Temperature Projects: A Year in Stitches

Temperature projects are a creative way to document the passage of time through knitting or crochet. Whether you’re making a blanket, scarf, or another item, these projects use color changes based on daily or weekly temperatures, resulting in a unique, year-long creation.

photo by @crochetbyangela

What Is a Temperature Project?

A temperature project is a knitting or crochet project where each row, square, or stitch represents the temperature of a specific day, week, month, or mood. Crafters assign a color to a temperature range and work in the corresponding color daily or weekly. Over time, this results in a beautiful gradient that reflects seasonal changes.

Choosing Your Project

There are many ways to create a temperature-based project. Here are a few popular ideas.

1. Temperature Blanket

• The GOAT choice.

• Crochet or knit a row per day using the day’s high (or average) temperature.

• Can be done in stripes, granny squares, or other patterns.

  
  

2. Temperature Scarf

• A more compact option, great for beginners.

• One or two rows per day create a wearable record of the year.

photo by @crochetbyangela

3. Temperature Wrap or Shawl

• A stylish, drapey version of a temperature project.

• Works well with lace or lightweight yarns for year-round wear.

  
  

4. Temperature Baby Blanket

• Perfect for marking a baby’s first year or pregnancy.

• Can focus on weekly instead of daily temperatures for a less time-consuming approach.

• A great option for the "mood" method.

  
  

5. Temperature Pillow or Wall Hanging

• Great for a shorter project (monthly or seasonal focus).

• Can be done as a patchwork design, like a pixel temperature chart.

6. Temperature Snake

• 1000%, I would prefer a temperature snake to a real snake!

• Compact project that could be a wearable or a decor item.

photo by @audball_crochet

How to Plan Your Project

1. Pick Your Time Frame

• Full year (365 days).

• Seasonal (3-6 months).

• A special period (pregnancy, anniversary year, etc.).

2. Select a Color Palette

• Choose 6-12 colors that transition smoothly.

• Example temperature ranges:

  • Below 30°F: Dark Blue

  • 30-40°F: Light Blue

  • 40-50°F: Green

  • 50-60°F: Yellow

  • 60-70°F: Orange

  • 70-80°F: Red

  • 80-90°F: Pink

  • 90°F+: Purple

photo by @raising_yohanna

3. Decide on Yarn and Stitch Style

• Worsted weight for warmth, or DK/lightweight for a delicate look.

• Simple stitches (like single crochet or garter stitch) for easy consistency.

• Patterned options (granny squares, chevrons) for added visual interest.

4. Track the Temperature

• Use a weather app or a historical temperature site if you start late.

• Keep a journal or digital note to stay organized.

Mood Blanket

Recently, the offshoot of mood blankets has become very popular. They are emotions made tangible, one stitch per day. Each color choice becomes a quiet record of how life felt in that moment, turning yarn into a visual diary. Over time, the blanket reveals patterns you may not have noticed while living them, a soft, honest portrait of a year shaped by feeling, growth, and gentle reflection.

Tips for Success

Be realistic—if daily stitching feels overwhelming, try weekly averages. Prepare your yarn stash in advance to avoid missing colors. Join a community; Instagram, Ravelry,, and others have groups for motivation. Be flexible if your color choices don’t match, swap shades or modify your rules.

Final Thoughts

A temperature project is a meaningful, slow-crafted piece that tells a story through yarn. Whether you make a blanket, scarf, or another item, you'll end up with a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects the passing seasons.

Would you try a temperature project this year? Let us know in the comments!