Arts & Culture

A tight-knit community

The library is so much more than just books—it's a vibrant community hub where creativity and connection thrive. Across the city, libraries host knit and crochet circles that welcome everyone, from beginners eager to learn to seasoned crafters looking to share their expertise. These gatherings are a chance to unwind, meet new people, compare patterns, trade tips and create something beautiful together. Find a knitting and crochet circle near you.

Wrap yourself in library love 

If you love your library and crafting, why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can wear it around your neck? These crochet and knitting patterns—lovingly created by library staff—are sure to be your right on your row.

Crochet Pattern

This scarf was designed by Belinda, a Digital Design Technician for Innovation and Youth Services at Toronto Reference Library. A lifelong crocheter, this is the first pattern she's written and shared.

Materials

• 2 (or more) skeins of Paton’s Canadiana Yarn in Clearwater Blue (or any other Medium (4) weight yarn)
• 1 skein of Paton’s Canadiana Yarn in White (or any other Medium (4) weight yarn)
• 4 or 5mm crochet hook 

Abbreviations

Ch = Chains(s)

Sc = Single crochet

Mc = Main colour

Cc = Change colour

Setup 

Chain 27 with Mc 

Row 1: Beginning with second chain from hook, Sc through both loops and continue down the whole row. 

Row 2: Chain 1, turn your work and continue Sc down the row. 

Repeat row 2 until you reach desired length minus rows needed for logo. 

Logo

Row 1: Chain 1, turn work. Work 6 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 9, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 7.

Row 2: Chain 1, turn work. Work 7 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 9, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 6 Sc.

Row 3: Chain 1, turn work. Work 6 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 9, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 1, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 4 Sc.

Row 4: Chain 1, turn work. Work 4 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 1, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 9 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 4 Sc.

Row 5: Chain 1, turn work. Work 4 Sc with Mc, Cc work 12 Sc, switch to Mc Sc 1, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 7 Sc.

Row 6: Chain 1, turn work. Work 4 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 2 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 2 Sc, CC work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 6 Sc

Row 7: Chain 1, turn work. Work 6 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 2 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 2 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 4 Sc.

Row 8: Chain1, turn work. Work 7 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 6 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 3 Sc, switch to Mc work 6 Sc.

Row 9: Chain 1, turn work. Work 6 Sc with Mc, Cc work 3 Sc, switch to Mc work 1 Sc, Cc work 5 Sc, switch Mc work 2 Sc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 7 Sc.

Row 10: Chain 1, turn work. Work 14 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 10 Sc.

Row 11: Chain1, turn work. Work 10 Sc with Mc, Cc work 2 Sc, switch to Mc work 14 Sc.

Row 12: Repeat Row 10.

Row 13: Repeat Row 11.

Row 14-15 (or longer if you like): Chain 1, turn your work and continue Sc down the row with Mc.

Tidy up or weave in your ends from your colour changes, and you’re done!

Knitting Pattern

This tube scarf was designed by Christine, Innovation and Youth Services Librarian at Toronto Reference Library’s Digital Innovation Hub. An enthusiastic knitter for many years, this is the first pattern she has ever created and shared.

Materials

• 2 (or more) skeins of Loops & Thread Impeccable in Clear Blue (or any other Medium (4) weight yarn)
• 1 skein of Loops & Threads Impeccable in White (or any other Medium (4) weight yarn)
• 5 mm circular knitting needles, 18.5 inches (47cm) long
• 1 tapestry needle

Abbreviations

K= Knit
CO = Cast On
BOR = Beginning of Round
RND = Round
ST = Stitch
BO = Bind Off
MC = Main Color
SC = Second Color

Instructions

Step 1: Cast on 84 stitches of Clear Blue (MC), and join for working in the RND, being careful not to twist your STS.

Step 2: Starting from the BOR, knit every RND, and continue knitting in the RND until your scarf reaches your desired length.

Step 3: When your scarf has reached an appropriate length, leave the scarf ends open, BO all stitches on the circular needles and sew up any long ends inside the finished scarf tube.

Step 4: Starting from the CO edge of the scarf, count up 20 STS. Using the chart below and starting with row 1, add the pattern to your scarf using the duplicate stitch technique. To do this, thread a tapestry needle with white yarn (SC) and then stitch over the top of existing stitches to create the TPL Logo pattern on your scarf.

Step 5: Turn scarf inside out and neaten up any remaining threads. Turn it back right side out when finished and enjoy showing off your stylish new piece of winter wear!

Share your creations

If you knit or crochet this scarf, we'd love to see your work! Share a photo on Instagram and tag us @TorontoLibrary to show off your creation and connect with fellow makers.