Category Archives: Free Patterns

Make Memories with a Knit or Crochet Temperature Blanket

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Knitting and Crochet are not only relaxing and creative hobbies but can also be a beautiful way to document and commemorate the passing of time. One popular trend among knitting & crochet enthusiasts is the creation of temperature blankets. These blankets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a unique way to track and celebrate daily weather patterns throughout the year. Other popular temperature themes projects include scarves, cowls, shawls, sweaters, baby blankets, and even the occasional toy.

What is a temperature blanket?

A temperature blanket is a project where each row or stitch represents the weather conditions or temperature of a specific day. From cool blues and greens for cold winter days to warm oranges and yellows for hot summer weather, the colours of the blanket change according to a pre-chosen colour scale. Knitters/crocheters typically assign a colour to certain temperature ranges, allowing them to visually depict temperature variations over time.

If you aren’t drawn to the idea of tracking the temperature you can also follow other types of data, like precipitation (I have one client who was making a blanket based on the security alert updates at her university …. you can adapt the idea to any trend or phenomena. Some people make blankets for children based on the weather from the first year of their life.

Temperature blankets also don’t have to be linear – you can make squares, strips or blocks and join them together in any way you like. Plus, one of the major benefits is you don’t need to have to have elaborate skills to make a temperature blanket, the basics go a loooong way!

Crochet Linen Square Temp Blanket

Choosing the colour scheme

One of the appealing aspects of knitting a temperature blanket is the ability to personalize the project and choose a colour scheme that resonates with you. You can create your own colour scale or use existing templates available online. Some people prefer using a simple scale (like the colours of the rainbow), assigning a unique colour to a specific temperature range (ie. assign warm colours {pink, red, orange, yellow} to the warmer temperatures and cool colours {green, blue, purple} to the cooler temperatures). Others get more creative, incorporating multiple shades within a range to add depth and texture to their project. Some go for neutrals or keeps things more tonal. If you want to go REALLY off grid, you can choose a bunch of different yarns in similar colours and let the nuances of the different textures take over (be sure to choose yarns that are very close in thickness, for example all worsted weight or all DK weight). It’s totally up to you, there are no rules.

Tracking the temperature

To create a temperature blanket, it is essential to track the temperature each day. You can use various sources such as local weather reports, weather apps, or outdoor thermometers. Maintaining a record of the daily temperature allows you to map out the colours for each row or stitch accurately.

Tunisian Crochet Temperature Blanket

Selecting the pattern and yarn

One of the great things about a temperature project, especially a blanket, is you have tons of flexibility in which yarn you choose! Thicker, thinner machine washable, the variables are flexible. Once you have decided on your color scheme, it’s time to choose the pattern and yarn for your temperature blanket. Simple, repetitive stitch patterns like garter stitch or stockinette stitch work well for these projects since they allow the colours to take centre stage.

Want some inspiration? Try #temperatureblanket on instagram

  • Most patterns for temperature blankets seem to be designed with DK or Worsted weight yarn. If you want your project to work up faster go for a thicker yarn like Berroco Vintage Chunky, but be sure to adjust your needle size.
  • I suggest making your blanket in one piece or in larger blocks that are easy to join. If you choose a pattern with small motifs, make sure it’s a “join-as-you-go” technique, otherwise you’ll have a pile of tiny pieces at the ends and may want to commit homicide (or worse).

Crochet Linen Pixel Temperature Blanket

The joy of daily knitting

Knitting a temperature blanket involves a long-term commitment, as it represents an entire year’s worth of weather patterns. Many knitters find the slow progression of this project to be a calming and reflective experience. Each day, as you add a new row or stitch to your blanket, you reflect on the passing of time and the seasons that shape our lives. It becomes a tangible way to record memories and observe the subtle changes throughout the year.

Knitted All Kinds Of Weather Blanket

A keepsake to treasure

Knitting a temperature blanket not only results in a beautiful and functional creation but also serves as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Each time you wrap yourself in your blanket, you will be reminded of the effort, patience, and memories that went into its creation. It becomes a personal and unique memento, capturing the story of a year in one cozy and comforting piece.

Knitted Ribbed Temperature Blanket or Scarf

Conclusion

Knitting a temperature blanket offers a compelling way to blend creativity, mindfulness, and weather tracking into a single project. Whether you are an experienced knitter or a beginner, the appeal of this endeavour lies in the way it allows you to connect with nature, create lasting memories, and express your artistic flair. So, gather your yarn, create your colour chart, and embark on a knitting journey that will result in a beautiful and meaningful temperature blanket.

Holiday Decor to Knit & Crochet

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Isn’t it interesting that as the days get shorter we fell the need as human beings to bring divinity closer to us and into our homes. As I was reminded last night, there are a lot of cultures that celebrate holidays at this time of year … Divali just passed us, of course there is Christmas and Hannukah, the soltice (which is what it’s all about), Kwanza, and Dec 8th is Bodhi Day (the day celebrating the Bhuddha’s achieving enlightenment).

How do you like to decorate for the holidays? Which colours are you feeling the need to bring into your life right now? There are a lot of decoration projects & pattern ideas out there (see the links below) but I’ve rounded up a few for you that have caught my eye …

December Bow

I can totally see myself getting caught up in making these bows …. either a bunch for myself or give them as little gifts. They’re very charming, kind of semiotically neutral, and essentially a pretty basic knit. The December Bow is worked back and forth in one piece from tip to tip in garter stitch with i-cord edges. The work is folded into a bow and sewn together at the end following the diagram with instructions that can be found at the end of the pattern.

Materials

Yarn Alternatives

You’ll need 100m of each of the two yarns above, or 100m of a DK weight yarn like the following:

Snowman

Another winter creature, the snowperson is a delight for everyone’s eyes. To help your snowpeople stand tall, try putting some metal washers in their bottoms (you can get them at the hardware store) – it will improve their balance immensely.

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the simple grace of a pure merino like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or if you want a village of snowpeople you can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins.

Materials

I prefer shorter double-pointed needles for little projects like this: either the 5″ DPNS from Clover, the 6″ DPNs from Knitters Pride, or the 8″ Flexi-Flips from Addi

Easy Granny Christmas Baubles

Aren’t granny squares (and circles) are best?! This is my idea of a great holiday ornament … use lots of colour or do any colour combination you want, or even monochrome – whatever floats your boat!

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the nuanced Scandinavian colour palette of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins. You can also use Sudz Crafting Cotton and a slightly larger 3.5mm crochet hook.

Materials

Birdie Decoration

Ok, it doesn’t look exactly like a dove, but peace is a seasonal themes and in my opinion birds never go out of style! This FREE pattern is a VERY simple crochet project (it’s just a circle) and comes with full tutorial instructions.

Yarn Options

Double knitting weight yarn is perfect for this project – many people like the nuanced Scandinavian colour palette of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday for this type of project. If you want to keep things cheap ‘n cheerful go for Berroco Vintage Baby (it comes in 50g balls), or can also opt for Berroco Vintage DK in 100g skeins. You can also use Sudz Crafting Cotton and a slightly larger 3.5mm crochet hook.

Materials

Sun Star & Flower Star Snowflake

Sun Star Snowflake and Flower Star Snowflake make the prettiest winter decorations, no matter which holiday you celebrate (or even if you don’t celebrate a holiday). Hang them on a tree, or in garlands across a mantle or just off a book-case. These little decorations also make delightful (and fast) little gifts.

Yarn Options

Any fingering weight yarn will do for these little gems: Berroco Vintage Sock is a popular, economical option, or you can opt for the amazing colour selection of Cascade Heritage (also still a very good price). If you want a multi-coloured yarn that knits in a long colourway and shifts try Schoppel Zauberball Cotton, or for a hand dyed yarn Artfil Belle.

Materials

Marled Christmas Stocking

I think these stockings are super groovy! You can either make them marled by holding two strands together (try Berroco Vintage, Cascade 220 Superwash), or use a single strand of Berroco Vintage Chunky in a solid colour.

Yarn Options

Materials

Christmas Wreath, Holly & Mistletoe

There are a lot of wreath patterns out there, for all seasons and occasions, but I just kind of enjoyed this one because it’s so leafy – I love the idea of using different shades of greens and different textures of yarn to recreate a natural abundance.

Yarn Options

Materials

Little Tanenbaum

This must be one of the easiest patterns goings …. a simple tree ornament. This pattern is great for less experienced knitters … that pattern PDF even has links to video tutorials for the skills.

Materials

Crochet Christmas Tree

This adorable little tree is a simple crochet (only chain and single crochet are used), and it comes with a free video tutorial to walk you through it! Make one, make a forest, and decorate them with little beads for ornaments or leave them in their natural state.

Yarn Options

Materials

Never Not Gnoming

Gnomes can be knit mini (ornament) sized with fingering weight yarn, or start upsizing with a thicker yarn and make yours a super-gnome! Whatever you choose will be marvelous …. you’ll never stock gnoming! Go down approximately 1 mm from the recommended needle size to get a tight tension.

Materials

HALLOWEEN STORE HOURS

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We’re closing an hour early today for Halloween – our families need us … Happy Halloween!

Halloween Store Hours

Tuesday, Oct 31: 12 pm to 5 pm

Bat Mobile

I thought this was a cute last-minute FREE Pattern project for Halloween! It’s made with a DK weight warn and 4mm needles, but I think you can use any thickness of yarn, your bats will just come out bigger.

Materials

FINISHED PROJECT Biggie Braids Toque

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Biggie Braids

Biggie Braids is a simple cabled hat is a super thick yarn for a FAST and satisfying knit! It takes one skein of yarn, fat needles, and makes for a very satisfying little project. It also makes for an impressive looking holiday gift without a lot of labour.

We used one skein of Malabrigo RASTA, a pillowy-soft, hand-dyed merino wool, but you could also use the same amount of Cascade SPUNTANEOUS (also a super-soft merino wool but not hand-dyed), or LionBrand WOOL EASE THICK & QUICK (a machine washable blend of wool & synthetic).

Many thanks to Erica for taking this project from idea to realization!

Materials

If you don’t already own the right size needles, you can buy fixed circular needles or Interchangeable tips from Knitter’s Pride (be sure to get 3.5″ or 4″ tips – anything longer it too long to make a 16″ needle).

Other Yarn Options

You can also use any of these yarns:

See Finished Projects

PROJECT On the C Train (another take)

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On the C Train

I think On the C Train has become my default hat pattern for exploring yarn combinations! I’m sorry if you’re getting sick of it, it’s just easy and versatile and free and simple to adapt … and patterns that work make me happy!

This time round I was looking to combine a worsted weight yarn, the new Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS, with a strand of kid-mohair, Drops KID-SILK. Combining the two creates a softer, fuzzier texture, and it can also create a depth of colour not otherwise available in the base yarn. In a hand-painted yarn like Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS it also gives you an opportunity to shift the colours, make them darker or lighter, or bring out certain colours and make them POP! Keep reading below for more about combining, as well as the colours that play well together.

If you love the idea of combining but want a different project, see below for a few recommendations that will work with these yarns. Turmeric and Rooibos are made with a different yarn that’s been discontinued but are still my favourite visions of what can be done when you combine a hand-paint with a coloured kid-mohair.

Modifications

  • I had lots of yarn to work with, so I made the hat with a warm turned-up brim (just knit for an extra 2.5″ to 3″) , but you can make yours like the originl version if you like.
  • I knitted the brim with 4.5mm/US7 needles to make it a bit tighter and a bit warmer, and to keep it more elastic and resilient. You can skip this if you like, it isn’t necessary.
  • You can add a Pom-Pom or go without, it’s all about your own style!
  • To make a larger size cast on an extra 8 sts, to make a child size cast on 80 sts.

Size

  • One Size, comfortably fits a medium (22″) head.
  • To make a larger size cast on an extra 8 sts, to make a child size cast on 80 sts

Let’s Talk About Combining …

In the picture above the mini-sweater on the left was knitted with just Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS and 4.5mm/US7 needles. The mini-sweater on the right was made holding one strand of Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS with one strand of Drops KID-SILK and 5mm/US8 needles.

When you combine a regular yarn with a kid-mohair a few things happen …

  • The tension gets thicker, so you can go up a needle size (usually by 0.5mm for hats or mittens, or 1 mm or more for projects knitted at a regular tension like a sweater or a blanket, or more than 1mm for something looser like a shawl).
  • The colour shifts slightly. If the mohair is a lighter colour the project will look lighter, if it’s brighter it’ll brighten it up, and if it’s darker it’ll have a darker cast.
  • The texture changes and gets a bit softer, fuzzier, and takes on an aura.

For this project I used a neutral greyish-white which blended well with the background undyed colour of the base yarn and mellowed the overall colour out. If I’d wanted to bring out the orange speckles I could have used KID-SILK colour 32 Raspberry, or to make the teal more dominant I would use KID-SILK colour 24 Petrol. You can see my colour recommendations below and on our website for Cascade 220 SUPERWASH HAND PAINTS.

Materials

Other Projects

For some great patterns that you can used this yarn combination, check out the following:

Easy Garter Scarfy-Wrap Kit in Double Sunday

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Easy Garter Scarfy Wrap

The Easy Garter Scarfy Wrap is the brainchild of my friend Jo, and I’m very grateful that she came up with this simple solution because it’s GREAT! This wrap drapes like a big scarf, but is also equally wearable as a little wrap. The pattern is almost totally brainless; it’s a great second or third project for a beginner knitter, but it also works equally well for more experienced knitters hanging out on the patio with a beer or a cocktail.

You can choose one of our colour combinations, put together something from your own inspiration, or combine the two and use our palette as a jumping-off point and curate your own perfect colour experience. We’re happy to help you any way we can. We stock the yarn, Sandnes Garn Double Sunday, all year round. 

This kit can be used for any kind of scarf or wrap project. 4 balls of Sandnes Garn Double Sunday is enough for a conventional 6″ wide double-wrapped scarf (about 6 feet long (of 1.8m). For a standard triangular shawl (like Boneyard) you’ll need 5 skeins or more. 

Our Wrap is in the colour palette “Bright Lights” (many thanks and much gratitude goes to Adrienne for knitting the sample, also to Gru, who allowed me to take his photo).

Sandes Garn Double Sunday is a 100% merino, DK weight yarn (a mainstay of designer PetiteKnit). Double Sunday is an affordable merino from Norway that is NOT superwash, but can go in the machine on delicate (see below), or just do a simple no-rinse hand-wash in Eucalan or Soak wash.

SEE MORE PATTERN IDEAS FOR THIS YARN

Sandnes Garn’s supplier has guaranteed that the wool does not come from sheep that have been subjected to mulesing. For machine washing, the manufacturer recommends that all wool garments be washed separately on a wool program, to ensure the gentlest treatment. Due to the unique absorbency of the merino wool, it is important to centrifuge hand-knitted garments well before drying  them on a flat surface, preferably on top of a towel. They do not suggest using a laundry bag when washing hand-knitted wool garments, as this creates friction that can cause the garment to felt.

The base pattern calls for 250g (or about 500m) of DK weight yarn, but it’s easy to make your scarfy-wrap bigger … you just keep knitting and it’ll keep growing (where there was an opportunity I expanded the colour palettes offering to 6 and 7 ball colour combos). There’s enough yarn in the basic 5 colour combo for a nice sized scarf (at least 7 inches wide x 6 feet long). If you want to use our colour palettes as guidance and want to make a sizeable gradient wrap I suggest getting two kits.

Skill Level

Finished Dimensions (5 balls)

  • 13″ deep
  • 22.5″ wide at bottom
  • 66″ wide at top

Materials

PROJECT On the C Train

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On the C Train

On the C Train is a great hat project for any knitter. It’s knit with Sandnes Garn Double Sunday and Drops Brushed Alpaca & Silk held together, making it soft, warm, fluffy, but it also has the weight to hold up to cold weather.

We chose two colours that are close together but not exactly the same, which creates some depth of colour and vibrance in the finished piece. I’m including some colour combinations below.

Modifications

  • To make an adult size large (23″ to 24″ head circumference): 1. cast on 96 sts, 2. knit an extra inch before you begin the decreases (begin decreases at 9”); 3. begin the decrease section by working in 1×1 rib pattern for 21 sts, P3tog, then continue in the same logic.
  • If you want a folded brin knit for an extra 2.5″ to 3″ from cast-on edge

Size

  • One Size (fits medium-sized head: for a large see modifications above/in pattern)
  • 14.5” circumference (before blocking and unstretched), 10.25” height

Materials

FINISHED French Macaroon Baby Pullover

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French Macaroon

French Macaroon is an adorable and simple little pullover for babies & toddlers! I love it because it’s a great basic sweater for less experienced knitters. It’s knit in garter stitch, which is a great texture for coloured, self-striping and hand-painted yarns. We’ve used Schoppel Edition 3, a super soft and spongy, machine washable merino yarn that changes colour by itself. For a light, cotton version of this project try using Berroco Vivo. If coloured yarns aren’t your thing that’s ok too, the pattern is actually designed in solid colours (see below).

Tutorials

The pattern comes with a list of video tutorials to help you with any skills that might be new:

Sizes

  • Newborn, (3 months, 6-9 months, 12-18 months, 2-3 years, 4 years)

Materials

For a light, cotton version of this project try using Berroco Vivo: 1(1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins.

Summer Yarn Options (cottons)

All-Season Yarn Options

Looking for a Matching Hat?

Looking for a matching hat for the new macaroon in your life? Try Tiny Tot or if you want something a bit more interesting to use up your coloured yarn (like Schoppel Edition 3 or Berroco Vivo) try Tensfield.

INSPIRING PROJECTS with Ruffles!

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Belleville

Adult ruffle socks? Yes, please! Designed with Berroco Vintage Sock, this pretty pair of sockies will become your new favourites. Berroco Vintage Sock is a soft, comfortable, resilient, machine-washable, fingering weight yarn that features a wide colour range and incredibly soft feel.

Size

  • Approximately (7, 8)“ / (18, 20.5) cm around foot (unstretched), (9, 10½)” / (23, 26.5) cm from toe to heel.

Materials

Other Yarn Options

Lambertville

Lambertville is a pair of dainty ruffle socks for kids. Keeping little feet warm and stylish, these socks are worked from the toe up.

Size

  • (2–4, 6–8, 10–12)
  • Shown in size 6–8
  • Approximately (7½, 8½, 9½)” / (19, 21.5, 24) cm from toe to heel, (4, 5, 6)” / (10, 12.5, 15) cm from heel to ruffle, (3¾, 4½, 5¼)” / (9.5, 11.5, 13.5) cm around (unstretched)

Materials

Other Yarn Options

Ruffle Socks

Maybe you like your ruffles small … no problem, we got ‘ya covered!

The Ruffle Socks are worked from the cuff to the toe. At the beginning of the cuff a ruffle is worked followed by a folded edge. The socks are worked in stockinette stitch. The heel is shaped with short rows.

Size

  • EU shoe sizes: 35/36 (37/38) 39/40 (41/42) 43/44
  • US women’s shoe sizes: 5-6 (6½-7½) 8-9 (9½-10½) 11-12

Yarn Options

Other Materials

Ruffled Socks Junior

Maybe you like your ruffles small … no problem, we got ‘ya covered! The Ruffle Socks Junior are worked from the cuff to the toe. At the beginning of the cuff a ruffle is worked followed by a folded edge. The socks are worked in stockinette stitch. The heel is shaped with short rows.

Size

  • EU shoe sizes: 20-21 (22-23) 24-25 (26-27) 28-29 (30-31) 32-33 (34-35)
  • US children’s shoe sizes: 4½-5½ (6-7½) 8-9 (9½-10½) 11-11½ (12-13½) adult 1-2 (adult 2½-3½)

Yarn Options

Other Materials

Nuvem

Nuvem is one of my favourite ruffled wrap patterns I’ve made it a few times in different yarns and it’s always made me happy!

Notes

You’ll need to start your project on two sets of 32″ to 40″ needles and then when your project gets large enough you can move to one really long needle. See all our past project notes and hacks HERE.

Fingering Yarn Options

Thicker Yarn Options

This pattern is designed for a thinner yarn, but you can get away with using something thicker like we have!

Other Materials

  • Two sets of 3.5mm/US4 – 32″ circular needles (start with two sets of 32″ to 40″ needles and then when your project gets large enough you can move to one really long 60″ needle)
  • Stitch Markers (locking or fixed, but not split-ring markers)
  • Pattern

NEW PATTERN Great Lakes Throw

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Great Lakes Throw

The Great Lakes Throw is a super simple blanket anyone can whip up QUICK! It’s made with super bulky weight  Cascade Cotton Puff and knits on 15mm/US19 needles for maximum satisfaction. The yarn is a soft, machine-washable cotton tube with a springy polyfil core (like the stuff in pillows and stuffed animals), giving it body and ease of use (it’s also allergy friendly and vegan).

The pattern is a simple, elegant, reversible rib, suitable for all knitters from beginners on up. Sizes range from a baby blanket to king-sized bed. Each ball of Cascade Cotton Puff is 200g/7.05oz, so while this technically isn’t a ‘weighted blanket’, it has some weight to it! Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04.

Size

  • Baby (Medium Throw,  Large Throw,  Twin Bed,  Double Bed,  Queen Bed,  King Bed)
  • Inches:  35 x 42 (45 x 60,  55 x 70,  65 x 90) {85 x 90,  95 x 100,  105 x 100} inches
  • Centimetres:  87.5 x 105 (112.5 x 105,  137.5 x 175,  162.5 x 225) {212.5 x 225,  237.5 x 250,  262.5 x 250) cm
  • Our sample is the Medium Throw 45″ x 60″ and is knit in colour 04

Gauge

8 sts & 12 rows = 5”/12.5cm

Materials