Looking for a great book for a kid? Want to share your love of quilting with a child in your life? I’ve rounded up seven quilting/sewing related books that are sure to engage! Pick up a copy at your local bookshop, online, or through your local library!
The Quiltmaker’s Gift
written by
Recommended for ages 4-8 (grades: preschool-3)
When a generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king but only under certain conditions, she causes him to undergo a change of heart.
Cassie’s Word Quilt
written and illustrated by Faith Ringgold
Recommended for ages 3-7 (grades: preschool-2)
Join Cassie as she takes us on a tour of her home, neighborhood, and school. Young readers will love the simple story line and all the new words they’ll encounter. Each book spread is designed with its own quilt motif.
Stitchin’ and Pullin’: A Gee’s Bend Quilt
written by
Recommended for ages 5-9 (grades Kindergarten–4)
This collection of poems that tell the story of the quilt-making community in Gee’s Bend, Alabama. For generations, the women of Gee’s Bend have made quilts to keep a family warm, as a pastime accompanied by sharing and singing, or to memorialize loved ones. Today, the same quilts hang on museum walls as modern masterpieces of color and design. Inspired by these quilts and the women who made them, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack traveled to Alabama to learn their stories.
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend
written by Susan Goldman Rubin
Recommended for ages 8-12 (grades 3–7)
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend shares specifics about this rare community and its rich traditions, allowing children to pause to consider history through the eyes of the people who lived it and through a legacy that is passed on to the next generation. This book should be of great interest to those interested in African American art in the United States, in addition to quilting, life in early emancipated colonies in the South, and Gee’s Bends importance in the Civil Right’s movement. The quilts and the incredible stories behind them are powerful motivators for anyone who wishes to accomplish anything. A map, directions on how to make a quilt square, endnotes, and an index round out this nonfiction book.
The All-Together Quilt
written and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
Shipping in October 2020—available for pre-order now!
Recommended for ages 5-8 (grades Kindergarten–3)
Lizzy is an amazing children’s book author and illustrator (as well as a friend of mine!) She is also the artistic director and organizer of the Norwalk Community Quilt Project: Peace by Piece. This book is inspired by the people who have gathered over the years to make beautiful community quilts together. Quilters and crafters rejoice! This story of a community coming together to make a quilt is a heartwarming celebration of creativity and teamwork. The kids and grown-ups at a community center begin with lots of colorful fabrics and an idea. Then step by step they make that idea a reality. They design, cut, stitch, layer, and quilt. It’s the work of many hands, many hours, and many stories. And the result is something warm and wonderful they all can share.
My First Sewing Machine Book: 35 fun and easy projects for children aged 7 years +
by Emma Hardy
Recommended for ages 7 and older (grades 2 and up)
Learn how to use a sewing machine while making fantastic projects! This book contains 35 projects to make clothes, accessories, bags, cases, toys, games, and more!
Sewing School® Quilts: 15 Projects Kids Will Love to Make
by
Recommended for ages 8–12 (grades 4–6)
As part of the Sewing School® series, this book introduces kids to the creativity of stitching patchwork, appliqué, and quilts. Using how-to photos and step-by-step instructions, learn a variety of techniques using both hand and machine sewing. The 15 projects range from decorative to practical, including an appliquéd family crest wall hanging, a patchwork pet bed, a crazy-quilt journal cover, and a quilt made from recycled T-shirts. Every project features encouraging suggestions for making truly one-of-a-kind items that express the creative spirit of each young maker.
Do you have a quilting/sewing children’s book recommendation?
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