Try Audible Free for 30 Days – Listen to thousands of quilting novels, memoirs, and more.
- 📚 Get Free Audiobooks with the Libby App – Borrow from your local library with just your library card. Totally free. Audiobooks are great to listen to when machine quilting. I’ve listened to these free books multiple times and loved them. All Jane Austin related: Miss Austin, The Jane Austin Society, Being Jane Austen.
SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER
Handmade Items for Book Loving Quilters
A good book deserves good company, like a handmade tote or a cozy quilt to read under. Here are a few items from my shop that go perfectly with your next quilting novel:
- Tote Bag – Throw in your current read and head to the beach, the campground, or just your front porch. Roomy, sturdy, and cute as heck.
👉 Shop my handmade totes here - Wallet – Perfect for taking your book to the café or park. Just enough space for the essentials so you can keep it simple and still bring a novel along.
👉 Browse my wallets - Flight Quilt – A go-to backyard quilt for laying under a tree and reading until the sun goes down. Lightweight but cozy, with a flying geese design you’ll never get tired of.
👉 See the Flight Quilt
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re headed to the beach with your book in tow, curling up under your latest quilt, or listening while you sew — these fictional reads are the perfect way to feed your creative soul. Quilting novels just get us because they speak our language, from fabric choices to life choices and everything in between.
Have a favorite quilting fiction you think I should add to the list? Let me know, I’m always up for another great read.
Until then, happy stitching (and flipping pages).
— Nikki
Need help with what quilting supplies to buy? Go to the Resource page for a list of all my favorite quilting products.
ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I’m Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you’ll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let’s create something beautiful together! Read more about me here.
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