The library will close on Tuesday, December 24th at noon and stay closed through Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas

Memorial Hall Library

Craft-A-Long Temperature Blanket

Make a Temperature Blanket and Share Your Progress with Fellow Crafters!

Striped blanket

Start knitting, crocheting, or weaving your temperature blanket beginning July 1, 2022. Work at home or at the library. Share pictures of your progress. We'll post them on our website and social media accounts! Bring your temperature blanket or another project to MHL's new Fiber Arts Club starting Monday, September 19th from 6 to 7:30 pm. Crafters provide their own supplies for the temperature blanket and club meetings. 

What is a Temperature Blanket?

Yarn colors are assigned temperature ranges. Traditionally, they range from a vibrant red for hot days to a cool white for the coldest days. However, you can select shades to match your decor. Then, knit, crochet, or weave rows representing the temperature for each day of the year (or timespan you choose).

The details

  • Yarn colors represent the temperature in 10-degree increments.
  • Choose a pattern. We have a suggestion for a basic blanket and one that's a little more complicated (and color suggestions).  
  • You don't have to make a blanket or participate for a whole year! Make a temperature scarf, shawl, or socks. 
  • New to crafting? Learn how to knit, crochet, or weave using the Library's subscription to CreativeBug, an online how-to database for craft lessons. Log in with your Andover library card.

You'll need

  • 12 different colors of yarn, the number of skeins per color will vary. Note: You will probably need more of your 35 to 74 degree colors (typical September-early December and March-May temps) than your over 75 degree (June-August) and under 34 degree (late December-February) colors.
  • Circular knitting needles with a 32" or longer cord that are appropriate for the yarn you select if you are making a blanket (or a crochet hook or loom)
  • Scissors and a needle to weave in the ends
  • A notebook to keep track of the daily temperature and keep a key for yarn colors for temperature ranges. Note: You can find temperature data for Andover, MA online. 
  • Your favorite pattern! Borrow some craft books or search on Pinterest, Ravelry, or Google.

Sample Temperature Chart

Temperature chart

We want to see your work!

Send us your pictures and we'll share them on social media (crafts@mhl.org) or post them yourself and tag us. #MHLtemperatureblanket, #MHLknitalong, #MHLcrochetalong, and #MHLcraftalong.

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