Temperature blankets. These beautiful and functional creations offer a creative journey through the seasons, while also allowing you to track the climate’s subtle shifts in a tangible and colorful way.
In this article, we’ll unravel the fascinating story of temperature blankets, from their origins to crafting tips, and guide you through the creative process of making your very own.
What is a temperature blanket?
A temperature blanket is a crocheted or knitted afghan that reflects daily temperatures over the course of a year or a specific period.
Each day, you assign a color to represent the recorded temperature, creating a visual temperature graph that evolves with time. The result is a cozy and personalized keepsake that documents the weather’s fluctuations in a captivating and artistic manner.
The origin Of Temperature Blankets
While the exact origin of temperature blankets is challenging to pinpoint, the concept gained popularity in the crafting community in the early 21st century.
Crafters began to document their local climates through yarn, creating a unique blend of artistry and meteorology.
Over time, this practice grew into a global trend, with enthusiasts from various climates sharing their colorful creations on social media.
How long does a temperature blanket take?
The duration of a temperature blanket project depends on your chosen timeframe. Many crafters opt for a year-long project to capture an entire calendar year’s worth of temperatures.
However, you can customize the duration to suit your preference, such as creating a seasonal blanket that covers three months or even a decade-long project to witness long-term climate changes.
Best Yarn for temperature blankets
Choosing the right yarn is crucial for your temperature blanket’s longevity and aesthetic appeal. Opt for medium-weight acrylic or acrylic-blend yarn for durability and easy maintenance.
These yarns are available in a wide array of colors, making it easier to assign each temperature a unique shade. They are also budget-friendly, ensuring your project remains cost-effective.
Brava has a lovely collection of yarn
How wide should a temperature blanket be?
The width of your temperature blanket depends on your chosen stitch and yarn weight. Generally, a width of 48 to 60 inches (122 to 152 cm) works well for most projects. However, you can adjust this to your preference. Keep in mind that a wider blanket will require more yarn and time to comple
Blanket Colour Chart
Here’s a sample temperature blanket color chart in a table format:
| Temperature Range (°F/°C) | Color |
|---|---|
| Below freezing | White |
| 32-40°F (0-4.4°C) | Light Blue |
| 41-50°F (5-10°C) | Medium Blue |
| 51-60°F (10.6-15.6°C) | Dark Blue |
| 61-70°F (16.1-21.1°C) | Light Green |
| 71-80°F (21.7-26.7°C) | Medium Green |
| 81-90°F (27.2-32.2°C) | Dark Green |
| Above 90°F (32.8°C) | Red |
Crochet Temperature Blanket
1. How Many Chains for a Crochet Temperature Blanket?
The number of chains you’ll need for a crochet temperature blanket depends on your desired width. A standard starting chain is typically between 200 to 250 chains for a 48 to 60-inch-wide blanket.
2. What is the Best Stitch for a Crochet Temperature Blanket?
The best stitch for a crochet temperature blanket is often the single crochet (SC) or half-double crochet (HDC). These stitches create a tight and consistent fabric that showcases the color changes effectively.
3. What Size Crochet Hook Should I Use?
The crochet hook size will depend on your chosen yarn weight. Generally, a hook size between H/8 (5 mm) to J/10 (6 mm) works well for medium-weight yarn.
Knit Temperature Blanket
1. Can a Temp Blanket Be Knit?
Yes, weather blankets can be knit. While they are more commonly crocheted, knitting enthusiasts can create stunning weather blankets using the knit stitch.
2. What is the Best Knit Stitch for Temp Blankets?
The garter stitch or stockinette stitch are excellent choices for knit temperature blankets. The garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric, while the stockinette stitch produces a smooth, curling edge-free surface.
3. What Size Needles Do I Need for a Blanket?
The needle size will vary based on your chosen yarn weight. For medium-weight yarn, try using US size 8 (5 mm) or adjus t as needed for your preferred gauge.
Knit & Crochet Temp blanket Patterns
If you are looking to make your own blanket, here are a few guides you can follow. There are no exact patterns, as the blanket will depend on the temperature of the place you live.
1.Make a weather blanket
Follow the guide using this pattern HERE.
2. Temp blanket ideas
Grab more ideas on how to make your blanket HERE
3. Knit temp blanket
Grab the knitting guide to this blanket HERE.
4. Crochet & Knitting Blanket Instructions
Grab the paid pattern HERE.
5. Temp blanket tracking template
Grab the paid template HERE.
In conclusion, temperature blankets offer a captivating blend of art, science, and self-expression. Whether you choose to crochet or knit, embark on a year-long journey or a shorter adventure, these blankets allow you to craft climate memories that are both beautiful and meaningful. So, gather your yarn, select your colors, and start crafting your very own temperature blanket today.
Other blanket patterns
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