Heatwave Survival Guide for Makers: 5 Ways to Beat the Heat and Still Work with Yarn

Much of the U.S., Europe, and China have been enduring a record-breaking heatwave. Temps are reaching triple digits, and everyone is looking for ways to navigate the day-to-day while waiting for the heat to break.

If you’re a yarn lover, you may not be feeling the urge to stitch right now. We don’t blame you! There are some ways to survive the heat and keep your mind and hands occupied, though. So, in this article, we’ve put together the official Heatwave Survival Guide for Makers.

Related: Snow Day Survival Guide for Knitters

5 Ways to Beat the Heat and Still Work with Yarn

#1. No Wool (this is only temporary)

Wool is a wonderful fiber and can help your body regulate temperature. However, when the air temps are this high, it’s just too hot for wool. And, if your hands are sweating while you work, you’re likely to felt your project. Now is the time to pick up cotton, linen, or silk yarns. They are much friendlier to work with when the mercury rises.

Related: Characteristics of Summer-Friendly Fibers

#2. Sip, Sip, Stitch

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S.’s leading organization dedicated to protecting the public’s health, lists “drinking plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty” second on their things to do to stay safe in extreme heat. We agree! Keep a nice big glass of water handy while you work. Tell yourself, “Sip, sip, stitch!” Take breaks every couple of rows to stay hydrated.

#3. Have a Seat . . . In Front of a Fan (or the AC vent)

Most of us have a favorite spot to knit or crochet. If you don’t have an outlet nearby, now is the time to claim the seat in front of the fan or closest to the AC vent. Yes, this sounds like stating the obvious. However, habits often become so engrained that we miss the obvious.

#4. Keep Cool and Cast On

The heatwave is the perfect time to cast-on a new project. Especially if you’ve had to set a wooly project aside to work with a more summer-friendly yarn. We recommend you work small. It’s not the time to be stitching on a sweater or blanket. Dishcloths, hand towels, lacy summer shawls, and children’s garments are all great choices when looking for a project that won’t overheat your lap.

#5. Kiddie Pools & Wool Wash

If all else fails and you just can’t bring yourself to hold fiber in your hands, now is a great time to get a head start on washing your woolens for the cooler months to come. Grab a kiddie pool, fill it with cool water from the hose, and squirt in some wool wash. While you soak your favorite fall sweaters, pull up a lawn chair and soak your feet too. A little wool soap won’t harm your toes.

Related: How to Ice Dye Yarn

Stay cool, yarn lovers! Do you have a favorite way to beat the heat? Let us know in the comments.

Originally published 7/18/2022. Updated 7/18/2023.

Serial yarn sniffer Kerry Bogert loves to spend her time knitting when she’s not collaborating with the team at Interweave or editing Interweave Knits magazine. Her passion for making things with her hands is only matched by her love for her children and a well-attenuated stout. Kerry endeavors to never stop learning, buying yarn, or collecting beads. Read her latest articles at Interweave.com.