Scrappy Temperature Quilt

I have jumped on the Temperature Quilt band wagon! Scrappy quilts, especially if they involve low volume fabrics, are a favorite of mine. There are some gorgeous, unique, Temperate Quilts out there (search #TemperatureQuilts on Instagram). While many record both the high and low temperatures of each day, with one particular color/fabric representing a small range of temperatures, I am taking a more casual approach.

First of all, I am only recording the daily high temperatures. While I have a key for the colors/fabrics that represent the temperature ranges, I am keeping the fabrics scrappy and pulling from my stash. Each block consists of a low volume four patch with a circle (representing the high temperature) appliquéd in the center.

Since some have asked over on Instagram to share my color/temperature guide and my plan, I thought a tutorial might be in order as well (here and on YouTube). I have a color key that represents the temperature range from 30 to 100 degrees. Being in Florida, I don’t think I need to worry about high temperatures falling below 30 (….now that may change if vaccinations are available sooner than expected and travel becomes an option….but that’s another story…).

My quilt layout will be 18 blocks across and 21 blocks down. That will give me 378 blocks, which is 13 more than the 365 days in 2021. My plan is to stitch special blocks (the exact idea is still percolating) and place one in between each month to highlight the change in months, one at the beginning, and one at the end. My blocks will “read” left to right. Each block finishes at 4” which will give me a final quilt of 72” by 84”.

My fabrics are all cut 3” square. The 3” square is the perfect size to make 2” circles with the Applipops. Making a four patch out of the 3” squares gives me a bit larger square than the 4.5” needed, but I trim it down after appliquéing the circle.

I like to make my circles and four patches in batches so they are ready when I actually have time to sew. The circles are made using the Applipops Assembly Line 2” Pack and you can watch our YouTube tutorial for making the circles.

Stitch two 3” background squares together, and then stitch another two squares together. You’ll thank me later if you press your seams open throughout. I also recommend chain stitching pairs together.

Stitch two of the pairs to form a four patch block. Again, press seams open. At this point, your block will measure 5.5” square.

Hand or machine applique a circle onto the center of your four patch. Press your block and trim to 4.5” square. Be sure when you are trimming your block that you keep the circle centered. I go over this step thoroughly in our video tutorial.

I like to hand appliqué my blocks. I use an appliqué needle and Aurifil 80 wt thread. Running my thread through the Sew Fine Thread Gloss prevents my thread from tangling. That has been a game changer for me.

Are you inspired to make a Temperature Quilt? Of course, this technique can be applied to any circle quilt you want to make. No need to worry about recording temperatures, if you don't want. Make it your own!

Check out the video tutorial on our YouTube channel as well. I walk through all the steps.

Happy stitching,

-Rene'