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Should You Make a Temperature Blanket? It's Time For Some Honesty!

 

Every January, it seems like everyone on YarnTube is making a temperature blanket. Your feed fills up with gorgeous color palettes, neatly organized yarn kits, and excitement about tracking the year one stitch at a time. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the FOMO, jumped in, and learned the hard way that just because a project is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

So consider this your friendly reminder: you don’t have to make a temperature blanket, and you’re not missing out if it’s not the right project for you.

What a Temperature Blanket Really Requires

Before you commit, it’s worth doing a little honest self-reflection.

First, temperature blankets are tedious by nature. You’re not just following a pattern, you’re tracking daily temperatures, deciding whether you’ll use the high, the low, or both, and keeping records every single day. None of this is difficult on its own, but it adds up quickly.

Second, this is a long-term commitment. A true temperature blanket takes 365 days...often longer. Most people fall behind, need to catch up, and end up working on the same project for more than a year. That means always having a large, ongoing project on your hook, which can impact how many other projects you realistically finish.

Aesthetics Matter (More Than You Think)

If you love symmetry, clean lines, or predictable color patterns, a temperature blanket may test your patience. By design, the colors fluctuate unpredictably. The blanket won’t have neat, even bands, and the color distribution may feel chaotic, especially if you’re not a “scrappy” crafter.

That visual randomness was one of my biggest struggles. I realized I prefer intentional color flow and cohesion, not surprises dictated by the weather.

Yarn, Space, and Real-Life Logistics

Temperature blankets also require a lot of yarn, often more than expected. Multiple colors, possibly multiple strands, and the need to keep everything accessible for a full year can quickly become overwhelming. You also need a space where yarn can stay out without becoming a tangled mess (or a kitten playground, as in my case!).

If you don’t have a comfortable, dedicated crafting area, that friction alone can make the project feel like a chore instead of a joy. What if you've started a temperature blanket, and it ALREADY feels like a chore? Read THIS BLOG POST!

My Attempt (and Why It Didn’t Work)

I tried a granny-square-based temperature blanket, making one square per month. I loved the concept. But in reality, the squares grew enormous, the process felt daunting, and my enthusiasm disappeared by early March or February. Eventually, I had to admit that I was dreading the project instead of enjoying it. And that’s the real red flag.

Watch my FIRST VIDEO where I'm full of hope and excitement 🤣

Watch my SECOND VIDEO where I make some realizations 😕

And.....watch my THRID VIDEO, filmed months later 😥

Common Pitfalls to Watch For

One of the biggest issues I see with temperature blankets is proportion. Many people underestimate how wide a blanket needs to be to accommodate 365 rows. The result? A blanket that’s extremely long and uncomfortably narrow. Stitch choice matters here too. Taller stitches add length fast.

Want to Try Without the Full Commitment?

If you’re still curious, there are gentler ways to experiment:

  • Make a temperature pillow for one month

  • Try a weekly temperature blanket instead of daily

  • Crochet a temperature scarf for January or February

  • Choose a meaningful past year (a birth year, wedding year, or milestone) instead of the current one

These options let you explore the concept without locking yourself into a year-long obligation.

Color Choices Can Make or Break the Project

You don’t have to use a rainbow palette. In fact, I strongly recommend choosing colors you genuinely love and would enjoy having in your home. Cohesive, intentional color schemes wether neutral, boho, tonal, or Southwestern-inspired, can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy both the process and the finished piece.

One Last (Very Important) Tip

If this is your first temperature blanket: do not buy all the yarn upfront.

Even if you’re confident, start with one or two months’ worth of yarn. Yes, you might pay shipping twice...but that cost is far less than ending up with dozens of skeins for a project you abandon.

Final Thoughts

Temperature blankets are impressive, meaningful, and beautiful. But they’re not for everyone. If you’ve made one and loved it, I genuinely admire your dedication. For me, learning when not to commit to a project was just as valuable as finishing one.

Sometimes the most creative thing you can do is choose projects that truly fit you, not the trend.

Watch the full YouTube Video Here!



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