Welcome to the Merry Gonkmas Blanket CAL!
It took me a surprisingly long time to get started on this design. My Cosy Blanket Club members had voted for a festive blanket, and I was keen for it to look different from the ones already out there. My very first attempt looked like a Pokéball with legs (embarrassing!), but then I remembered my soft spot for gonks, and the design slowly began to emerge.
The result is a fun festive two-colour overlay mosaic blanket, worked over 7 weekly sections so you’ll be finished in time to enjoy (or gift) it for Christmas. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to Find the Merry Gonkmas Blanket Pattern
The Merry Gonkmas Blanket CAL is available inside the Cosy Blanket Club. I’d love for you to join me and the rest of the community as we work through this cute festive crochet blanket together — there’s nothing quite like crocheting alongside others who are just as excited about all things Christmas as you are.
What is a CAL?
A CAL, or Crochet Along, is a fabulous community event where crocheters across the globe work on the same pattern simultaneously. It unfolds in stages, providing the perfect opportunity to share your progress and inspire fellow crafters.
How will this CAL work?
Starting November 6th, 2026, a new section of the blanket will be released on the every Friday for 7 weeks (inside the Cosy Blanket Club).
5 Fun Facts About Gonks
Before you start stitching, here are a few things I learned while falling down a gonk-shaped rabbit hole:
- Gonks have lots of names. In Sweden they’re called tomte, in Norway and Denmark they’re nisse, and in Finland they’re tonttu. “Gonk” is the British nickname, and it stuck.
- The name comes from a toy. The word “gonk” is thought to come from a novelty toy that was popular in the 1960s and 70s. It’s funny to think that the gonks on our trees and mantelpieces borrowed their name from a toy!
- They’re older than you’d think. Stories about these little guardians go back centuries, with mentions in Norway as far back as the 1600s (and some sources suggest the 1200s). So this blanket has a surprising amount of history behind it.
- They like a bowl of porridge. In Sweden, there’s a tradition of leaving a bowl of porridge with a pat of butter outside on Christmas Eve, as a thank-you to the tomte. Honestly, that’s a fair trade for a farm guardian.
- They can be a bit grumpy. Folklore says that if you forgot the porridge, a tomte might tie the cows’ tails together or hide your tools. So they’re less “cute decoration” and more “cheeky household guardian”. I think that suits a blanket full of characters!
And whether you adore gonks or find them a bit odd, they’re definitely a “Marmite” festive trend. Which team are you on?
***This page may include affiliate links – this means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase the product. This is at no additional cost to you. I will only recommend products that I have tried and tested myself, and that I like using. This income helps me to keep designing quality crochet patterns for you.***
New to Overlay Mosaic Crochet?
Don’t worry, simply start out by watching this video tutorial which covers the basics, or read the summary below.
- All rows are worked from right to left (with the right side facing).
- Usually the yarn colour changes with every row i.e. you ONLY use ONE colour per row – you ignore any changes in colour of the chart squares, they simply show what the final design will look like. You will need to fo at the end of every row.
- Every row contains the same number of stitches (st).
- The first and last st in every row is a single crochet (sc).
- The first st is indicated by a square with a letter e.g. ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the chart.
- The final st is indicated by a square with a ‘+’ in the chart.
- Back loop only sc (BLOsc) are indicated by a square without a ‘X’ in the chart.
- Front loop only double crochet (FLOdc) are indicated by a square with a ‘X’ in the chart.
- All FLOdc are worked into the same-coloured stitch two rows down.
Short on crochet time? Pin this image so that you can come back later.
This pattern is available from Patreon with written and graphical instructions, in US and UK crochet terms, and a large print option.
If you love mosaic crochet blankets, check out these patterns too! Click a photo for more information.
You may find these video tutorials handy when crocheting your Merry Gonkmas Blanket:
The Pattern
Materials
- The sample photographed above was crocheted using DK weight yarn (Drops Karisma):
- Colour A (forest green) – apx. 2170m/2365 yds
- Colour B (off white) – apx. 1742m/1899 yds
- The yardage provided above is based on a single-sided blanket, before border.
- Crochet hook size – 4mm/G-6.
- Tapestry needle.
- Scissors.
- Stitch markers (optional).
- Row counter (optional).
Some alternative yarn suggestions:
Difficulty Level
Advanced beginner.
Gauge
A 10cm (4 inch) square requires 16.5 rows of 16.5st in overlay mosaic crochet.
The final blanket size (excluding border) is apx. 127 by 163cm (50 by 64 inches).
Safety Notices
The following has been added as per the new General Product Safety Regulation update December 2024, from the EU Commission.
Safety Disclaimer for Crochet Patterns
Crocheting blankets, accessories, garments, decor, or other crochet products is a fun and rewarding craft. However, it’s essential to follow every step of the pattern carefully to ensure that the finished product is both functional and safe. Please note that, as with any handmade item, there are inherent risks when recreating these patterns. By following all instructions closely and taking appropriate safety measures, you can minimize potential hazards.
Safety with Young Children, Animals, and Adults
- Always use child- and pet-safe materials when creating items for children or pets, particularly for toys, blankets, or any item likely to be chewed, pulled, or handled roughly.
- Ensure the final product is properly constructed, with securely fastened joins and woven-in ends, to prevent unravelling or loose threads that could pose a choking or entanglement hazard.
- For small embellishments such as buttons or beads, avoid their use on items intended for children under three years old or pets, as these can present choking hazards.
Blanket Safety for Babies
- Temperature Regulation: Babies are not as effective at regulating their temperature, and overheating increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). When creating blankets for babies, consider the yarn’s warmth and breathability to ensure it is suitable for the intended environment.
- Safe Sleeping Guidance: Blankets should be tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders, and their feet should be placed at the end of the crib or bed. This minimizes the risk of the baby’s face becoming covered by loose bedding.
- For further advice, refer to the safe sleeping guidelines provided by The Lullaby Trust.
Handling Tools Safely
- When working with sharp tools such as scissors, sewing needles, or crochet hooks, handle them carefully and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Accidental cuts or injuries can occur if tools are not used properly. Always store tools safely when not in use, ensuring they are secured in a suitable storage container or area.
Important Note
By purchasing and using this pattern, you acknowledge that you are responsible for the construction, use, and safety of the completed item. I am not liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages caused by the finished product or the tools used during its creation. This includes, but is not limited to, blankets, accessories, garments, decor items, or other crochet creations, whether for children, adults, or animals.
GPSR Contact Details
Elimee Designs EU/NI Representative
Ciara Doyle, C15 Y5F9, Ireland
Elimee Designs (Designer)
N. Griffiths, 435, LE10 0NF, England.
The Fine Print
Please note that all written patterns from Elimee Designs are non-refundable.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this pattern please feel free to contact us via hello@elimeedesigns.co.uk or our Elimee Designs Crochet Pattern group on Facebook.
Please use the hashtag #MerryGonkmasBlanket or #ElimeeDesigns, or tag me (@elimee_designs on Instagram or @elimeedesigns on Facebook) so that I can see your finished blanket too, and show it some much deserved love!
A MASSIVE thank you to my testers Lourdes, Bernie, Pauline, Emily, and Cindy, for helping me to iron out the kinks!
If you’d like to be notified when our next pattern goes into testing simply sign up below, or click HERE to learn more about becoming a crochet pattern tester.
If you love crochet alongs, have a look at these! (Click a photo for more info).
Thank you so much for reading! I can’t wait to see your gonks, so do share your progress with me on Instagram (@elimee_designs) or Facebook (@elimeedesigns). If you have any questions, pop them in the comments below.
Happy crocheting!
Looking for more content to explore? Check these out next!
- Scrap friendly crochet patterns
- Cosy fall blankets
- Crochet blanket borders
- Snuggly Christmas blankets
- Mosaic crochet blankets
FAQs
Who can join the Merry Gonkmas Blanket CAL?
It is currently exclusive to members of the Blanket Maker and Blanket Master tiers inside the Cosy Blanket Club (and will be until November 2027).
When does it start, and how long does it run?
Part 1 is released on Friday 6 November 2026, with a new section each week for 7 weeks, finishing on 18 December.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It’s aimed at advanced beginners. It uses two colours and overlay mosaic crochet, with no slanted stitches or mid-row colour changes required.
What yarn and hook do I need?
Drops Karisma (DK weight) and a 4 mm / G-6 crochet hook. You’ll need approx. 2170 m / 2365 yds of forest green (before border) and approx. 1742 m / 1899 yds of off white (also before border).
How big is the finished blanket?
The final size (before border) is apx. 127 by 163cm (50 by 64 inches).
Is there a WIP tracker?
Yes, Blanket Master tier members of the Cosy Blanket Club also receive a matching WIP tracker.
Where do I download the pattern?
Each section is shared inside the Cosy Blanket Club on Patreon, with the files available to download via Payhip.