Here on my site (and others you may visit), I reference temperature projects. What in the world is that? Read on to find out!
The Ins and Outs of Temperature Projects
A temperature project is a crochet (or knit) item that reflects the temperature of a particular place over time. Once you determine your place, your time frame, and your project the steps are pretty simple!
Choose Your Temperature Ranges
Most projects use 10-degree or 5-degree ranges. For example, one range could be 70-79 degrees, or 75-79 degrees.
Decide On Your Color Palette
This year, I decided on jewel tones for my temperature project. I selected deeper and darker colors overall. The colors that you choose can be as varied as you like!
Before I start a temperature project, I tend to utilize a color palette generator, or visit some of my favorite online yarn stores to browse color packs. That’s actually how I found my color palette this year – I was browsing LoveCrafts Paintbox Cotton Aran color packs!
Create Your Color Key
Select which colors will correspond to each temperature range. This decision is totally up to you, so feel free to be as creative as you want! Some projects correspond cool colors to cool temps, and warm colors to warm temps. Others use an ombre range of a single color with lighter colors corresponding to cooler temps. Some utilize a rainbow of colors in whatever order you like.
Make Your Temperature Log
For this step, I tend to use Google Sheets, but choose the recording method that works best for you! You want your log to show, at minimum, the day, the temperature, and the corresponding color for that day. I also have a column in my log that I can check mark when I complete that day’s row/round. Here’s a screenshot of what my log looks like.
The great thing about using Google Sheets (or some other similar database) is automation – my husband helped me write a formula that will automatically fill in the color when I enter the temperature! It’s based on my temperature ranges, shown on the left.
You can also see that for 2023, I chose to complete a current year temperature project. To do this, I typically record temperatures for around a week or 10 days, then spend a lovely Sunday afternoon completing those rounds.
If you choose a time frame that has already passed, you can fill in your entire log and simply check off your rows as you go. Check out sites like Weather Underground to get your historical weather data.
Complete Your Rows!
As I mentioned above, I am completing my temperature project this year in batches. Choose a workflow that works best for you and your schedule; this project is a longer one. You don’t want to burn yourself over time.
Temperature Projects – Not Just Blankets!
Perhaps the most important decision for your temperature project is what you are making. In doing some research for this blog, I did some googling, and was astonished at the number of temperature blankets out there. But, I want to stress that temperature projects don’t just have to be blankets!
Don’t get me wrong, blankets are gorgeous and show off your temperature color palette in a large scale. However, for some crocheters, the idea of a (potentially) year long project can be overwhelming enough, much less a blanket that requires hundreds of stitches per row!
I know myself, and I knew going into my first temperature project that I could not create a blanket. I knew it wouldn’t hold my attention for a year. Plus, the thought of keeping up with 300-400 stitch rows was very overwhelming.
Non-Blanket Temperature Project Options
Here are some great options for crochet temperature projects that aren’t blankets. I couldn’t leave my blanket-crafters hanging, so there are some bonus blanket patterns at the bottom!
Psst! Some of the links below are links to Ravelry patterns. You’ll need to create a free account to view or purchase these patters. But, Ravelry is an amazing source for both free and paid patterns, so it’s a win-win!
Amigurumi Crochet Temperature Projects
I taught myself to crochet by making amigurumi (or softies), so this type of project is near and dear to my heart. In fact, that is why I chose to make a temperature snake this year! I am utilizing a pattern from June Gilbank (pictured above), and completing 1 round for each day of the year. You can read about her year long crochet-along here, and purchase the Temperature Snake Pattern here.
Perhaps a snake isn’t your thing? Consider creating this adorable Temperature Cat or this super cute Temperature Giraffe.
Crochet Temperature Wrap
This absolutely stunning crochet temperature wrap was designed by Esther over at It’s All in a Nutshell Crochet. The wrap is worked with the linen stitch, starting at one corner and growing across a diagonal. Head over to her site to read more and see more images of the gorgeous piece.
Crochet Temperature Scarf
If a wrap isn’t your style, consider a crocheted temperature scarf! This project is on my short list for my next temperature project; the finished scarf will be just the right length, and the short rows will definitely keep my attention! This pattern is available for free from the Underground Crafter, Marie Segares.
Crochet Temperature Dress
Keeping with our crochet temperature clothing and accessories project theme, take a look at this beautiful crochet temperature dress! Created by Anika Gearhart-Edwards, this dress is great option for warm weather (and for layering). This free Ravelry download is written as a sheath dress, but does offer options for more shaping if you’d prefer.
As Promised – Crochet Temperature Blanket Options
While temperature blankets aren’t necessarily my style, they definitely could be yours! Some of my favorite places to search for potential temperature blanket inspiration are TL Yarn Crafts and Ravelry. It seems that temperature blankets are growing more popular in the crochet world, and there are dozens of options to choose from. Some of my favorites are Toni’s Linen Square Temperature Blanket, and her Tunisian Temperature Blanket. I am a huge fan of geometric shapes in crochet, so I love the look of the Cobram Temperature Blanket from Kaye Adolphson.
My Crochet Temperature Snake WIP
Here’s a quick snap of the current progress on my 2023 Crochet Temperature Snake. Stay tuned for more updates on my progress. Are you working on a temperature project? Tell me about it in the comments below!
