The Family Circle Wonder Loom: My Story and Tips for Successful Heirloom Projects – Part 3: Along Came Zeke!

March 11, 2024

family-circle-wonder-loom-crochet-blanket

My husband Brian and I have three wonderful grandchildren – Sisters Eva (7), Lilly (2), and their newborn cousin Zeke. Each has a unique heirloom blanket I made using the 1981 Wonder Loom Baby Blanket pattern.

In my latest blog post, I share some delightful family photos and a video of little Zeke with his new blanket and matching security toy. In the first article of the series, Part 1, posted on February 8, 2024, I talked about the background story of the blanket pattern. It’s my tradition to create a blanket for each grandchild as a comforter they can cherish for years.

I have developed a method for weaving double-sided squares on a cardboard loom and connecting them using the crochet continuous join-as-you-go (CJAYG) technique. I adjusted the blanket pattern for toddlers to adults, but please be aware that it has loops in which tiny infant fingers might get tangled. Yet, toddlers and children of all ages seem to love the feel of these blankets! I have made a few modifications to the blankets I create using the wonder loom pattern. I use more loom squares to add durability and make it toddler-proof. This term refers to the blankets designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with young children and are considered durable enough for toddlers to use without breaking easily.

Toward the end of this blog post, you will find the links to all the articles in this series. I have also provided links to other instructional YouTube videos that I find helpful,

The original pattern had a front and back side, meaning you could see where I tied the squares, and it looked unfinished to me. To create a more robust blanket, I crocheted two squares together, with their wrong sides facing each other and the right side facing outward. Adding extra squares to a quilt adds weight, texture, and a “Puff” effect. Puff quilts became a popular fad in the 70s and are making a comeback in popularity. There are now crochet versions, too. You make a puff quilt by stuffing each block with fiberfill before finishing it, which gives it a puffy appearance. Puff quilts are also known as biscuit or bubble quilts. In making Eva’s blanket, I used the granny stitch to connect the loom squares instead of the original chain stitch instructions, and I also used the granny stitch for the border. I have included links at the end of this article that I referred to when necessary.

The stuffed animal amigurumi has a small crochet granny square blanket attached, providing children with comfort and security. It quickly becomes one of their favorite toys. If you’re looking for patterns on YouTube, try using these terms in the search bar: crochet lovey pattern, crochet lovey blanket tutorial, and crochet security blanket pattern.

The pattern for a Rottweiler amigurumi was adapted to resemble Kai, my daughter’s Rottweiler fur baby. I added a border to the amigurumi using coordinating gold yarn and a reverse single crochet stitch. I love the sturdy, rope-like finish that the stitch creates. The reverse single crochet stitch is an excellent choice for a border.

Everyone is delighted with how Zeke’s cute toy turned out. Eva and Lilly treasure their bunny-lovey blankets, and it brings me so much joy to see my grandkids carry them around and sleep with them.

I adapted the blanket pattern for toddlers to adults, but please be aware that it has loops that tiny infant fingers might get tangled in. Yet, toddlers and children all ages seem to love the feel of these blankets! I have made a few modifications to the blankets I create using the wonder loom pattern. I use more loom squares to add durability and make it toddler-proof. This term refers to the blankets designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with young children and are considered durable enough for toddlers to use without breaking easily.

Cheers and Best Wishes!