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What You Should Crochet in JANUARY...and What NOT to Crochet!

 


January can feel a little strange as a maker. The holidays are over, the rush of gift-making has stopped, and suddenly you might find yourself wondering, “What should I even be crocheting right now?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Especially if you went hard in November and December or if you’re still figuring out what kinds of projects you actually enjoy making. Today I want to share several crochet ideas that are especially well-suited for January… and one big project I gently suggest not starting right now.

Embrace the Winter Slowdown

Here in Iowa, January is cold, windy, dark, and long. There’s no popping outside for activities, and most of us are spending a lot more time indoors. Because of that, January is actually a great time to work on projects that might feel annoying or impractical during warmer months.

If you’ve been wanting to make a larger project like a blanket, now is the time. You can comfortably work with a heavy project on your lap, actually test it for warmth as you go, and take advantage of the slower pace of the season. Winter is also one of the few times of year when it’s realistic to leave a large project in a basket next to your chair without constantly needing to pack it away.

What Not to Crochet in January: Temperature Blankets

This could be controversial, but January is when a lot of people feel tempted to start a temperature blanket... and it’s also when many of them quietly abandon it later. (Like me, lol) Keep reading for more details. 

I personally got swept up in the temperature blanket craze a few years ago. I planned everything carefully, chose a color palette I loved, and even designed my own approach using granny squares. Here's the first video I made about it, when I'm still full of optimism. Here's a Second Video, where reality is starting to set in.  Despite all that preparation, I burned out after about six weeks. Then proceeded to feel guilty until September, when I made THIS VIDEO.

Temperature blankets require daily or near-daily attention, record keeping, and long-term commitment. If you love documentation, detail work, and slow progress, it might be perfect for you. But if you enjoy finishing projects, seeing progress quickly, or working intuitively, this kind of project can become frustrating fast.

If you have doubts... listen to them. Thinking something looks cool isn’t always enough to carry you through an entire year. Still not sure? READ THIS BLOG POST.

Lean Into Cozy Yarn Textures

January is a fantastic time to work with yarns that might feel unpleasant or impractical in warmer months.

  • Velvet yarn: Tricky, yes, but worth trying now while the weather supports cozy projects. (I don’t love it for hats, but it can be great for other items.) Read THIS BLOG POST for tips on working with velvet yarn.

  • Halo or fuzzy yarns: Think Latte Cakes, Colorama Halo, or faux fur-style yarns. Check out THIS VIDEO for more info!

  • Wool and wool blends: Perfect for winter accessories like cowls, hand warmers, scarves, and shawls.

These yarns feel better in your hands when it’s cold and make projects that are immediately useful. I talked more about cozy yarn inspo in THIS BLOG POST!

Make Projects That Care for You

January often comes with pressure to “improve yourself” in very rigid ways like diet plans, exercise goals, productivity resets. Instead, I want to gently suggest using crochet as a way to rejuvenate rather than overhaul yourself.

This is a wonderful time to:

  • Build skills without pressure

  • Practice stitches using inexpensive yarn

  • Make small, comforting projects just for yourself

Think about what would actually nourish you right now. Makeup remover pads, a cozy shawl, a sleep mask, a soft scarf. Any project that feels like self-care instead of obligation.

If recognizing your own needs doesn’t come easily to you, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why these kinds of projects matter.

Winter Accessories Are Perfect Right Now

I personally love working on shawls in January, especially in wool or wool-blend yarns. They’re practical, flexible, and easy to wear indoors or at work. Lacy patterns like a virus shawl still provide warmth when paired with the right fiber and offer that boho vibe I always gravitate toward.

This is also one of the only times of year I enjoy using chunkier yarn weights. Bulky cowls, thick beanies, and quick accessories feel extra satisfying when it’s truly cold. Plus, they work up fast, which can be motivating during winter.

Start With New Yarn (Especially Gifts)

If you received yarn for Christmas, now is the perfect time to use it. New yarn comes with excitement, and that enthusiasm fades the longer it sits untouched. Dig into it while it still feels special. Check out THIS BLOG POST, if you'd like to see what yarn I just received! 

Use What You Bought Last Year

If you attended a fiber festival or yarn event last year, January is a great time to intentionally use those special hanks of yarn. Not only does it reduce stash guilt, but it also helps you learn what dyers or fibers you truly love, to help you make informed choices the next time you shop. I will be using up yarn I bought at the Des Moines Spinners and Weavers Guild Fiber Fest last April. Learn ABOUT IT HERE.

Think Ahead to Spring

January is also ideal for starting projects for upcoming birthdays, holidays, or spring décor. Getting those projects done early takes pressure off later and lets you enjoy the season instead of scrambling through it. Here's a fun Chocolate Easter Bunny I crocheted several years ago. Click on the picture for the link to the original creators blog post!

Final Thoughts

January doesn’t need to be about productivity or pressure. It can be about comfort, skill-building, creativity, and choosing projects that fit this season of life. Especially when the season is so cold and snowy!

Crochet what feels good. Crochet what supports you. And let January be a little slower.

Watch the YouTube video here!



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