Bookish Crafts for Teen Readers (And Their Moms)

If you’ve read my earlier post about raising a reader and choosing clean, age-appropriate books, you’ll know that my teen has recently fallen in love with reading—and I’m all for it. We don’t have the biggest space at home, so instead of collecting expensive decor or gadgets, she’s been building a small personal library filled with thrifted treasures and YA finds.

Naturally, this sparked something in me too.

I’ve always loved crafting. In fact, I fell back in love with crochet about seven years ago. It started with dishcloths and evolved into more random creations—boho placemats, a Swiffer cover (yes, really), and one-off projects I found on Pinterest during late nights.

So when my daughter asked me if I could make her a crocheted book cover, I got excited. I searched for simple patterns and found one that I could tweak to fit her favorite paperbacks. These crochet book sleeves protect her books, add a cozy touch, and work just as well as a Kindle or tablet cover.

What Bookish Crafts Can You Make?

Here are some of the bookish crafts for teen readers (and moms who love making things) that we’ve tried or currently use:

Crocheted Book Covers

Custom-sized, reusable, and soft—perfect for protecting books in a backpack. Some even come with built-in pen holders or button closures.

Magnetic Bookmarks

Made with cardstock, and adhesive magnets. We design them based on favorite quotes, colors, or themes. Quick, fun, and giftable.

Printable Reading Logs and Trackers

Paper crafts still count! If your reader is goal-oriented (or just likes a pretty checklist), I’ve shared a Free Reading Tracker Bundle in another post. Includes reading challenges, review templates, and more.

Why These Crafts Matter

These aren’t just aesthetic things to post on Instagram (though they look great, too). Making and using these bookish crafts feels like an extension of how we parent, connect, and nurture creativity at home.

It’s also a way for me to stay involved in my teen’s reading life, without being too involved. I love that we can bond over crafts, book finds, and random stories she brings up whenever. Sometimes, it’s not about the actual craft—it’s the moments that come with them.

Want Something Made?

If you’re a fellow mom or reader looking to commission custom crocheted book covers, magnetic bookmarks, or other handmade bookish gifts, let me know! I might just have something available soon.

Check out my crochet Instagram account: @by.sheila_