Brandy Burke

Introduction

A crochet temperature blanket tells the story of a year through the language of color and crochet stitches – and while I wasn’t keen on documenting the weather before in such a permanent way, I’m definitely jumping on this trend this year to find out what all the hype is about.

A temperature blanket is a crochet or knit project where each row represents a single day’s temperature. The concept is beautifully simple: you choose specific colors to represent different temperature ranges, then crochet one row daily using the color that matches that day’s reading. As the year progresses, your blanket grows into a colorful tapestry of weather patterns.

Picture watching your blanket transform through the seasons – cool blues of winter mornings gradually giving way to warm yellows of spring, then vibrant reds of summer heat. It’s like creating a personal weather diary in yarn form.

I think this year-long project can be both a meditative crafting experience and a creative way to document the passing seasons. Each stitch becomes a small part of a larger story, making every temperature blanket truly one-of-a-kind.

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Understanding Temperature Blankets

As a bystander, I’ve found it pretty cool to watch my friends on instagram share their blanket progress, their blankets like a little weather diary, and each blanket different based on the pattern and color combination. 

Creating Your Temperature Chart

Here’s how to set up my temperature tracking system:

• Record daily temperatures at a consistent time
• Use reliable local weather data sources
• Choose specific temperature ranges (usually 5-10 degree intervals)
• Assign colors to each temperature range
• Document both dates and temperatures for accuracy

Color Coding Your Temperature Ranges

My favorite part of any crochet project is picking the colors. In this project, you  match colors to temperatures. Here’s a basic example of how to organize temperature ranges:

• Below 32°F (0°C): Deep purple
• 33-45°F (1-7°C): Navy blue
• 46-59°F (8-15°C): Light blue
• 60-73°F (16-23°C): Green
• 74-85°F (24-29°C): Yellow
• 86-95°F (30-35°C): Orange
• Above 95°F (35°C): Red

The best part is you get to pick your own yarns and colors for this project, it will be very unique to you.

Getting Started with Your Crochet Temperature Blanket

I’ve found that starting a temperature blanket project requires careful planning and the right supplies. Here’s my tried-and-tested approach to getting your blanket underway:

1. Essential Supplies

• Crochet hook (size H/5mm or I/5.5mm work best)
• Yarn in your chosen colors
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape
• Project notebook
• Printable Crochet Temperature Blanket Color Chart

2. Yarn Selection Tips

• Choose the same yarn weight for all colors
• Acrylic or wool-blend yarns maintain shape well
• Calculate your yarn based on your crochet temperature blanket pattern – and be sure you buy enough.
• Select machine-washable options for easy care

3. Basic Setup Steps

Choose a temperature blanket pattern – or if you want to just wing it with simple stitches:

• Chain enough stitches for a comfortable width
• Practice your chosen stitch pattern first

I’ve discovered that simple stitches like single or double crochet create the most consistent results. My personal favorite is the moss stitch – it creates a beautiful texture while working up quickly.

Remember to leave enough tail when changing colors between temperature ranges! A 6-inch tail gives plenty of room for secure weaving.

Establishing Your Color Palette

How to Choose Colors for a Temperature Blanket

Choosing colors for your temperature blanket is one of the most exciting parts—it’s where your vision for the project really takes shape! Start by thinking about the mood you want to capture: bright and cheerful, cool and calm, or even something earthy and natural. Then, consider the climate where you live. If you see a wide range of temperatures, you might want a broader color palette to capture each change, whereas milder climates could work well with fewer shades. I live in Oklahoma where we can see days of below zero temperatures and days of above 105 as well – I plan to break mine into 10 degree temperature blocks from zero and below to 105 and above. This means I will need 11 colors.  There will be some anomalies and learnings from this, I’m sure.

• Rainbow Spectrum: Deep purples and blues (below 32°F), light blues and greens (33-50°F), yellows and oranges (51-70°F), reds and burgundies (71°F+)
• Seasonal Pastels: Soft lavenders and mint (winter), light pinks and sage (spring), pale yellow and peach (summer), muted orange and dusty rose (fall)
• Monochromatic Magic: Single color family (blues or purples), light shades for cold temperatures, dark shades for warm temperatures

I recommend using this free temperature blanket color chart printable.

 Remember to select colors with enough contrast to distinguish between similar temperatures – your blanket’s story should be clear at first glance. 

Daily Tracking and Organization

I’ve discovered that keeping track of daily temperatures is crucial for a successful temperature blanket project. Let me share my favorite tracking methods with you!

I recommend using my Temperature Blanket Temperature Tracking Printable

But there are other viable options.

Traditional Notebook Method:

• Create a simple calendar grid
• Record daily temperatures 
• Add notes about weather patterns or special events
• Keep yarn samples taped to the pages for reference or use my Crochet Temperature Blanket Color Chart

Digital Tracking Options:

• Spreadsheet templates (Google Sheets or Excel)
• Weather tracking apps with historical data
• Digital planners with temperature logging features
• Phone notes 

While I can go and check historical weather at any time, tracking the weather manually makes this project feel particularly special and involved.

Pro tip: Take photos of your progress alongside your temperature records. To create a beautiful documentation of your blanket’s growth.

Tips for Staying on Track with Your Crochet Temperature Blanket Project

I’ve discovered that success with a temperature blanket comes down to creating sustainable habits. Here’s what works for me:

• Set a dedicated “blanket time” – Reserve a day of the week, such as  Sunday afternoons for catching up on your temperature blanket rows. It can become a peaceful weekly ritual, paired with a cup of tea and your favorite podcast.
• Break it into manageable chunks – Instead of letting rows pile up, aim to complete 2-3 rows each sitting. This approach prevents the project from feeling overwhelming.
• Join a temperature blanket challenge – I participate in monthly check-ins with other crocheters on Instagram using #tempblanket2025. Sharing progress photos and cheering each other on makes the journey more fun.
• Keep your project visible – Store my temperature blanket in a pretty basket next to your favorite chair. Or, use a project cart, like I do – this visual reminder helps me stay consistent with my crocheting schedule but I can also wheel it out of the way when company comes over..

Finding Support in the Crochet Community While Working on Your Temperature Blanket Project

There’s a vibrant community of crocheters ready to support your temperature blanket journey. The online crochet world offers endless inspiration and guidance through various platforms:

YouTube Channels

• Step-by-step video guides for different stitches and patterns
• Real-time progress updates from fellow crocheters

Social Media Communities

• Instagram hashtags: #temperatureblanket #crochetcommunity
• Facebook groups dedicated to temperature blanket projects
• Pinterest boards filled with color scheme ideas

Online Forums

• Ravelry’s temperature blanket discussion groups
• Reddit’s r/crochet community
• Local crafting Discord servers

These platforms create spaces where we share progress photos, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate milestones together. I’ve found watching other crafters’ journeys through their temperature blankets particularly inspiring – it helps maintain enthusiasm and provides fresh perspectives on color combinations and stitch patterns.

Conclusion

I’ve seen many crafters turn their daily weather observations into beautiful works of art with crochet temperature blankets. Each blanket tells a unique story – your story. The joy of seeing your blanket grow day by day, watching the colors change with the seasons, creates a meaningful connection to the world around you.

Starting your own temperature blanket journey isn’t just about making something pretty – it’s about being patient, staying dedicated, and celebrating the little wins along the way. Your blanket will become a cherished keepsake, a physical reminder of a year in your life.

Are you ready to grab your hook and start tracking your local weather? Trust me – you’ll be amazed at what you can create, one row at a time. 🧶

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a crochet temperature blanket?

A crochet temperature blanket is a year-long project that creatively documents the changing temperatures throughout the seasons. Each row or square of the blanket represents a specific day’s temperature, using a predetermined color coding system.

How do I create a temperature color chart for my blanket?

To create a temperature chart, you first need to establish a range of temperatures and assign colors to each range. You can download this free temperature blanket color chart to use all year long. This color key will guide you as you record daily temperatures and determine which color to use for each day in your crochet project.

What type of yarn should I choose for my temperature blanket?

When choosing yarn for your temperature blanket, consider selecting yarn types that are comfortable and durable. It’s also important to pick colors that correspond to your established color palette. Look for acrylic or cotton yarns which are easy to work with and come in a wide variety of colors.

How can I stay organized while tracking daily temperatures?

You can stay organized by recording daily temperatures on my temperature tracker sheet or in a dedicated notebook or using digital methods like apps or spreadsheets. Choose the method that works best for you, ensuring it’s easy to update and refer back to as you progress with your blanket.

What tips can help me stay on track with my crochet project?

To maintain motivation and consistency in your crochet temperature blanket project, set aside regular time each week specifically for crocheting. Additionally, consider joining online communities or following tutorials from creators to gain inspiration and support.

Where can I find support while working on my temperature blanket?

You can find support through various online communities dedicated to crochet enthusiasts. Platforms like YouTube offer tutorials where you can learn more about creating temperature blankets and connect with others who share your passion.