How To Change Colors In Crochet – Full Guide For Beginners

Learning how to change colors can add a vibrant touch to your crochet projects. Whether you’re crafting a colorful blanket, cute amigurumi, or a striped scarf, knowing how to change colors when crocheting ensures your finished piece looks neat and professional. In this guide, I’ll show you how to change yarn using the most common methods.

What is color changing in crochet?

Color changing in crochet involves switching from one yarn color to another while working on a project. This technique allows you to create patterns, stripes, and designs, adding depth and visual interest to your creations.

Basic Color Changing Technique

If you want to change colors in your project, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by completing the last stitch of your current color, but stop before the final yarn-over.
2. Drop the old color, grab the new color, and pull the yarn through the loops on your crochet hook to finish the stitch.
3. Keep crocheting with the new color.

At this point, you can cut the old yarn color but be sure to leave a long yarn tail to weave in later.

You can use this easy technique to change colors while working with any basic stitch, e.g. a single crochet or half double crochet.

photo source: yourcrochet.com

Changing Colors Using Single Crochet

Changing colors in a single crochet is ideal for those new to crochet. Let’s go through the steps together.

When you reach the last stitch of the current color, 1) insert your hook, 2) yarn over, and 3) pull through.

Then, 4) yarn over with the new color, and 5) pull through both loops on the hook to complete the stitch with the new color.

Changing Colors Using Double Crochet

For changing colors in double crochet, 1) begin by working your stitch until you have two loops left on the hook, 2) yarn over with the new color, and 3) pull through the remaining loops to finish the stitch.

Changing Colors Using Half-Double Crochet

To change colors in half-double crochet, 1) work your stitch until you have three loops left on the hook, 2) pick up the new color, 3) yarn over, and 4) pull through all three loops.

How to Change Colors in Crochet – Video Tutorial

You can learn the basic method for changing colors through this crochet tutorial.

prepared by crochetpedia.com

If you feel like you might need extra help, check out this comprehensive article:

How to Change Colors in Crochet

These resources will guide you step-by-step.

How to Change Colors in the Round

When you crochet in the round, changing colors can be slightly different. Here’s how you can do it.

At the End of a Round

If you need to switch colors at the end of a round, finish the last stitch of your round with the new color, then continue crocheting in the new color for the next round.

Mid-Round

If you need to change colors mid-round, complete the stitch before the color change, and pull through the new color to finish the stitch.

Spiral Rounds

When working in spiral rounds, you simply continue crocheting in a round without joining at the end. This makes switching colors a bit tricky, especially when you don’t want to get a noticeable “step” or “jog” that disrupts your work’s look.

To achieve a smooth color transition in a spiral round, you need to make a normal color change first. Once it is done, make a slip stitch in the next stitch instead of a single crochet. This will produce a softer color change improving the overall look of your project. After the slip stitch, you can continue working the round in single crochets.

How to Change Colors in Rows

Changing colors in rows allows you to create beautiful stripes and patterns within your project. Let’s see how you can do it.

To change colors at the end of a row, finish your last stitch with the new color, turn your work, and continue crocheting with the new color.

For mid row color changes, complete the stitch before the change and switch to the new color yarn to finish the stitch.

Changing The Color in Crochet Amigurumi

If you want to start learning to crochet stuffed yarn animals, you should know that these projects require changing colors quite often. Most amigurumi crochet patterns are worked in spiral rounds with single crochet stitches.

You can learn how to switch colors in amigurumi projects by watching this simple video tutorial.

How To Start The New Color In Granny Squares

Changing colors in granny squares is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Make sure to follow these steps:

1. Start by finishing the last stitch with your current yarn.
2. Put your hook into the corner space of your granny square.
3. Loop the new yarn color over the hook.
4. Pull it through the corner.
5. Make a slip stitch.
6. Continue working with the new yarn.

This method keeps your colors neat and vibrant. For an even better reference, watch this video tutorial.

Weave In The Loose Ends

It’s important to secure all the loose yarn tails before you finish the project. This helps keep your crochet work tidy and prevents unraveling.

To weave in the ends in crochet, thread the yarn tail onto a yarn needle. Then, carefully weave the needle through several stitches on the back side of your project, going in different directions to secure it. Trim any excess yarn, and voilà!

Advanced Color Changing Techniques

Once you feel ready to take your crochet skills to the next level, you can explore advanced color-changing techniques that will result in stunning colorwork projects.

Intarsia Method

The intarsia method involves using separate yarn balls for each color section, making it ideal for large blocks of color. It is perfect for creating graphic designs and pictures within your crochet project.

photo source: interweave.com

Tapestry Crochet Method

Tapestry crochet involves carrying multiple yarns along the row and working over the unused colors. This technique allows for intricate and colorful designs to be created without cutting and rejoining yarns frequently.

You can learn more about tapestry crochet from this article.

Overlay Crochet Method

The overlay crochet method adds layers of color on top of your existing work, creating a textured and three-dimensional effect. This technique uses front post stitches and other methods to bring the new color to the front.

Summary

Changing yarn colors in crochet can enhance your projects, making them more visually appealing and interesting. From basic techniques like the slip stitch and invisible join to advanced methods like intarsia and tapestry, there are many ways to switch colors.

FAQ

What is the best way to change colors neatly in crochet?

The invisible join method is often considered the best for a seamless finish. It creates a smooth transition with no visible knots or ends.

Can you change colors in the middle of a crochet project?

Yes, you can change colors at any point in your crochet project, including mid-row or mid-round. This allows you to create intricate patterns and designs.

How do you carry yarn when changing colors in crochet?

To carry yarn when changing colors, you can use the carry-up method. This involves carrying the unused yarn color along the row or round and crocheting over it.

What is the difference between changing colors and changing yarn in crochet?

Changing colors in crochet refers to switching from one color of yarn to another within the same project. Changing yarn might involve switching to a different type or weight of yarn, not just the color.

Can you change colors in the same row in crochet?

Yes, you can change colors within the same row to create stripes or patterns. To do this, finish the stitch before the color change with the new color and continue crocheting.

How do you change colors in crochet without leaving a gap?

To change colors without leaving a gap, use the standing stitch method or the invisible join method. Proper tension and securing the new color correctly are key to avoiding gaps.

What is the invisible color change in crochet?

The invisible color change is a technique that allows for a seamless transition between colors. It involves finishing the last stitch with the new color and weaving in ends to avoid visible knots or tails.

Can you change colors in Tunisian crochet?

Yes, you can change colors in Tunisian crochet using similar techniques as regular crochet. This includes carrying yarn, weaving in ends, and using seamless joining methods.

How do you change colors in corner-to-corner crochet?

In corner-to-corner crochet, change colors by switching yarn at the start of a new block. Finish the last stitch with the new color and continue crocheting the new block.