Changing colors in crocheting is a great way to add visual interest and dimension to your crocheting projects. There are a few different ways to do it, and the best method for you will depend on the type of project you’re working on. In this tutorial, we’ll show you the simple technique to change colors in crochet so that you can create colorful projects with ease. So, whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a little refresher course, read on to learn how to change yarn colors when crocheting.
Changing colors in crochet is easy once you know how. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to add color to your projects with different shades of yarn. In this tutorial, we will show you how to change colors in crochet, step-by-step. We will also provide some tips on how to make the process easier for you.
Basic Method for Changing Yarn
Consider this method a rule of thumb. This basic method for changing colors will work whether you’re working single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, or half-double crochet.
Here is the basic method for changing color in crochet.
- Stop crocheting right before you pull through the last two loops on the crochet hook. Drop the old color of yarn.
- Put the new yarn color on the hook, and use the new color to pull through the last two loops on the hook.
To “put the new color on the hook,” simply lay the new strand of yarn over the hook, and hold the yarn tail to the back of the work. Then, pull the new color through the last loops on the hook to complete the stitch. After that, continue crocheting with the new color of yarn.
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What to do with the yarn tails
You can leave the yarn tail of the previous color on the back of your work. When it’s time to weave in the ends, give them a little tug to tighten up the stitches. Then, weave in the loose ends on the wrong side of your work.
Changing Colors in Single Crochet
As we’ve just discussed, the method is the same whether you’re working with single crochet stitches or other basic crochet stitches. Here are the specific instructions for single crochet.
- Color A: Insert hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. 2 loops on the hook. Switch to
- Color B: Yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.
Changing Colors in Double Crochet
Here’s how to change colors in double crochet.
- Color A: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over, and pull through two loops. 2 loops on the hook. Switch to
- Color B: Yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.
You can follow this basic idea to switch colors with taller stitches, like treble crochet and double treble crochet, too.
Changing Colors in Half-Double Crochet
Changing colors in half-double crochet is just a little bit different since you’ll be pulling through the last three loops on the hook instead of the last two loops.
- With Color A: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. 3 loops on hook. Switch to
- Color B: Yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.
How to Change Colors in the Middle of the Row
Changing colors in the middle of a row is quite easy once you know the simple trick described above! To change colors in the middle of a row, stop crocheting with
- Color A: right before the last loop is pulled through. Then, put Color B on the hook, and use
- Color B: to pull through the last two loops on the hook. After that, you can continue crocheting across the row with Color B.
How to Change Colors at the End of a Row
Changing colors at the end of the row of crochet is just as simple.
- Crochet all the way to the end of your row but stop crocheting right before you pull the yarn through the last two loops on the last stitch of the row.
- Put the new color on the hook, and use the new color to pull through the last two loops on the hook.
- After that, chain one (or however many stitches you need for your turning chain) and turn your work.
- You are now ready to start crocheting the new row with the new color.
How to Change Colors in the Round
Changing colors in the round is very similar to changing colors in rows. In most cases, you’ll use the same basic method. There are a few things to keep in mind, though, especially when it comes to changing colors at the end of joined rounds. Keep reading for the details.
Changing colors in the middle of a round
Let’s say you’re crocheting a flat circle, and want to change colors in the middle of a round. In that case, you’ll work the same basic technique we’ve discussed above.
To change colors in the middle of a round:
Work until there are only two loops left on the hook, then drop the first color. Place the new color on the hook, and finish the stitch by pulling the new color through both loops on the hook. This technique will work if you are changing colors in the middle of a spiral round or a joined round. It’s the same process.
Changing colors at the end of Spiral Rounds
When you crochet in the round, you either work in spiral rounds (aka continuous rounds) or joined rounds. When you work in spiral rounds, you do not join the rounds with a slip stitch (sl st). Instead, you simply make the first stitch of the new round in the first stitch of the previous round. Your work will grow as you keep crocheting in a continuous spiral.
To change colors at the end of a spiral round:
Work until there are only two loops left on the hook, drop the first color, and pick up the new color. Finish the stitch by pulling the new color through both loops on the hook. Then, crochet the first stitch of the next round in the new color of yarn
Changing colors at the end of Joined Rounds
Changing colors at the end of joined rounds is a little different. Joined rounds are “joined” with a slip stitch. So when you want to change color, you’ll do it right before you join the round with a slip stitch.
To change colors at the end of joined rounds:
- Crochet to the end of the round. Finish crocheting the last stitch with the old color. This is different than our usual technique.
- Insert your hook into the first stitch of the round. Now, yarn over with the new color of yarn, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on the hook to finish the slip stitch.
- This simple move accomplishes three things – it finishes the slip stitch, joins the round, and changes the yarn color all at the same time. Now you can chain up and start the next round in the new color.
Tips for Changing Colors
Here are some tips that will help make changing colors a little easier:
- When you pick up the new color, make sure that you leave a long yarn tail. This will ensure you have enough yarn to weave in at the end of your project.
- Likewise, when you cut the old yarn color, make sure to leave a long enough yarn tail to weave in at the end of your project.
- If you’ll be changing colors often like if you’re making 2-row stripes you can carry the unused yarn along the side of your work. This will drastically reduce the number of ends you have to weave in later.
Conclusion
It might be challenging and time-consuming to change the colors in the middle of a job. One of the best ways to give your crochet items more aesthetic appeal and depth is to experiment with color changes. As above several approaches that help you from the beginner, and the most effective one for you will rely on the kind of project you’re working on.
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