How to Change Color in Crochet the Right Way
In this post you will learn: How to change color the right way in crochet and how to change color with single, half double, double, and triple crochet stitches.
Hello everyone! Today we are going to learn how to change colors in crochet the right way! In one of my works in progress (WIP), I am needing to change between two different colors frequently, and I thought this would be a great learning opportunity for beginners.
Have you ever worked on a project that required you to attach a new colored yarn to complete it? Did you attach your new color, but notice as you crocheted along that your new color tended to look a little…off?
I am here to help! This technique of changing colors will keep your colored stitches straighter and much more uniform!
Why is this technique the right way?
This color change technique is better because it prevents your last color from “wandering” into your new one.
Many crocheters will attempt a color change by inserting their hook into the next stitch, THEN attaching the new yarn and finishing the stitch.
There is nothing wrong with doing that, it just makes the top of the stitch have the previous colored yarn and the bottom of the stitch with the new.
This is what happens if you attach a new color the INCORRECT way:
Do you see how the stitch that needs the new color is half the cream colored yarn and half the brown colored yarn? We want to avoid this!
Below I will show you how to change colors with single, half double, double, and triple crochet stitches.
Color Change with Single Crochet:
(Please note these are US crochet terms used, not UK)
I have already made a starting chain and single crocheted back into those chains prior to step 1.
Step 1 – Stop yourself two stitches BEFORE the needed color change. The arrow indicates the stitch that needs the new color.
Step 2 – Single crochet as per usual into the next stitch, but DO NOT finish all the way. Keep those two loops on your hook.
Step 3 – Loop your new color onto your hook and pull it through both of the loops. I found that this was a little tricky when I was a beginner crocheter. Just try to keep tension on the new color and your previous color the best you can so it’s not super loose.
Step 4 – Single crochet into the next stitch with your new color.
Step 5 – Finished row of color change.
You can also use this technique if you are needing to start a whole new row with a color.
In the LAST stitch of the row (before turning and chaining) do Steps 2-4 and chain however many chains you need for your stitch height with your new color, continue with the next row with your new color.
Color Change with Half Double Crochet:
Step 1 – In the stitch before the needed color change, start your half double crochet stitch, but don’t finish it (yarn over, insert hook into next stitch). You should have 3 loops on your hook.
Step 2 – Loop your new colored yarn onto your hook and pull through all 3 loops. Do your best to keep your tension!
Step 3 – Continue half double crocheting with your new color!
Color Change with Double Crochet:
Step 1 – In the stitch before the needed color change, make a double crochet but don’t finish it! You will have 2 loops on your hook.
Step 2 – Attach your new colored yarn and pull through both loops. Continue double crocheting across.
How to Color Change with Triple Crochet:
Steps 1-2 – In the stitch before the needed color change, make your triple crochet. Yarn over twice (step 1), insert hook into next stitch, yarn over (4 loops on your hooks), pull through 2 loops (step 2/ 3 loops on your hook), yarn over pull through 2 loops again (2 loops on your hook).
Step 3 – Attach new colored yarn by looping it onto your hook
Step 4 – Pull new yarn through both loops
Step 5 – Continue triple crocheting across.
What if I want to start a whole row with a new color, not just in the middle?
There are actually a few ways you can do this! You can either, A) Cut your yarn at the end of your row, attach a new yarn to your hook via a slip knot and make a standing stitch. Or B) Follow the steps above in the last stitch of your row to attach your new colored yarn. Chain one (or however many you need for your stitch height) with your new color and continue crocheting.
Whichever one you choose will be up to you and I think depends on what your project is. If your project uses many different colors, option A) might be better. If you’re only using two colors option B) would be ideal.
So to recap: You want to color change with this technique if you want your colors to be nice and straight. Essentially, you will make whatever stitch you are using, and before the last pull through of that stitch, attach your new color, THEN pull through to finish it.
Thank you for reading, and as always…happy crocheting!