How to Change Yarn Colors
Changing yarn colors lets you make stripes, borders, motifs, and clean accents. The easiest method is to complete the final step of a stitch with the new color. This creates a neater change than tying on a new color after the stitch is finished.
When to change color
Change color on the last yarn-over of the stitch before the new color begins. For single crochet, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then use the new color to yarn over and pull through both loops. For double crochet, work until two loops remain on the hook, then use the new color to pull through those final two loops.
Steps for single crochet
- Work to the stitch before the color change.
- Insert the hook into the stitch and pull up a loop with the old color.
- Drop the old color behind the work.
- Place the new color over the hook.
- Pull the new color through both loops to finish the stitch.
- Continue crocheting with the new color.
Keeping the change neat
Do not cut the old color immediately if you will use it again soon. For short stripes, carry the unused yarn up the side edge and cover it with a border later. For larger color sections, cut the old color with a tail of at least 6 inches and weave it in after the project is finished.
Changing at the end of a row
Work the last stitch of the row until its final pull-through. Complete that pull-through with the new color. Then make the turning chain with the new color and turn. This keeps the new row clean from the first stitch.
Avoiding knots
Knots can come undone or make hard bumps in the fabric. Instead, leave tails and weave them securely. If the item will be washed often, weave each tail in two directions. This helps lock the end into the stitches.
Practice swatch
Chain 16 and make 15 single crochet stitches per row. Work two rows in Color A, two rows in Color B, and two rows in Color A again. Count 15 stitches every row. This small swatch shows how color changes look at row edges and helps you practice carrying yarn without tangles.