TempYarnCalc

Never Run Out of Yarn Again!

Plan your beautiful temperature blanket with confidence. Our calculator precisely estimates the yarn you'll need for every color, saving you time, money, and guesswork.

Start Calculating Now

Your Temperature Blanket Yarn Estimator

Fill in the details below to get your personalized yarn calculation. Hover over labels or read the FAQs for more info!

1. Project Setup
Typically 365 for a full year, or 366 for a leap year.
Amount of yarn for one day's segment (e.g., from a swatch).
2. Temperature Bands & Colors

Define your temperature bands (coldest to warmest). Assign a color and estimate how many days you expect for each band in your area. The total "Estimated Days" below should match your "Project Duration" above for best accuracy.

Total Estimated Days in Bands: 0 / 365
3. Yarn Skein Details
yards
Check your yarn label. Use the same unit as "Yarn Usage Per Day".
Enter if you want a total project cost estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I accurately estimate yarn usage per day/row?

The most reliable method is to create a swatch:

  1. Use your chosen yarn, hook/needles, and the stitch pattern you plan for your temperature blanket.
  2. Create a small sample representing one "day" (e.g., one full row, or one motif).
  3. Carefully unravel this sample and measure the length of yarn used. For higher accuracy, make 2-3 "day" samples, measure each, and then average the yarn usage.
  4. Enter this average value into the "Yarn Usage Per Day/Row" field.
How many temperature bands should I use?

There's no hard rule, but most people use between 7 to 12 temperature bands. Consider:

  • Your local climate: If you have a wide range of temperatures, more bands can capture this better. If your climate is fairly consistent, fewer bands might suffice.
  • Desired color variation: More bands mean more potential color changes and a more nuanced gradient. Fewer bands mean broader color blocks.
  • Budget and yarn availability: More bands could mean needing to buy more individual colors.

Start by looking up historical average high/low temperatures for your area throughout a year to get a sense of your temperature spread.

What if my actual "days per band" differ from my estimate?

This calculator provides an estimate based on your projections. The real weather will always have surprises!

  • The calculator gives a strong starting point: It ensures you have enough of your main colors.
  • Flexibility is key: If one color runs low and another has excess, you might slightly adjust your temperature band definitions mid-project (e.g., widen a band that's using less yarn than expected).
  • Consider "buffer" skeins: For colors you anticipate being very prominent or those at the extreme ends of your temperature range (which might have fewer estimated days but could see a freak weather spell), having an extra skein can be wise.

The goal is to be well-prepared, not to predict the future with perfect accuracy!

Can I save my calculations?

Yes! This calculator automatically saves your inputs (project duration, yarn usage, skein info, and temperature bands) in your browser's local storage. If you close the tab or refresh the page, your data should reload when you return using the same browser.

Note: This data is stored only on your computer/device in the browser you are using. It's not saved to our server. If you clear your browser's cache/data or use a different browser, the saved information will be gone.

For permanent records, consider printing the results page (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) or taking a screenshot.