How To Change Color In Crochet

Learning how to change colors in crochet is essential for creating various patterns and designs in your project.

By switching colors, you can add visual interest and variety to your work, while also utilizing leftover yarn and establishing a cohesive color scheme.

Ultimately, mastering this technique enhances your ability to create unique and beautiful crochet pieces.

Different Techniques for Changing Colors in Crochet

There are several different techniques for changing yarn color in crochet and they are listed below:

1. Basic color change - This is the most commonly used technique for changing colors in crochet, where you simply switch from one color to another at the end of a row or round. This is what we are going to talk about in this article, it also known as a double crochet join.
2. Invisible color change -  This technique creates a seamless color change that is invisible from the right side of the work. It involves finishing the last stitch of the old color with the new color, then weaving in the tails.
3. Intarsia - This colorwork technique uses separate balls of yarn for each color block, twisting the yarns at the color change to prevent holes.
4. Tapestry crochet - This technique carries the non-working yarn along the back of the work to create a pattern and is often used to create intricate designs.
5. Fair Isle - This colorwork technique uses two or more colors in a row to create a pattern, and the non-working yarn is carried along the back of the work. It is commonly used in stranded knitting as well.
6. Duplicate stitch - This technique involves adding a different color to a completed piece by embroidering over the existing stitches. It is often used for adding details or designs to a finished project.

Basic Method For Changing Yarn

This method for changing yarn works for most crochet stitches:

Step 1 - (Start with Color A) To begin, start crocheting with the first color yarn A. Yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. 

You should have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through two loops. You should have two loops left on the hook.

Step 2 - (Switch to Color B) To switch to Color B, fold it over to make a loop, and leave a tail about 4 inches / 10cm long.

Step 3 - Slip Color B over the hook and hold firm.

Step 4 - Pull Color B, through both loops on the hook. You should now have one loop on the hook with Color B.

You can follow this basic idea to switch colors with other stitches, double crochet, and treble.

Step 5 - (Secure the ends) After changing colors, it is important to secure the ends to prevent unraveling. 

To do this, weave the ends into the stitches on the backside of your work. This will keep them out of sight and secure.

In summary to make a color change on almost any stitch just work to the last two stitches, then end the stitch by pulling through the new color.

Step By Step Examples:

Single Crochet

To switch colors in single crochet (sc):

1. In the first color - Insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
2. Then yarn over hook to pick up a loop as you pull the hook back through the designated stitch or space. There will be two loops on the hook.
3. Drop the old color and change over to the new color, yarn over hook to pick up another loop as you draw the hook back through all two loops on the hook to leave one loop on the hook.

Continue with the new color for the next stitch, and when finished with the row or round, cut off the old color, secure the ends, and weave them in.

Half Double Crochet

To change colors in half double crochet (hdc):

1. In the first color - Yarn over hook and insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
2. Then yarn over hook to pick up a loop as you pull the hook back through the designated stitch or space. There will be three loops on the hook.
3. Drop the old color and change over to the new color, yarn over hook to pick up another loop as you draw the hook back through all three loops on the hook to leave one loop on the hook.

Continue with the new color for the next stitch, and when finished with the row or round, cut off the old color, secure the ends, and weave them in.

Double Crochet

To switch colors in double crochet (dc):  

1. In the first color yarn over hook and insert the hook from the front to the back of a designated stitch or space.
2. Then yarn over hook to pick up a loop as you pull the hook back through the designated stitch or space. There will be three loops on the hook.
3. Then yarn over hook as you pull the hook through the first two loops, there will now be two loops on the hook.
4. Next, drop the old color and change over to the new color. Yarn over hook in the new color and pull the hook through the two loops on the hook, leaving you with one loop on the hook.

Continue with the new color for the next stitch, and when finished with the row or round, cut off the old color, secure the ends, and weave them in.

How To Change Colors In The Middle Of A Row

To change yarn color in crochet rows, work up to the desired point and finish the last stitch with the old color yarn, leaving two loops on the hook. 

Then, pull a loop through those loops using the new color yarn, chain one or two stitches with the new yarn, and start the next row.

Step By Step

1. Work up to the point where you want to change colors.
2. Finish the last stitch of the row with your old color yarn, but leave the last two loops on the hook.
3. Pick up the new color yarn and pull a loop through the last two loops on the hook with the new color yarn.

Yarn Color Change In Rounds

Change colors in crochet rounds is similar to changing colors in a row, work up to the desired point and finish the last stitch with the old color yarn, leaving two loops on the hook. 

Pull a loop through those loops using the new color yarn, chain one or two stitches with the new yarn, and continue working in the round.

Step by Step

1. Work up to the point where you want to change colors.
2. Finish the last stitch of the round with your old color yarn, but leave the last two loops on the hook.
3. Pick up the new color yarn and pull a loop through the last two loops on the hook with the new color yarn.

Changing Yarn Color At The End Of Rows

First, work the row in the first color until the last stitch of the row, but do not complete the last yarn over and pull through. Instead, leave the final loop on the hook.

Next, drop the first yarn color and pick up the new color. Fold the new yarn in half to create a loop leaving about a 4-inch tail.

Slip the loop just made over the hook and pull through the remaining stitches on your hook.

Make the required number of turning chains for the stitch you are using turn your work and continue in the new color.

Tips

• Always carry the yarn that is not in use behind your work.
• Do not pull too tight when changing colors because this can cause the fabric to pucker.
• If you are working on a project with multiple color changes, use bobbins or make small balls of yarn to keep your yarn organized.
• To keep your color changes neat, make sure to pull the yarn gently pull the yarn tight after switching colors.
• Practice consistent tension to ensure that the color changes do not create loose or tight spots in your work.

What To Do With The Tails

• Leave a tail of several inches from both the old and new colors. You can weave these ends into the back of your work to secure them and prevent them from unraveling.
• Avoid cutting the tails too short, as they may come loose over time.
• It's also a good idea to weave in the tails every few rows to prevent a buildup of loose ends.

More Crochet Tutorials

• Basic crochet stitches for beginners
• How to read a crochet pattern
• How to hold yarn when crocheting
• Crochet gauge for beginners
• Types of yarn for crochet
• Crochet hook sizes
• Crochet supplies for beginners
• Crochet terms and abbreviations
• How to crochet for beginners
• How to make a crochet magic ring

More Free Crochet Patterns

• Crochet sunflower coasters with basket
• Reusable crochet face scrubbies
• Daisy granny square blanket
• Easy crochet lap blanket
• Rectangular crochet shawl
• Double crochet Coasters and basket
• Small crochet drawstring pouch
• Small Crochet basket pattern with handles

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Printable Pattern

How To Change Color In Crochet

Learn how to change color in crochet so that you can get creative and add color to your crochet projects.

Print Pin Rate

Skill Level : Easy

Makes: 1

Author :Harriet

What You Will Need

Yarn

• 2 balls of yarn in different colors

Hook

• Crochet hook suitable for the size yarn you are using

Notions

• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Instructions

• Step 1 - (Start with Color A) To begin, start crocheting with the first color yarn A. Yarn over, insert the hook, yarn over, and pull up a loop. 

  You should have three loops on the hook. Yarn over again, and pull through two loops. You should have two loops left on the hook.
• Step 2 - (Switch to Color B) To switch to Color B, fold it over to make a loop, and leave a tail about 4 inches / 10cm long.
• Step 3 - Slip Color B over the hook and hold firm.
• Step 4 - Pull Color B, through both loops on the hook. You should now have one loop on the hook with Color B.

  You can follow this basic idea to switch colors with other stitches, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble.
• Step 5 - (Secure the ends) After changing colors, it is important to secure the ends to prevent unraveling. 

  To do this, weave the ends into the stitches on the backside of your work. This will keep them out of sight and secure.