Story Snugglers

It's the 2026 Inspire Charity Knitting Challenge!

Get crafting and give a warm woolly hug at story time!

A picture of a child size mannequin wearing a hand knitted Story Snuggler with a hood

An image of a square made from knitted stitches

Knitted squares with green wool and knitting needles

Knitted loop stitch adds detail and texture to the Story Snugglers hood

An illustration of wool with crochet hooks and knitting needles

In celebration of the National Year of Reading we are supporting crafters to get together to make Story Snugglers. Jane Withers' characterful patterns will inspire you to make super simple woollies that little one's can wear to stay warm and cosy while enjoying a bedtime book.

Story Snugglers patterns are available free from libraries or you can download a copy from this page.

The Story Snugglers you make will go to our distribution partners at Trussell.

Download the pattern
How To videos for Knitting
How To videos for Crochet
Download the Story Snugglers Poster
How to Donate
Join a Yarn Group
Learning Courses

Download the Story Snugglers patterns:

Story Snugglers Knitting and Crochet Patterns

Find Jane’s helpful ‘How to’ videos below!

Videos for making knitted Story Snugglers:

Three small cartoon orange creatures, knitting with purple wool

How to start knitting a square for a Story Snuggler.

Continue decreasing to finish your knitted Story Snuggler Square.

Making the knitted Story Snuggler hood.

Putting the knitted Story Snuggler hood together.

Constructing the finished Story Snuggler.

Videos for making crochet Story Snugglers:

UK Terms

Three small cartoon orange creatures, crocheting with purple wool

Introduction to the crocheted Story Snuggler.

Making a crocheted Story Snuggler Square.

Creating the decrease for your crocheted Story Sunggler Square.

Making the crocheted Story Snuggler hood.

Constructing the crocheted Story Snuggler.

Story Snugglers knitting challenge email banner

Download the Story Snugglers poster:

Story Snugglers A4 poster

How to Donate

Inspire Libraries will be delighted to receive your handmade Story Snugglers.

All Snugglers donated by 1 August will be displayed in the Story Snugglers Exhibition at Mansfield Central Library from 15 August to 27 September 2026, the exhibition will celebrate the hard work of all the generous crafters who donated their time, skill and lots and lots of wool!

After the exhibition our partners at Trussell will ensure the Snugglers become cosy gifts this autumn. We hope they go on to be the spark at the start of a lifelong love of books and reading!

Join a yarn group

Why not find a regular craft group in a library near you, then drop in to say hello - and get creative!

Your Notts Directory (formerly Notts Help Yourself) can also help you find your nearest.

Alternatively if you’re already part of, or run a yarn group - make sure you have a listing on Your Notts Directory so other people can find and join your group.