Book-Themed Foundation Paper Piecing Patterns for Readers
Books and quilting have quite a lot in common. Both offer a chance to slow down, concentrate on something enjoyable and spend a little time away from everyday distractions.
If you are looking for a quilt block for a reader, teacher, librarian or book-loving friend, these three book-themed foundation paper piecing patterns provide a useful starting point. Each pattern includes multiple block sizes, so you can use it for anything from a mug rug or journal cover to a bag, cushion or quilt.
Book-themed quilt blocks
The Thimbles and Needles book-themed collection currently includes three foundation paper piecing patterns:
- A Good Book
- Book Journal
- Coffee and Books
The blocks can be used individually or combined to create a larger reading-themed project. They are also scrap and stash friendly, making them a good opportunity to use favourite fabrics left over from other quilts.
1. A Good Book foundation paper piecing pattern
There is nothing quite like becoming absorbed in a good book. The A Good Book quilt block celebrates that simple pleasure and makes a thoughtful addition to a project for anyone who always has another book waiting to be read.
The pattern includes four finished block sizes:
- 6 inches
- 8 inches
- 10 inches
- 12 inches
Use one block as the centre of a cushion, mini quilt or reading-themed tote bag. The larger sizes would also work well as feature blocks in a lap quilt, while the smaller blocks could be repeated to create a book-inspired quilt layout.
Choose colours that suit the recipient, coordinate the block with their reading room or use fabric prints that remind you of favourite book covers.
[LINK: Shop the A Good Book foundation paper piecing pattern
[LINK: Shop the A Good Book foundation paper piecing pattern
2. Book Journal foundation paper piecing pattern
For readers who enjoy recording what they have read, a book journal can become almost as important as the books themselves. The Book Journal FPP pattern is a suitable choice for reading trackers, journal covers and handmade gifts for book club friends.
It includes four finished block sizes:
- 6 inches
- 7 inches
- 8 inches
- 9 inches
The range of sizes makes it particularly useful for smaller projects. Add the block to a fabric book cover, notebook sleeve, project pouch or small wall hanging. You could also use it on a bag for carrying books and reading supplies.
This block would make a practical gift for someone starting a reading challenge, joining a book club or keeping a record of books read throughout the year.
LINK: Shop the Book Journal foundation paper piecing pattern
3. Coffee and Books foundation paper piecing pattern
Coffee and books are a familiar combination for anyone who likes to settle into a comfortable chair with a drink and something good to read. The Coffee and Books block brings these two favourites together in one foundation paper piecing design.
The pattern includes four finished block sizes:
- 6 inches
- 8 inches
- 10 inches
- 12 inches
Turn a single block into a mug rug for a reading corner, add it to a coffee cup sleeve or use it as the feature on a book bag. Several blocks could also be repeated for a cushion, table runner or cosy reading quilt.
The pattern is especially well suited to scraps. Use a mixture of colourful prints for the books, coordinate the colours with a favourite mug or choose a limited palette for a more restrained result.
LINK: Shop the Coffee and Books foundation paper piecing pattern
LINK: Shop the Coffee and Books foundation paper piecing pattern
What can you make with book quilt blocks?
You do not need to make an entire quilt to enjoy these patterns. A single book-themed quilt block can be turned into a useful handmade project.
Ideas include:
- A book or library bag
- A fabric book cover
- A reading journal cover
- A mug rug
- A cushion
- A project pouch
- A mini quilt
- A wall hanging
- A table runner
- A book club gift
- A teacher or librarian gift
- A feature block in a larger quilt
A 6-inch block could be framed with borders to make a mug rug or small wall hanging. An 8-inch or 9-inch block would work well on a journal cover or pouch, while a 10-inch or 12-inch block could become the centre of a cushion or bag.
Fabric ideas for book-themed blocks
Book blocks are ideal for using colourful scraps because every book can be given a different cover. Small-scale prints, stripes, spots and solids can all be combined within the same block.
You could try:
- Rainbow colours for a cheerful book collection
- Coordinated scraps from a favourite fabric range
- Low-volume fabrics for the background
- Rich browns, reds and greens for a traditional library-inspired palette
- Bright colours for a teacher or student gift
- Fabrics selected to match the recipient’s favourite colours
- Fussy-cut prints for individual book covers where the block design allows
Make sure there is enough contrast between the books, other features and the background so the design remains easy to see.
Can the three blocks be used together?
Yes. Although each pattern can be used independently, the three designs could be combined in a reading-themed quilt, wall hanging or set of accessories.
Using a consistent background fabric will help blocks with different designs feel connected. You could also repeat the same colour palette across all three blocks.
Because the patterns include different size options, choose a common finished size when combining them. For example, all three patterns include an 8-inch size, making this the simplest option for using the complete set in one project.
Possible layouts include:
- Three blocks arranged in a horizontal wall hanging
- A vertical banner for a reading corner
- A set of coordinating cushions
- A tote bag with a different block on each side
- Repeated blocks arranged in a lap quilt
- A centre panel surrounded by simple traditionally pieced blocks
Handmade gifts for readers
Book-themed blocks can be used for gifts throughout the year. They are particularly suitable for:
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Teacher appreciation gifts
- Librarian gifts
- Book club swaps
- Reading challenge prizes
- Graduation gifts
- A new reading nook
- Gifts for writers or journal keepers
A small project also gives you the opportunity to personalise the fabric choices without committing to an entire quilt. Add the recipient’s name, a short embroidered message or a favourite quotation to make the project more individual.
Foundation paper piecing book blocks
Foundation paper piecing is useful for creating detailed, accurate quilt blocks. The printed foundation guides the stitching, helping you achieve crisp lines and precise shapes.
These patterns assume that the maker already has a basic knowledge of foundation paper piecing. General tips and the order for joining pattern sections are included.
If you are new to the technique, begin with a simple practice block before starting your chosen book design.
LINK: Foundation Paper Piecing for Beginners blog post
LINK: Download a free foundation paper piecing pattern
Find a block for your next reading-themed project
Whether you prefer reading with a cup of coffee, keeping a book journal or simply settling down with a good book, these blocks can help you create a project that reflects that interest.
Make one block for a quick handmade gift or combine all three at the common 8-inch size to create a larger reading-themed project.
LINK: Shop all book-themed foundation paper piecing patterns
