Before you start a yearlong crochet project, read this!
Temperature blankets. Am I right? If you haven’t heard of them get ready to put your party pants on! And if you have heard of them, you might be like me and have a huge case of FOMO (fear of missing out), or maybe you’ve already made one (or two… or three — and I am so jealous) and you’re looking for some fresh takes on this fun, creative technique. Either way, this blog is for you!
What Is a Temperature Crochet Project?
The most common type is the temperature blanket. It’s a crochet blanket made with rows in different colors that represent the temperature of each day of the year — usually based on either the daily high or low. With each row, you’re visually tracking time, weather, and memories.
That’s the basic version — but there are so many variations that make this concept even more fun, personal, and meaningful.
The Secret Behind Why These Blankets Mean So Much to So Many
Part of the magic is in sharing them — not just the finished piece, but the process too. People are always in awe of how creative these projects can be! Choosing colors, selecting your pattern, and watching it grow day by day is incredibly satisfying.
They’re also inspiring because of the storytelling behind them — some use different stitches instead of color to mark temperature changes. Others ditch the blanket entirely and go for something like a temperature snake (yes, really!), a creative and adorable way to celebrate a baby’s first year.
But what makes temperature projects truly special is the meaning behind them. They mark a year — of your life, or someone else’s. You’ll remember where you were, how you felt, and who you were thinking of as you crocheted each day.
Want to take that meaning a step further? I created a printable tracker (at the bottom of this post) so you can jot down notes and memories alongside the tracking the temperature, making your project a true keepsake.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Let’s be real — a full-year project is a commitment. So let’s set you up for success:
- Be honest about your time. Can you do a row a day? Or maybe batch your rows weekly?
- Pick a timeframe that fits. Your temperature project doesn’t have to follow the calendar year! More on that below.
- Pick a project that fits you. There are plenty of ways to participate in the fun without committing to a year long blanket.
- Find community. Join a crochet group or invite friends to work on theirs with you. Tag @mindbodycrochet on Instagram so I can cheer you on!
Timeline Ideas: Not Just Calendar Years
Your project doesn’t have to be January to December. Here are a few creative timelines:
- A baby’s first year
- A first year of marriage
- A milestone birthday
- A year after loss (crochet can be deeply healing and the project will bring you comfort and memories whenever you use it).
In fact, your project doesn’t even need to follow an entire year. There are plenty of celebrations that last less than a year. A few examples include:
- A semester of college
- A deployment
- Pregnancy
These milestones give your temperature project emotional weight and make it truly one of a kind.
Which Came First — the Pattern or the Yarn?
If you’ve already picked out yarn, that’s great but you’ll want to choose a pattern that works with your yarn weight and hook size so your finished project isn’t 11 feet long (ask me how I know… 😅).
If you’ve picked your pattern first, check the recommended yarn and hook, and compare it to your personal tension. My friend and I can use the same yarn and hook and end up with completely different sizes!
Need help with sizing or yardage? Grab my free Temperature Project Worksheets at the bottom of this post — they include a yardage calculator and size estimator.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
Color choice is where your story really shines. Here are some things to think about:
- Is this for you or someone else?
- Will it live in a specific room with a certain palette?
- What colors bring you joy or symbolize something important?
- Do you live in a mild climate? You may want more contrast between temperature bands.
- Want to base your palette on the feelings colors evoke? (Green, for example, brings balance, calm, growth — perfect for a renewal year!)
I’ve created a whole separate blog on color selection, so you can deep dive if you’re feeling inspired.
Creating Your Temperature Range
The most common approach is to use different colors to represent specific temperature ranges. For example, you might assign:
- Below 32°F (0°C)
- 33°F to 50°F (1°C to 10°C)
- 51°F to 70°F (11°C to 21°C)
- 71°F to 90°F (22°C to 32°C)
- Above 90°F (32°C+)
This allows your blanket to create a visual representation of the weather patterns you experienced, with the temperature shifts translating directly into vibrant colors.
Materials Checklist
Whatever pattern you pick will give you a materials list however, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Yarn
- Hook size that matches your yarn and tension
- Printable tracker or notebook (I’ve got one for you!)
- Project bag (to keep everything together)
- Scissors
- Historical weather resource (I love Wunderground)
- Optional: sparkly thread or beads for special dates!
Let’s Stay Connected!
I love seeing your creations and cheering you on. Share your progress on Instagram and tag @mindbodycrochet. Or if you want to be featured in a future blog post, send a photo of your project using my submission form!
This journey is meaningful, colorful, creative, and yours. And I’m so excited to be along for the ride.
Happy hooking!
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P.S. Need a pattern to get started? I’ve included a few beginner-friendly ideas in my temperature pattern roundup. 💕
