Arts & Culture
I Am An Artist: Publication Exhibition at West Bridgford Library
I Am An Artist is the second branch of our I Am A Creator cultural programme. I Am A Creator is fun…
It's the 2026 Inspire Charity Knitting Challenge!
Get crafting and give a warm woolly hug at story time!
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 are made from six 23cm (9 inch) squares. Please check your tension at the start of the project.
If you feel your Story Snuggler squares are likely to be too small you can increase the amount of stitches you cast on or chain when you begin.
We do expect to receive Story Snugglers in a whole range of a sizes as tensions will differ for all knitters and crocheters that take part.
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.
Top Tips
Here are some top tips from knitters and crocheters across the county:
- Stitch parts together securely but don't over tighten the stitching so a little stretch is retained, especially at the seam around the neck.
- Use large over stitches when you fold the ears along the diagonal, large stitches will allow you to gather them into the ear shapes more easily.
- When assembling the Story Snuggler find the neatest edges of the squares and position them at the lower edge of the cape body.
Download the Story Snugglers patterns:
Find Jane’s helpful ‘How to’ videos below!
Videos for making knitted Story Snugglers:
Videos for making crochet Story Snugglers:
UK Terms
Download the Story Snugglers 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.
Learning Courses
There are also a range of Online Leisure and Culture Courses from Learning and Skills to suit new and more experienced craft enthusiasts.
Find a wide variety of creative courses on our website.
Find Crochet courses here: Courses | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries
