My 2013 temperature scarf pattern
Apparently, Honey Nutbrown‘s whole temperature scarf concept has really taken off. Even Bernat, one of the larger North American yarn companies, has jumped on board with a year long KAL/CAL.
I’ve gotten quite a few questions about the stitch pattern I’m using for my crochet version, so I thought I’d share it. I wanted the number of stitches (38) to match my age this year, so I combined elements of two different stitch patterns I liked in Margaret Hubert‘s The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet
Underground Crafter’s crochet variant of the 2013 Temperature Scarf (conceived by Honey Nutbrown as a knitting project here)
First, choose a group of yarns and assign a set of temperature values to each yarn. This will vary based on how many yarns you want to use as well as how dramatic annual temperature highs and lows are in your area. Here’s my chart as an example.
Click to enlarge.
The yarns I'm using, arranged in temperature order, from top left to right and bottom left to right.
Use the same yarn for the foundation chain and Row 1. For the rest of the project, change colors at the end of every row (or as often as dictated by the change in temperatures) by pulling the new color through the last slip stitch. (Tip: Don’t fasten off at the end of the row until you know the next day’s temperature. You may end up using the same yarn again, and you’ll have fewer ends to weave in!)
Abbreviations used in this pattern
- blo – back loop only
- ch(s) – chain(s)
- dc(s) – double crochet(s)
- ea – each
- hdc(s) – half double crochet(s)
- sc(s) – single crochet
- sk – skip
- sl st(s) – slip stitch(es)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Pattern stitch
Ch 39.
Row 1: Turn, sk first ch, sl st in ea of next 2 chs. *Ch 2, sk 2 chs, sc in ea of next 2 chs.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2 chs, sl st in ea of last 2 chs. (38 sts)
Row 2: Turn, ch 1, sl st in blo of ea of first 2 sts. *Sc in ea of next 2 skipped chs from foundation ch, ch 2, sk 2 sts.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, sc in ea of next 2 skipped chs from foundation ch, sl st in blo of ea of last 2 sts.
Row 3: Turn, ch 1, sl st in blo of ea of first 2 sts. *Ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sl st in blo of ea of last 2 sts.
Row 4: Turn, ch 1, sl st in blo of ea of first 2 sts. *Sc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, ch 2, sk 2 sts.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, sc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, sl st in blo of ea of last 2 sts.
Repeat Rows 3 & 4.
I already mentioned that I may change the stitch length for each season. Since I live in New York and we start the year in the winter, I used the single crochet to represent the short length of the day. The length of the stitches will increase as the hours of darkness in the day decreases.
Spring and Fall hdc stitch pattern variation
Row 5: Turn, ch 1, sc in ea of first 2 sts. *Ch 2, sk 2 sts, hdc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in ea of last 2 sts.
Row 6: Turn, ch 1, sc in ea of first 2 sts. *Hdc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, ch 2, sk 2 sts.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, hdc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, sc in ea of last 2 sts.
Repeat Rows 5 & 6.
Summer dc stitch pattern variation:
Row 7: Turn, ch 2 (counts as hdc), sk first st, hdc in 2nd st. *Ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, hdc in ea of last 2 sts.
Row 8: Turn, ch 2 (counts as hdc), sk first st, hdc in 2nd st. *Dc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, ch 2, sk 2 sts.* Repeat from * across to last 4 sts, dc in ea of next 2 skipped sts from 2 rows below, hdc in ea of last 2 sts.
Repeat Rows 7 & 8.
Here’s my progress so far!
In case you’re wondering, I’ve already used 3 colors even though we’re only 21 days into the year! That’s a little scary since each color represents 12 degrees of temperature. And, I’ve yet to use the color representing the “coldest” temperatures, even though this is winter.
If you’re working on a temperature scarf, too, I’m looking forward to seeing how all of our projects turn out next year!
For more Works in Progress, visit Tami’s Amis.
Very interesting, love the idea!
Thanks, Beth! I am grateful to Honey Nutbrown for starting off the project.
I just started my temperature scarf too! I’m still a few days behind for the month since I just started it last night but it’s coming along nicely! I did 10 degree increments and same thing, haven’t used the COLDEST yet but I’ve used about 3 different colors
Oh yay, Nicole! I guess temps are just fluctuating all across the east coast!
Wow, I hadn’t heard of this before! This sounds quite interesting, hmm. But I have so many other projects to knit too.
I really like the colors you’ve picked and how your scarf is already looking. It’s going to be gorgeous.
Thanks so much, anji. I’m glad I could introduce you to the temperature scarf phenomenon!
I do like the idea of this one but I think I may wait a little bit before starting it, perhaps spring so the bolder colors are more centered (psycho that way LOL). Yours is looking great!
Well you can pick your own colors, Cris – why not place the bolder colors along the spectrum of your typical mid-year temperatures?
I really love how this is turning out, Marie. I’ve been tracking the Michigan temps, trying to decide if I have the yarn to make this project work. Seeing yours keeps reminding me, so I’ll have to check out my yarn stash again
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Mary! I think you should go for it. I just do a few rows once a week and that seems to be working well for me.
What a great idea! I look forward to seeing how the temp changes….
Thanks, Jen. I think it will take at least a few months before I can really form an opinion about this scarf!
I think your temperatures are coming out very nicely. I think you picked great colors to represent your temperatures!
Thanks, Snowcatcher. It’s amazing what goodies I can find in my stash
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Love your crochet version and the stitch patterns that you are using! I was amused to see Bernat getting on the temperature scarf trend. But it is an awesome year long project and I can’t wait to see the different versions out there around the world. I might have to jump on board myself!
I, too, was surprised to see Bernat jump into the fray, autumngeisha. If you make one, I’d love to see it!
What a fun idea! I’m already working on a Mood Scarf but really like this idea as well. Here in Utah we are having freezing cold weather (-7 degrees this morning).
Yikes, Bev, that is some serious cold! Thanks for introducing me to Mood Scarves!
I’m really loving the stitches you are using.
It’s turning out beautifully already. The colors are blending wonderfully. (I’m loving Bev’s Mood Scarf, too!)
Thanks, Keri! I love the mood scarf idea, too. The temperature scarf lends itself to jags of crocheting, which is what I like about it.
Very nice! I like your crochet version. Your colors are lovely and should make a terrific scarf!
Thanks so much, Beverly!