Julia Roberts Knits Blankets for Emmy Rossum Children
The actress created personalized gifts for the two children of Emmy Rossum and her husband, Sam Esmail.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Needlework
Julia Roberts has shared her knitting talents by creating custom blankets for the children of Emmy Rossum. The handmade gifts include tags that read From the Knitting Needles of Auntie Juju.
Why it matters
The reveal underscores a close personal relationship between the two actresses, who share a connection through Rossum's husband, Sam Esmail. Roberts has collaborated with Esmail on multiple high-profile film and television projects.
Julia Roberts, 58, and Emmy Rossum, 40, share a personal friendship that has included Roberts playing Legos with Rossum's two children. The items were crafted personally by Roberts and are marked with custom identification tags.
The players
Julia Roberts
She is an Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in iconic films like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich.
Emmy Rossum
She is an actress and director widely recognized for her long-standing role on the television series Shameless.
Sam Esmail
He is a writer, director, and producer best known for creating the critically acclaimed series Mr. Robot.
The details
During a recent interview, Emmy Rossum explained that Julia Roberts frequently visits her home to spend time with the family. These visits involve creative activities, such as playing with Legos, alongside the delivery of the handmade knit blankets.
Timeline
May 2017: Emmy Rossum and Sam Esmail were married.
May 2021: Emmy Rossum's daughter was born.
April 2023: Emmy Rossum's son was born.
October 22, 2026: Emmy Rossum appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a broader societal interest in the resurgence of slow-made, artisanal crafts as a way to provide meaningful, personalized gifts. It contrasts with the convenience-driven consumption typically seen in the Etsy handmade gift marketplace.
Readers looking to replicate this gesture can utilize basic knitting patterns to create personalized gifts for family or friends. The trend highlights how taking the time to hand-stitch tags or custom labels adds a bespoke quality to simple items.
The takeaway
Handmade gifts like custom-knitted blankets offer a thoughtful way to build and maintain personal connections. Implementing small, personalized touches such as custom tags can elevate a simple project into a memorable keepsake.
Further reading
Discover more about the resurgence of hand-crafted hobbies in the Needlework section.
