Crafting Cozy Crochet Blankets: Temperature Tips And Tricks

A temperature blanket is a creative way to document temperature variations over a period of time through crocheting or knitting. The process involves crocheting a row of stitches or a motif each day, with the colour chosen based on the day's temperature. The temperature ranges are predetermined and assigned specific yarn colours, resulting in a unique and personalised blanket. While traditionally, temperature blankets follow a rainbow colour spectrum, individuals can customise their colour palette to match their style or home decor. This long-term project not only serves as a fun way to track the climate but also captures memories associated with seasons and significant life events.

Choosing colours for your crochet blanket

Firstly, you can opt for a traditional temperature blanket, which is usually done in a rainbow colour spectrum. This approach is a great way to ensure your blanket looks vibrant and varied. However, if you want your blanket to match a specific room's colour scheme, you can choose colours that complement the aesthetic of the space. For example, if you want your blanket to match your living room, you could take inspiration from a rug or throw pillows and choose colours that are present in those items.

Another approach is to include a mixture of colours and neutrals. This will create a nice balance and prevent your project from looking too bland or too busy. It is important to choose colours that work well together, as they will all be part of the same blanket. You can test this by pairing each colour with another and seeing if they complement each other.

Additionally, you can decide whether to use different shades of the same colour, pick only cool or warm colours, or select random colours from your yarn stash.

If you are struggling to decide on a colour scheme, it may be helpful to use a temperature blanket chart or create your own temperature chart. This involves assigning a specific colour to each range of temperatures, ensuring that each day's temperature is represented accurately.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different colours and stitches to make your crochet blanket unique and personalised.

How to crochet a temperature blanket

A temperature blanket is a unique, colourful project that records the temperatures over a year. Each row of crochet represents a day of the year, with the colours chosen based on the temperature for that day.

Step 1: Pick a Year

Choose the current year, or select a year from the past—maybe a significant year such as a birth year or anniversary. You will need to ensure you can find temperature data for your chosen year.

Step 2: Find Your Temperatures

Research the average monthly temperatures for your location. Find the highest and lowest temperatures for the year and decide on a series of temperature ranges that make sense for your location. For example, if the hottest day was 98 degrees and the coldest was 12 degrees, your temperature ranges could be in increments of 10 or 5 degrees.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

You will need a selection of yarns in different colours. One suggestion is to use DK or worsted/aran weight yarns, also known as Craft Yarn Council #3 or #4. Choose plain yarns in a wide colour range, and avoid novelty yarns. You will also need a crochet hook.

Step 4: Get Organised

You can crochet a row every day, or less frequently—it is up to you and how much of a commitment you want to make. You can keep track of your progress using a notebook or a binder with printed templates. Make a yarn and temperature key, and a daily temperature tracker.

Step 5: Start Crocheting!

Use your daily temperature tracker to record the temperature each day, and your yarn and temperature key to choose the colour for each row. You can separate the months by crocheting a couple of rows in your main colour—the colour used for the border—in between.

Tips

• You can add an extra colour to mark a special occasion, such as a birth or anniversary, by adding a few stitches in a contrasting colour.
• You can buy one ball of each colour to start, and more as you need them. It is impossible to know in advance how much of each colour you will need.
• You can add the rows whenever it suits you—daily, weekly, or monthly.
• You can use a simple stitch such as a moss stitch, or single or double crochet.

The best yarn for a temperature blanket

A temperature blanket is a unique, creative project that documents the daily temperature for a chosen location over a year. It is a fun way to represent the weather data in yarn form, with each colour signifying a specific temperature range.

When choosing the yarn for your temperature blanket, there are several factors to consider:

Price

The price of yarn is influenced by factors such as the fibre, processing and brand exclusivity. Keeping costs down may be a priority, especially given the large amount of yarn required for a year-long project.

Colour Range

It is important to select a yarn brand with a wide colour range to provide more options for your palette. Traditionally, temperature blankets use a rainbow spectrum, with red representing the warmest temperatures and blue the coolest. However, you can choose any colours you like, such as pastels or neons.

Weight

The weight of the yarn you choose may depend on the pattern you select. If you are designing your own pattern, go for a lighter yarn. Worsted weight yarn is a popular choice, with DK weight coming in second. Fingering weight is another option for those seeking something different.

Fibre

For a substantial temperature blanket, it is best to stick to basic fibres such as cotton, acrylic, acrylic blends, or superwash merino wool. These fibres typically offer a good balance between price, colour range, and durability. It is also important to consider any allergies when selecting the fibre.

Availability

It is essential to choose a yarn brand that is widely available and longstanding to ensure you can find the same shade if you need to buy more during the project.

• Brava Worsted
• Swish DK
• Palette
• Basic Stitch Premium
• Heartland
• Wool-Ease
• Stylecraft Special DK
• Paintbox Cotton DK
• Caron Simply Soft
• Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino

How to decide on a temperature scale

Deciding on a temperature scale for your crochet temperature blanket is a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Weather Conditions

Firstly, consider the weather conditions of the location you plan to record. If you live in an area with a wide range of temperatures, you can assign larger temperature increments to each colour. For example, if your area experiences temperatures ranging from −15 to 100°F (−26 to 38°C), you can choose larger increments like 10°F. On the other hand, if you live in a more temperate climate with less fluctuation, such as 50 to 90°F (10 to 32°C), you may want to use smaller increments of 5°F to capture more subtle changes. Adjusting the increments ensures that your blanket reflects the unique climate of your chosen location.

Colour Preferences

The next step is to decide on your colour palette. While many people opt for the traditional rainbow colour spectrum, you can customise your palette to match your style, home decor, or personal preferences. Consider the vibe you want to create. Do you want something warm and rustic, or perhaps cool and elegant? Choose colours that reflect this vibe. You can also mix and match shades from your inspiration, such as a rug or a piece of art. Play around with different combinations of colours and neutrals to find a balance that suits your taste. Remember, all the colours will be part of the same blanket, so they should complement each other.

Temperature Recording

Another factor to consider is how you will record temperatures. Will you document the high, low, or average temperature for each day? Recording the high temperature is a popular choice, as most people tend to talk about the hottest part of the day. Additionally, the high and low temperatures can create more dynamic patterns in your blanket. However, if you want to showcase subtle changes, the average temperature may be a better option. You can also decide whether to record the temperature of a specific location or your current location, especially if you travel frequently.

Colour Placement

Once you've chosen your colours, think about the order in which you want them to appear in your blanket. You can arrange them in a monochromatic wave, with transition colours in between, or create your unique sequence. Keep in mind that the placement of colours will depend on the temperatures you record, so there may be unexpected combinations. However, planning a general flow pattern will enhance the visual appeal of your finished blanket.

Yarn Selection

When selecting yarn for your temperature blanket, consider the weight and fibre type. Lighter weight yarns, such as DK weight, are ideal for temperature blankets as they create a more manageable size. Heavier yarns can result in oversized or strangely shaped blankets. Choosing natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, can add a beautiful sheen and ensure the longevity of your project. You can also select yarns that match your chosen colour palette and the desired vibe of your blanket.

By following these steps and considering your personal preferences, you can create a temperature scale that is unique to your crochet temperature blanket project. Enjoy the process of planning and customising your blanket, and don't be afraid to get creative!

How to crochet a temperature blanket for beginners

A temperature blanket is a fun and creative project for beginners to get started with crocheting. It is a colourful blanket where each crocheted row represents one day of the year. The colours of each row are determined by the temperature of the day, and you assign a colour to each temperature range.

Step 1: Pick a Year

You can choose the current year or a year from the past. Selecting a special year, such as an anniversary or a birth year, can make this project even more meaningful. If you choose a year from the past, make sure you can find temperature data for that year.

Step 2: Find Your Temperatures

Decide on a series of temperature ranges that make sense for your location. You can simply search online for the average monthly temperatures in your area. Find the highest and lowest temperatures for the year and use those to determine your temperature ranges.

Step 3: Choose Your Colours

Traditionally, temperature blankets are done in a rainbow colour spectrum, but you can choose any colours you like. Pick colours that inspire you or match your living room décor. It's a good idea to have a mixture of colours and neutrals to create a balanced look. Make sure all the colours you choose work well together.

Step 4: Select Your Yarn

When choosing yarn, consider the weight and fibre type. DK weight yarn is a good option to avoid your blanket becoming too large or strangely shaped. Natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, are great for longevity. Choose a yarn that comes in a wide colour range so you can select shades that match your chosen palette.

Step 5: Decide on a Stitch

The linen/moss/woven stitch is a popular choice for temperature blankets, as it creates a clean and stretchy texture. However, you can also explore other stitches like the Tunisian stitch or simple stitches like single or double crochet.

Step 6: Keep Track of Temperatures

Use a notebook, a printable temperature tracker, or an online tool to record the daily temperatures. You can also decide whether you want to record the high, low, or average temperature for each day.

Step 7: Start Crocheting!

Now you're ready to begin crocheting your temperature blanket! Remember, you don't have to crochet one row every single day. Decide on a frequency that works best for you and your schedule. Enjoy the process and watch your beautiful blanket come to life, stitch by stitch!

Frequently asked questions