Crochet temperature projects have become incredibly popular over the years, especially at the start of a new year. Traditionally, they're worked by assigning colors to temperature ranges and adding a row, stitch, or motif each day, creating a beautiful visual record of the weather over time.
But here's something many people don't realize: a temperature crochet project doesn't have to start on January 1, and it doesn't even have to be for the current year. You can crochet the temperatures from a year in the past, like the year you were born, the year you got married, or any meaningful year tied to a special milestone you'd love to capture in yarn.
The classic temperature blanket can feel daunting. What if you lose steam halfway through? What if a massive blanket isn't your style? Good news is that a temperature-based crochet project isn't limited to blankets! From amigurumi to wearables, and even home decor!
What is a Temperature Crochet Project?
At its core, a crochet temperature project assigns a specific color to a range of temperatures and uses that color in some part of your project each day. For example, blues for cold days, reds for warm ones. Traditionally, this takes the form of a blanket where each row represents a day of the year (a concept also known in knitting communities as a tempestry).
But that's just one way to interpret the idea! So let's explore both classic blankets and some new alternatives.
Crochet Temperature Blanket Variations
Moss Stitch Crochet Temperature Blanket
Many temperature blankets are of the bright rainbow spectrum. Not that rainbow colors are bad, but sometimes, when you change up your color palette like @knitalieco did, even the simple crochet moss stitches can create beautiful temperature blankets that don't look like they're made by a unicorn.
Hexagon Temperature Blanket
Instead of using the typical rainbow spectrum, this beautiful hexagon temperature blanket was made using earth tones, and it looks magnificent! It took the crochet artist 371 days to complete this project. Each hexagon is one week, with 7 rounds for each hexagon. Then she made extra white hexagons to square off the blanket! I love how unique this temperature blanket looks.
Floral Hexagon Temperature Blanket
If the hexagon blanket got your interest peaked, check out this Doris Daisy Hexagon Temperature Blanket that TLS Crochet made for 2019. Again, using a different color palette can really change the style of your blanket! Here, she decided to make her blanket using pastel colors. Even though it might be a temperature blanket of the whole year, it came off with a very lovely spring feel to it!
Floral Granny Squares Temperature Blanket
As I searched more of TLS Crochet's work on Ravelry, I happened to come by another beautiful temperature blanket that she made for 2020. This time, she used some bolder colors to contrast the white that goes between the blankets. This one reminds me of stained glass windows, and I just love it so much!
Mini Granny Square Temperature Blanket
Temperature blankets sometimes turn out bigger than you think. You don't realize how many rows or pieces you are putting together until you have all your pieces. This temperature blanket gives me all kinds of cutesy vibes. Not sure if it's because the granny squares are so small that they kind of look like tiny flowers, but I am really in love with this mini granny square blanket!
Alternative Crochet Temperature Projects
Temperature Amigurumi Cat
Have enough blankets at home? How about a giant temperature amigurumi cat! This is such a clever way to document the year's temperatures. I love the range of colors, and because temperatures can be so unpredictable, the colors can come out to be the perfect randomness of stripes!
Temperature Amigurumi Giraffe
Here is another adorable giant temperature amigurumi, but this time, it's of a giraffe. Temperature amigurumis make for great and amazing gifts. For example, you can use something like this to help document a baby's first year of temperatures. Or maybe even your first or last year of school. Perhaps even the year you got married. There can be so many ideas!
Crochet Temperature Snake Amigurumi
The Temperature Snake Crochet Pattern and Workbook by Planet June offers a fun and unique way to track daily temperatures throughout the year. This creative project combines the concept of a temperature blanket with an adorable snake design, using colored stripes to represent temperature changes.
The detailed pattern comes with a workbook to help you customize your snake and stay organized throughout the year. It's a perfect project for crocheters looking for a fresh take on temperature tracking!
Temperature Bohemian Wrap
If temperature blankets are too daunting for you, you can try starting off small, like a bohemian temperature shawl. This maker chose to use a rainbow color palette, but you can easily choose to use colors that fit your wardrobe.
My Year in Temperature Scarf
Again, if you feel that you have too many crochet blankets or that starting a crochet blanket might be too big a project to commit to, try something smaller, like a temperature scarf. You can even choose to leave your loose ends (but maybe at least trim them so that they're all the same length), and it makes for a great fringe!
Crochet Temperature Dress
Do you have enough blankets in your home, but still want to do a temperature project? Try out this temperature dress for a change! This beautifully designed dress has the colors for the summer temperatures landing in all the right places (when you start making it in January)! It's lovely how sometimes things just work out.
Crochet Temperature Cloud
I absolutely love this project. This crochet temperature cloud is one of the more creative crochet temperature projects that I've seen. Each crocheted bead represents a range of temperatures for the day.
It's a much smaller and manageable project for those who are too busy to make a temperature blanket. The crochet cloud pattern is also available for free.
Alternatives to Daily Temperature Tracking
If daily commitment is the reason you hesitate to start:
- Weekly Color Blocks: Instead of one stripe per day, choose one per week! This is easier to finish and looks beautiful when complete.
- Based on Averages: Use high or low averages instead of daily data to simplify your work.
- Customized Color Projects: Some makers use color to track mood, steps, or other life data, not just weather!
More to Love...
- Valentine's Day Crochet Gifts: A curated collection of heartfelt crochet gift ideas that are perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond.
- Chinese New Year Crochet Patterns: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this festive roundup of crochet patterns inspired by tradition, symbolism, and bright colors.
- Free Crochet Fidget Toy Patterns: Explore a variety of free crochet fidget toy patterns that are fun to make and great for the busy hands of all ages.
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