As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like curling up under a quilt with a good book. Autumn seems to invite slower moments—the kind where you pour a mug of tea, pull your favorite quilt around your shoulders, and let yourself sink into a story. Just as quilts wrap us in comfort, books offer the same warmth for the imagination.
Quilting and reading share more in common than we might think. Both are quiet, creative pursuits that allow us to step away from the busyness of daily life. They’re acts of intention—whether stitching seams together or turning pages, we’re giving ourselves the gift of slowing down. And just as quilts often carry memories in their fabric, books carry us into other times, places, and experiences.
This season, why not pair your quilting with a book that sparks your imagination? From cozy novels perfect for autumn evenings to quilt-related reads that inspire your craft, here’s a reading list to guide you through fall stitching sessions.
🍂 Autumn Reading List
- Talking at Night by Claire Daverley Will and Rosie meet as teenagers, opposites drawn together in an unlikely bond that unfolds over years, weaving a tender tale of connection, fate, and the pull of what might have been. Quilt inspiration: Piece a starry night sky quilt with deep blues and silvers, echoing the quiet magic of late-night conversations under the covers.
- The Love Haters by Katherine Center Video producer Katie Vaughn, scarred by past heartbreaks, faces career turmoil and unexpected sparks in a witty exploration of self-love and the blurred lines between disdain and desire. Quilt inspiration: A bold patchwork of contrasting reds and golds, like fiery fall leaves clashing yet harmonizing—just as opposites attract in love.
- Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Samantha and Xavier share a fleeting, unforgettable night before life’s demands tear them apart, in a heartfelt story of enduring love, memory, and the courage to fight for second chances. Quilt inspiration: A memory-lane log cabin quilt with soft, layered neutrals and pops of sunset orange, pieced to hold onto cherished moments like faded photographs.
- My Friends by Fredrik Backman A band of teenagers escapes their troubled homes by gathering on an abandoned pier for laughter and secrets, in a deeply moving chronicle of lifelong friendships that ripple across time. Quilt inspiration: Friendship star blocks in warm earth tones, connected by winding sashing like threads binding stories shared over endless summer days turning to autumn chill.
- Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood Maya navigates a charged attraction to her enigmatic boss, Conor, during a sun-soaked fling that probes the messy thrill of forbidden connections and imbalanced power. Quilt inspiration: A wavy, improvisational strip quilt in vibrant aquas fading to amber, capturing the heat of summer easing into fall’s reflective glow.
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Orphan Mary Lennox uncovers a hidden, overgrown garden that blooms with mystery and renewal, drawing in unlikely friends for a classic tale of healing, nature, and rediscovered wonder. Quilt inspiration: An appliqué garden quilt with lush green vines, blooming florals in harvest hues, and secret pockets for tucked-away treasures—perfect for stitching while dreaming of spring’s promise in autumn.
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Spirited orphan Anne Shirley arrives at a Prince Edward Island farm, infusing her new life with imagination, mishaps, and unbreakable bonds in this timeless story of belonging and joy. Quilt inspiration: A whimsical nine-patch in soft plaids and ginghams, evoking cozy island kitchens and the patchwork of a chosen family—ideal for rainy fall afternoons at the sewing machine.
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving Schoolmaster Ichabod Crane encounters eerie happenings in a fog-shrouded Hudson Valley village, in a spooky yet enchanting short tale of folklore, pursuit, and harvest-time chills. Quilt inspiration: A shadowy appliqué scene with pumpkin fields, crooked trees, and a galloping horse in moody blacks and oranges—a Halloween wall hanging to drape over your reading chair.
Books and Quilts: A Creative Pairing
If you love the idea of blending your love of quilting with your love of reading, you might enjoy my earlier blog about quilts inspired by books. Stories and stitches go hand in hand, and sometimes the color palettes, themes, or even characters from a book can influence the quilt designs we dream up. Imagine a novel with moody fall settings inspiring a quilt in rich reds, golds, and browns—or a classic tale sparking a patchwork of timeless motifs.
Why Quilts Make the Best Reading Companions
Think about it: a well-loved quilt is essentially the book’s best friend. Whether draped across your lap in an armchair, folded over your shoulders during a chilly evening, or spread across the couch while you dive into the next chapter, quilts set the stage for the coziest reading experience. A handmade quilt even adds its own story—stitched by you or someone you love—to the one unfolding in your hands.
So this fall, as you piece together quilt blocks, consider also piecing together a reading list that brings you joy. And when you finally take a break from stitching, grab your quilt, your book, and your favorite warm drink—you’ll have everything you need for the perfect autumn day.