How to Change Colors in Crochet

Knowing how to change colors in crochet can enhance your projects by adding personality and creativity. Whether you want to create stripes, gradients, checkerboard squares, or any colorwork design, this tutorial will help you achieve seamless color transitions. Once you get the hang of it, changing colors in crochet will be a breeze!

Contents

In a crochet project, color changes can occur in two different places within the pattern:

at the end of a row or round
in the middle of your work

Here’s an example of colorwork where color changes were made at the end of the row and midway through for three basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. Whether it’s sc, hdc, dc, or any crochet stitches, the color change is done using a similar method.

learn how to crochet colorwork in three separate pieces for three basic stitches; single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

When should I switch yarn in color change?

When changing colors in crochet, the switch typically happens during the last yarn over, just before pulling through the loops to complete the stitch. This method applies no matter which crochet stitch you’re using.

In addition to the traditional method, there’s a newer technique gaining popularity that we will also cover. Keep reading to learn more.

Changing Color At the end of the Row or Round

When crochet patterns indicate a color change, for example below, it means that you will change the yarn color at the end of the row.

Row 11: ch, sc 26. turn.
Change to Color A
Row 12: ch, sc 26, turn.

There are 2 options in this situation: you can change yarn without or with fastening off.

Change yarn WITHOUT fastening off

1. Work the last stitch of your row or round until the final yarn over.
2. Drop the old yarn and pick up the new color.
3. Complete the stitch by pulling through the loops with the new yarn.
4. Continue crocheting.

Here’s how to switch colors when crocheting your project without fastening off. While the example uses single crochet stitches, this method works with any type of crochet stitch.

Work the last stitch of your row or round until the final yarn-over.
Drop the existing yarn of the old color and pick up the new color (Color A).
Complete the stitch by pulling through the loops with the new color.
Continue crocheting as per instruction from the crochet pattern.

Change yarn WITH fastening off

1. Complete the last stitch of the row or round.
2. Cut and fasten off the old yarn.
3. Start the next row or round with the new color by joining it at the first stitch.

Fastening off the old color and starting fresh with a new color is a great technique for certain projects, especially Granny Squares. Although we demonstrate it with crochet rounds and granny squares, this method can also be used when crocheting rows.

Complete the last stitch of the row or round.
Cut and fasten off the old color.
Start the next row or round with the new color by joining it at the first stitch.

Changing Yarn Colors Midway Through the Project:

When crochet patterns indicate a color change, such as below, it means that you will change the yarn color in the middle of a row.

Row 15: ch, sc 11, change to color B, sc 15. turn.

1. Work up to the last yarn over of the stitch.
2. Drop Color A and pick up Color B with your crochet hook.
3. Complete the stitch as normal with Color B. This is the start of your next stitch.
4. Work the next stitch over both Color A and Color B. If you're done with the Color A, crochet over both strands for a few stitches, then cut them to avoid weaving in ends later.

Here are the instructions:

Work up to the last yarn-over of the stitch.
Drop the old color and pick up the new color (Color B) with your crochet hook.
Complete the stitch as usual with the new color.
Work the next few stitches over both old and new yarn tails to hide them.

New Way Of Switching Yarn Color

1. Finish the last stitch and pull the loop longer.
2. Insert your hook through the loops of the last stitch and
3. pull the new yarn through.
4. Continue crocheting the next stitch before undoing the old yarn.

In the previous section, we mentioned changing yarn color when reaching the last yarn-over and pulling. Here is an alternative method for doing this.

This new approach is gaining popularity, especially among beginners, as it simplifies handling the yarn and hook. You can achieve the same outcome as the traditional method by beginning from a slightly different point.

Finish the last stitch and pull the loop longer.
Insert your hook through the loops of the last stitch, from right to left.
Pull the new color through.
Continue crocheting the next stitch before undoing the old color.

Changing Yarn Color In a Spiral Round:

Switching colors without a noticeable seam can be tricky when crocheting a spiral round, especially in an amigurumi pattern. You can skip this part if you’re fine with a slight jog where the colors change. However, if you want a seamless look, there are some tricks you can use. Watch this video for tips on achieving a smoother transition, and pick the method that suits you.

learn how to crochet aligned stripes in amigurumi.

What do you do with the tail ends?

When changing colors in your crochet project, you might be unsure whether to carry the yarn along or leave it at the back. The choice depends on your project and personal preference.

In tapestry crochet, where you consistently switch between two yarn colors, it’s common to carry the yarn through each stitch.

For other crochet projects, it’s typical to crochet over the yarn tail for a short distance along the back of your work. Once the project is complete, weave visible tails into the stitches to conceal them neatly.