How To Choose Colors For Your Temperature Blanket (A free guide!)

Finally learn how to choose colors for your temperature blanket! If you’ve ever started a temperature blanket only to get stuck or lose interest partway through, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there too and more than once, friend.

When I first designed my printable Temperature Blanket Blueprint back in 2022, I was so excited to start my own. But life happened. I fell behind, got overwhelmed, and eventually stopped.

I have started a new one every year since then, and then fell off by March.

And to be completely honest I’ve felt ashamed by it.

So I started brainstorming how I could start a new, fresh temperature blanket and make sure I actually prioritize and finish it this time. I started really thinking about how I could approach a new, fresh temperature blanket, and actually prioritize and finish it this time.

Eventually, I realized part of the problem was how I was picking my colors.

I didn’t want just random pretty shades (which is usually how I plan my palettes). I needed a whole mood, something personal and inspiring enough to keep me going all year.

Which is why I created this free guide: to help you plan a color palette that actually means something to you, so you’ll want to pick up your project again and again. Because, it is a year long project, afterall.

Why Plan Your Temperature Blanket Palette Colors?

Temperature blankets are a fantastic project to work on because they’re so personal. You’re literally recording your year in yarn, each and every single day.

But that also means it’s a big commitment!

Most people (including me) think, “I’ll just pick my favorite colors.” But I realized that wasn’t enough.

I needed an entire mood. Something inspiring enough to keep me excited on catch-up days, busy weeks, stress, and throughout the entire year.

That’s exactly what this guide will help you do.

What is a Temperature Blanket?

A temperature blanket is a knit or crochet project where you record the daily high (or average) temperature for your location in different colors of yarn.

Want to make your own temperature blanket? Learn how step by step here! Or jump to my Temperature Blanket Blueprint here.

Each color represents a temperature range. Over the year, you build a unique, meaningful blanket that tells the story of your local weather—and your life during that year.

It’s a beautiful, slow project that can feel meditative and creative.

But only if you love the colors you’re working with!

How to Choose Colors For Your Temperature Blanket

In my free guide, I share the exact 6-step process I used to plan my own temperature blanket this year.

Here’s the quick overview:

Choose a Theme or Mood

Think about what inspires you most. A favorite season, destination, movie, book, or vibe.

I chose Disney as my theme, drawing on the warm, nostalgic colors of classic animated films.

Pick Your Hero Color

This is the star of the show. Choose one main color that feels central to your theme.

Add a Complementary Color

Pick something that contrasts your hero color to add balance and energy. This color is located opposite of your hero on the color wheel!

Choose Airy Neutrals

Add 1–2 light, muted tones that give your palette breathing room. Think whites, creams, or soft grays.

Select Supporting Shades

These are colors that live on the same half of the color wheel as your hero. They round out your palette and keep it cohesive.

Add a Fun Color Pop

Choose one unexpected or bold color that adds personality and keeps things interesting.

Free Printable: How to Curate the Perfect Color Palette For Your Temperature Blanket

I know it can be hard to plan all this on your own, so I made it easy for you.

My free guide includes:

• A step-by-step worksheet to fill in your own palette
• My complete example with yarn brands and color names
• Tips for matching colors to temperature ranges
• 3 additional inspiration boards with mood themes you can copy or customize

Tips for Adapting Your Temperature Blanket to Your Climate

One question I get all the time is:

“What if I don’t have big temperature swings where I live?”

No problem!

• Use smaller degree increments (like 2–3°F instead of 5–10)
• Track daily highs, lows, or averages
• Use fewer colors for subtle variation
• Or even track something totally different—like mood, weather events, or daily habits!

Your blanket should tell your story in your own unique way.

My Yarn Recommendations

For my own palette, I used Loops & Threads Soft Classic and Impeccable lines (both #4-medium weight acrylic yarns from Michaels).

Other great options:

• Red Heart Super Saver
• WeCrochet Brava Worsted

When mixing brands, just make sure the yarn weight and fiber content match for a consistent look and feel. And always swatch!

The Perfect Companion: Temperature Blanket Blueprint

This Palette Guide is designed to work hand-in-hand with my original Temperature Blanket Blueprint.

• Daily temperature trackers
• Customizable yarn + temperature keys
• Printable pattern and tips to keep you on track

If you want a full, organized plan to go with your beautiful color palette, grab the Blueprint here:

Share Your Palette With Me!

I love seeing what you create. If you use this guide, please tag me on Instagram @justbecraftyblog or email me a photo of your palette or mood board!

Let’s make temperature blankets we actually want to finish. 💛