Mastering the Art of Colour Changes in Crochet
Mastering the Art of Colour Changes in Crochet: A Modern Maker’s Guide
Ready to take your crochet projects from simple to stunning? Colour changes in Crochet is your secret
weapon for adding stripes, bold shapes, or elegant accents. Whether you’re a beginner or a
seasoned stitcher, this guide will walk you through every technique you need from basic
switches to advanced colour work methods.
The Colour Change Golden Rule
1. The Basic Switch (Example: Double Crochet)
- Work the stitch as normal until the last yarn over.
- Drop the old colour.
- Yarn over with the new colour and pull through to finish the stitch.
- Keep crocheting with the new colour—voilà!
Pro tip: Leave a 6″ tail of both colours so you can weave them in later without stress. This reduces the risk of your ends working their way loose over time.
End-of-Row Colour Changes (Perfect for Stripes)
Changing colours at the end of a row gives you crisp, clean lines that are perfect for striped blankets, scarves, or garments.
- Finish the last stitch of the row, but use the new colour to close it.
- Turn your work.
- Chain up with the new colour and keep stitching.
Hack: Secure your yarn tails as you go or weave them in afterward using a yarn needle. If your project is reversible, take extra care to weave in tails so they don’t peek through.
Why not try this Sun – Kissed Sweater to practice changing colours?!
Mid-Row Colour Changes (For Tapestry, Intarsia & More)
This method is key for working graphic designs, characters, or multi-colour blocks.
- Stop before the final yarn over of the last stitch in the old colour.
- Yarn over with the new colour to complete the stitch.
- Continue crocheting with the new shade.
Tips:
- Twist your yarns together at the back of your work to prevent gaps.
- Keep your tension even to avoid puckering.
- Use stitch markers to help keep track of design changes.
Carrying Yarn Across the Row
Ideal for patterns with frequent colour changes like tapestry crochet or pixel art.
How it works:
- Lay the unused yarn over the top of the previous row.
- Crochet over it with your active yarn.
✔️ Pros: No cutting and rejoining. Clean finish. Cons: Can get bulky or peek through on lighter stitches. To minimise visibility, always choose similar weights and colours.
Alternative: Only carry yarn short distances. For larger gaps, it’s better to drop and rejoin the colour.
Carrying Yarn Up the Side
Working stripes just a few rows tall? No need to cut your yarn every time.
- Leave the unused colour hanging at the side.
- When you’re ready to use it again, simply pick it up.
- Crochet over the float or twist it with your working yarn to secure.
Finishing tip: Add a border or edge stitch (like single crochet or reverse single crochet) to hide the carried yarn and create a polished edge.
Where it’s useful: Great for projects like granny square blankets, striped dishcloths, or multicolour garments.
Standing Stitches (For Seamless Joins in the Round)
Instead of using a chain to start a new colour in the round, standing stitches create a clean, stitch-like appearance.
Example: Standing Double Crochet
- Start with a slip knot on your hook.
- Yarn over and insert into the desired stitch.
- Finish the double crochet as usual.
Why it’s cool: It blends seamlessly into the work and avoids the bump of a chain.
Best for: Hats, motif rounds, mandalas, or anywhere you want invisible joins.
Weaving in Ends Like a Pro
No one wants their hard work to unravel! Here’s how to secure your yarn tails so they stay hidden and strong.
- Thread the tail onto a yarn needle.
- Weave into several stitches of the same colour, following the pattern of the stitch.
- Weave back in the opposite direction to lock it in.
- Trim the excess close to the stitch.
Expert tip: Split the yarn slightly as you weave to create more friction and a tighter hold.
Colourwork Confidence: Quick Tips
- Use high-contrast colours for patterns that stand out.
- Keep your tension consistent when changing yarns.
- Use bobbins or mini skeins to manage intarsia or graph-based designs.
- Plan ahead: make colour changes on turning chains or stitch transitions where possible.
- For spiral rounds, learn how to do jogless joins to maintain clean striping.
Pro Tip: Swatch it first! Some colour changes look better on different stitch types or gauges.
Bonus: Colour Change Ideas for Real Projects
- Stripes: Great for baby blankets, scarves, or beach bags.
- Granny Squares: Change colour every round or alternate every other.
- Chevron Patterns: Add dynamic energy to blankets or sweaters.
- Graphghans: Use colour changes to create logos, characters, or scenes.
- Mosaic Crochet: Works with two colours and involves clever changes to make intricate designs.
Your Next Steps
Practice these techniques in small, confidence-boosting projects like:
- Two-tone dishcloths
- Striped beanies
- Multicolour granny squares
- Bold bordered scarves
Once you’re comfortable, start exploring graphgans, custom pillows, statement sweaters, or colour block shawls.
And remember—your colour palette is your creative playground. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
