How to change colors in crochet

A lot of crocheters have asked me how do you change colors when crocheting? With this easy-to-follow step-by-step crochet tutorial, you would be a pro at changing colors seamlessly.

I know most people are afraid to attempt making a project that involves changing colors. The truth is, I was once scared but challenged myself to make projects that involve multiple colors.

Some of the projects I’ve made using multiple colors include – Lazy weekend blanket, Tartan scarf, Cascade sweater. These would help you perfect your skills and in no time, you would be able to teach anyone how to change colors in crochet.

I have gathered a few tips that helped me switch back and forth between colors.

Colors can be changed while using either single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and in any crochet stitches. The rule is the same, irrespective of the crochet stitches used.

Frequently asked questions when crocheting with multiple colors

1. There’s always a little ridge, after each color change while crocheting? This often happens when you tug too much after chaining colors. How to prevent this – Always apply a gentle pull after each color change.
2. Why is there a strong jagged line whenever I change to a new color when crocheting in rounds? – This usually occur as a result of an uneven transition. Scroll down for the detailed tutorial on how to achieve a perfect and straight line after changing colors in round.
3. Can I change colors back and forth multiple times why crocheting in either rows or rounds? Yes, this is possible. You can either crochet over the yarn not currently in use or wind each color into a small ball and join at each point where it it needed.
4. How do you change the colors seamlessly when crocheting in rounds and in rows? This can be achieved by joining the next color just before you complete the last stitch before the next color change. I have different techniques when doing this in rows and in rounds. This has been spelt out in details below.

This post is going to show you the correct way to change color mid and end of the row and even in rounds, while answering in detail the FAQs above.

Color Changing at the end/beginning of a row

The rule is the same when crocheting in rows and can be used either at the beginning, middle, or end of the row. Simply follow the steps below. Do the following and you would never notice any ridge while crocheting.

Step 1: For a project that needs color change at the end or beginning of a row, simply continue with the previous color until you get to the end of the row or until it is time to change colors.

Now, it depends on the stitch you are using, this could be single, half double, or double crochet. Into the last stitch of the row, stop halfway through and complete the stitch off with the new color.

Step 2: Once you are at the last step at completing the particular stitch on your hook, drop the color you are crocheting with and grab the next color.

Step 3: Complete/finish off the stitch with the new color.

Step 4: If this is the end of the row, turn, make the necessary chains at the beginning of the row and continue with the new color.

Changing colors while crocheting with the Single crochet Stitch

Insert hook into the last stitch, yarn over, pull through, you should have 2 loops on the hook, drop the color you are using and pick up the new yarn for the next row, yarn over with the new yarn, pull through the loops on your hook. Continue the next row with the new yarn.

How to change colors while working with Half double crochet stitch

Yarn over and insert the crochet hook into the last stitch, yarn over again and pull the yarn through the stitch.

You should now have three loops on the hook, drop the yarn you are using and pick up the next yarn (color), yarn over, pull the yarn through the remaining 3 loops on the hook.

How to change colors while working with Double crochet –

Yarn over the hook and then insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over again and then pull the yarn through that stitch, you should have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over again, pull up the yarn through the first two of the three loops on your hook. You should now have 2 loops left on your hook. Drop the colors and pick up the new color, yarn over, pull through the remaining loops on the hook.

How to seamlessly change colors when crocheting in rounds

Changing colors seamlessly in rounds can be tricky, but with this easy tutorial, you would be confident every time you are crocheting in rounds and it involves changing colors.

There are various methods that can be used to achieve a seamless and perfect look when changing colors while crocheting in Round. Basically, I am sharing my BEST 2 TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS COLOR CHANGE WHILE CROCHETING IN ROUNDS.

Method 1:

Step 1: At the end of the round, with the same color as the one that you are crocheting with, insert hook into the first stitch, yarn over, pull through the stitch, you should have 2 loops on your hook of the same color, slip stitch to complete this round.

Step 2: Pick up the new yarn (color), yarn over with the new color, pull through the loop on your hook

Step 3: Apply a gentle tug on the previous color.

Step 5: Continue crocheting with the new color

Step 6: Repeat step 1 at the end of the round or whenever you need to switch over to another color at the end of the round.

Method 2

Step 1: With the same color that you are crocheting with, and intend to change. Insert hook into the first stitch, pick up the new color and yarn over, pull through the stitch, and loop on your hook to complete the slip stitch.

Step 2: Apply a gentle tug (emphasis on a gentle tug, so this does not create any height difference in the round) on the previous color that you have just dropped.

Step 3: Crocheting with the new color (yarn), making the required chains, and continuing with the pattern.

Step 4: Repeat step 1 at the end of the round whenever you need to change colors.

Now, if you ask me which of these methods I prefer, I would say the first, as this is the technique I use for seamless joining when I crochet in rounds. Surprisingly, it also works perfectly for a seamless color change while crocheting in rounds.

I hope you’ve gained one or more tips on how to change colors in crochet, either at the beginning, middle, or the end of the row and round. Now, challenge yourself to crochet the Tartan scarf using this free tutorial.