What is a temperature blanket? A temperature blanket is a cozy and colorful visualization of temperature data over a period of time for a particular geographic location. These blankets are typically knitted or crocheted by hand and use a gradient of colors. Each color corresponds to a temperature range and each row or block in the blanket reflects the average temperature for each day or week throughout the year.

Where does the data come from? NOAA, of course! Temperature blankets typically use weather data, but any type of data collected over the course of a year, such as sea surface temperature or precipitation amounts, could be used. You may also choose to use historical data to create a blanket that is especially meaningful. 

Does it have to be knitted or crocheted? All crafts are welcome in this program! The NOAA Central Library will provide instructions for knitting or crocheting a blanket, but we encourage participants to be creative and share other ideas. 

Does it have to be a blanket? If blankets aren’t your thing, there are many other projects you can opt for instead: scarves, stuffed animals, bookmarks, wall hangings, sweaters, garland…the options are endless! Anything that allows you to make consistent rows or blocks of color can work for a temperature project.

How much experience is required? Crafters of all skill levels are welcome to participate. While the Library will not be holding instructional sessions for those looking to learn a new craft, we will provide resources to help you learn. 

What materials are required? The materials you’ll need will depend on the craft you are doing. If you are knitting or crocheting a blanket, you’ll need several skeins of yarn in a gradient. Temperature blankets are typically made with a rainbow gradient, but you can use any gradient you like. We recommend picking yarns that are the same weight, solid colors, and easily found in a store or online (in case you run out of a color and need to grab more). Temperature blankets often use 7-10 colors but you can choose any number of colors. You will also need a set of knitting needles or a crochet hook. When knitting a blanket in one piece, it is often easier to use circular knitting needles. If you are doing a more advanced project like a sweater or stuffed animal, you may also want to use stitch markers and a row counter. If you are working on a project that uses a different craft, such as quilting or cross stitch, you may want to find a pattern that provides a list of materials needed. 

Keep in mind that craft supplies can be expensive, especially when you are just starting out and you need to buy all the materials. If you are crafting on a tight budget, you may want to create a project using historical data because this will allow you to determine how much yarn you’ll need in each color before you get started. You may also want to select fewer colors for your palette; the more colors you select, the less often you will use each color in the project and the more yarn you will have left over at the end.

Where can I buy the materials? Everything you’ll need for this project can be purchased at a craft store – either one of the chain craft stores found across the country, or an independent local yarn store. Chain craft stores tend to have more affordable options, while small local yarn stores tend to have more expensive, but higher quality, materials. 

How long does it take to make? This depends on the size of your project and the dataset informing your project. If you are using 2024 data, you won’t be able to finish your project until the end of the year. If you are using historical data, you will have the whole dataset available when you start and you can choose to complete the entire project quickly or pace yourself throughout the year. Some crafters find that they lose steam or get bored with a big project. You’ll want to work on a project that isn’t overwhelming but is challenging enough to keep your interest.

I want to participate but I really don’t need another blanket in my house. We hear you! Temperature blankets make great gifts. Some crafters make a blanket using historical data for a specific year, such as the year of a birth or marriage, to give as a gift. There are also many places that accept homemade blanket donations: homeless shelters, churches, domestic violence shelters, animal shelters/rescue groups, and hospitals or health centers.