How to Change Colors in Crochet
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This is a free crochet tutorial about how to change colors while crocheting.
How many times have you turned away from a project because the color changes were too intimating for you? Or maybe you just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of all of those tangled yarn threads? Perhaps you weren’t sure when to do the color change? Look no further! These questions and more are answered here.
If you want to start crocheting with multiple colors, read below for all the basics you need to know to begin changing colors in crochet.
This detailed tutorial is all about learning how to change colors while crocheting. It seems difficult when looking at it, but it is actually fairly easy once you get the hang of it.
Some crocheters, especially in the beginning, get a bit turned off using many different colors when making a crochet project. If you are very organized this technique truly is very easy to do.
Problems with straight edges? With this simple Formula you will never have problems again! Ever!
What technique is the best to change colors in crochet?
In specific, I used the bobbin method for this tutorial. There are many different ways to change colors. I found the bobbin method the easiest and cleanest way to hide my yarn when changing colors.
There is one little drawback to using the bobbin method, and that is that you will have lots of ends to weave in. But I believe that is a good sacrifice to make when you think about how nice your crochet project will look in the end.
Which way is easier to change colors in crochet – in rounds or in rows?
Furthermore, you will need to think about whether you will be doing a project in a round or in a row. I always find it easier to do any stitch patterns or even color changes in a round than in rows. When crocheting in rounds, you will not have to think too much about the wrong side, because most of the time that part will be hidden (not for baskets tho).
However, when crocheting in a row you will need to make sure you think about the right and the wrong side as both will likely be seen and shown. An example for that would be a blanket or a scarf.
Graphgans are examples for changing colors
I have actually made a similar tutorial as this one when I shared with you how to crochet a graphgan. It was such an amazing experience to do that, but I am not sure I can get myself to do another crochet portrait as I am not very patient. BUT I made it for a special family and was so glad I finished it.
Also I decided to use the bobbin method for the graphgan, but did not care what the wrong side looked like because it was hidden later on in a frame.
Ever tried Corner to Corner (C2C)? I love how you can make graphgans like that way too!
Other methods and techniques to change colors in crochet:
Now, how do I start when changing colors in crochet?
So, let’s talk about how you would start with changing colors while crocheting and how to create bobbins and stay organized with them.
Well, first you will collect all the yarn colors you will need. Use the same yarn type from the same yarn company to make sure it looks even and nice.
Next, create some yarn bobbins. You can use a tool for it or just wrap the yarn around your hand. I like using clothespins, because I can attach the clothespins to a board.
In fact, that is exactly what I did when I made the graphgan. It keeps the bobbins from running around on the ground and also prevents tangling of the yarn.
How do I keep my yarn organized while changing colors when crocheting?
Next, you will need to make sure you keep the yarn in order at all times. If you attached the yarn bobbins to a board and you need to turn your work, just turn the entire board rather than having to rearrange the yarn on the board.
After that, make sure you have your graph or pixel graph, if you are using one, ready to go. When looking at one, you will see one color per pixel or square. One of them usually equals one single crochet but can also be other taller basic stitches if the pattern calls for it.
Get my favorite YARN BOBBINS from WeCrochet HERE
When exactly do I change colors when crocheting?
Let’s just say you will use single crochets as I show in the video below. When you come to the point in your project where you need to change colors, make sure you do not finish the previous stitch with the current color but rather with the color that comes next. That way you have nice color changes.
Change colors by finishing a stitch with the color of the next stitch!
That means whatever is the last yarn over and pull thru for a certain stitch, you will need to use the color of the following stitch.
Let me explain that in even more detail. Here is how you would crochet single crochet stitches: Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull-thru (there are now 2 loops on your hook), NOW you will change colors and yarn over with the new color of the following stitch and pull thru the last 2 loops on your hook.
If that still does not make sense, please see my video tutorial below, where you can see it in much better detail.
How to Crochet with Multiple Colors without Tangles
Let’s talk about the bobbins again. Every time, you stop color and need to start a new color and then come back to the previous color, I do not use the same bobbin, but rather start a new one. So I never have to carry my yarn and won’t have to worry about being shown.
That means, I might have a lot of bobbins, but at least my project is neat and clean. Do not let your bobbins be free where you work. But rather have them attached to something that keeps them organized and in order.
So, now that you know the basics, be sure to see my very detailed video tutorial below on how to change colors using the bobbin method.
UPDATE: For a NEW more detailed Tutorial about Yarn Bobbins for Crochet, read more here!
Get my favorite YARN BOBBINS from WeCrochet HERE
Full Video Tutorial on how to Change Colors while Crocheting:
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