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I have put together a basic list of multicolor crochet techniques that everyone should try! These are great crochet techniques suitable for crocheters of any level.
Are you a fan of crochet patterns using lots of colors or do you prefer projects using just one color? I must say I personally love colorful projects. The more the better!
Choosing and using color in crochet projects is fun. There are many color theories on how to put colors together. Which colors compliment each other and which clash. Sometimes it’s quite fun to let go, break the rules, and put together any colors you like! Because why not?
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Multicolor crochet techniques to learn
There are some people that prefer projects using just one color and that is okay. However, there are also some people out there that tend to stick to one color for their projects. This is mostly because they are scared of multicolor crochet techniques.
I have compiled a list of some basic multicolor crochet techniques that anybody can learn. Some of these techniques are quite similar. This means that if you learn the basics of one technique, you will be able to master the next one by changing just one small step. And changing small steps does not sound that scary after all.
Video Breakdown of the 7 Multi-Color Crochet Techniques
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7 Multicolor Crochet Techniques
Let’s take a closer look at these amazing crochet techniques that incorporate more than one color.
1. Crochet Graphgan
Graphgan is an afghan that is made from a graph. It is an interesting multicolor crochet technique. I used it to make a portrait of my late boss. I used a photograph of him which I turned into a graph.
You then use this graph as your crochet pattern and follow it tile by tile. Depending on the desired size of your finished item you can choose your stitch. However, the most used stitches for graphgans are single crochet or waistcoat stitch.
This is because the size of these stitches is roughly the same in width and length. It means that your portrait will not stretch out of proportion.
Graphghans are mostly worked with different yarn colors that have been pre-wound onto small bobbins.
I have put together a detailed tutorial and guide through the project on HOW TO MAKE A CROCHET GRAPHGAN OR CROCHET PORTRAIT – CROCHET TUTORIAL right here on my website.
2. Multicolor Tapestry Crochet Techniques
This is such a gorgeous technique that you should definitely try. There are some wonderful projects using tapestry you have seen but thought they might be too difficult to make. This might be due to using multicolor crochet techniques.
However, tapestry crochet is not that different from traditional crochet. It uses beginner-friendly single crochet stitch but instead of one color, you might need to change to another one to create a picture. Sometimes working into the back loop only gives neater results.
Usually, there are two types of instructions available for tapestry crochet patterns: written explanations and charts. Charts are much easier to work from as they offer visual aid and give you an idea of how the project looks when finished.
The majority of tapestry crochet projects are worked in the round. This means that all the rounds are made on the right side. But you can also work in back and forth rows.
Take a look at HOW TO CROCHET A SNOWFLAKE TAPESTRY POUCH WITH THIS EASY PATTERN
3. Fair Isle Crochet Technique Using Multicolors
Fair isle technique is mostly associated with knitting. However, you can easily recreate this technique in crochet too.
The stitch used for fair isle crochet is the waistcoat stitch which resembles knitted fabric the most.
Most Fair Isle crochet patterns will include a graph to follow as well as written instructions, similar to tapestry or intarsia crochet.
Fair isle crochet differs from the other techniques by carrying the secondary color along. This means when you are not using the second color you can carry it at the back and crochet over it every few stitches as you go to fix it into position.
HOW TO CROCHET GLOVES PATTERN EASILY – PRETTY KNIT-LIKE FREE PATTERN uses this fun technique.
4. Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet Technique
C2C is one of the most popular of multicolor crochet techniques. Working corner to corner means you are working at a diagonal creating small tiles or boxes.
Your work increases on both sides until your project is tall and wide enough. At this point, you start decreasing at both sides to create a square. However, you can increase on one side and decrease on the other to create a rectangle.
You can use this technique to work from a graph with multiple colors creating a lovely picture design at the end.
Depending on the finished size you would like for your project, you can use two different stitches. The traditional c2c uses double crochet stitches. However, you can also create a smaller version by using the mini c2c which uses half double crochet stitches.
ALPHABET & NUMBERS C2C BLANKET – FREE PATTERN is one of the projects that uses this fun technique.
You can also check out the Mini C2C Butterfly Blanket – Free Pattern which fits a King Size bed and only has 4 colors.
5. Multicolor Tunisian Crochet Techniques
Tunisian Crochet is another technique that is quite easy to use for crocheting with multiple colors using a graph. You can use it very similarly to standard crochet graphgan where your multiple yarns are held on separate bobbins.
However, you can also use special Tunisian Crochet stitches that specifically use two or more different colors to create a stunning effect.
I have chosen some great crochet books that will show you how to work these stunning crochet stitches. Check out the colorful Tunisian Crochet stitch books HERE.
It contains colorfully mixed pattern stitches such as waves, prongs, diamonds, woven effects, or chains. For each pattern, there is a clear crochet chart and detailed, row by row written instructions.
6. Crochet Plaid
Crochet plaid has such an amazing effect that is achieved simply by color changes. You will need three different colors for this fun effect to work.
You might think there will be lots of ends to weave in in these multicolor crochet techniques, however, the yarn not in use is simply carried along until you need it again. So you do not need to cut it off and join again creating lots of ends.
To make the crochet plaid you will need a minimum of three colors. You will use a dark, a light, and a mid shade color. If you stick to this basic rule you can create plaid stitch with just about any color combination.
However, the classic crochet plaid color scheme uses red(light), black(dark) and maroon (middle shade) colors to create this stunning effect.
HOW TO CROCHET A PLAID HEART PILLOW – FREE PATTERN is a tutorial on my website which will show you how to crochet this technique step by step.
7. Mosaic Crochet
Mosaic crochet creates intricate-looking multicolor crochet designs using fun techniques. Many people think you need to make lots of color changes within one row to achieve the effect.
However, in mosaic crochet, there are no changing colors within rows! The patterns are created by working 2 rows in one color, followed by 2 rows in the second color, and so on. Now that does not sound as scary!
Mosaic crochet uses charts too however they are read slightly differently. Each square on the chart represents one sc. If the chart calls for a different color, you miss the required number of sts and chain that number.
If you had missed stitches when using the previous color you make a dc into the missed st, leaving the ch-sp unworked on the wrong side.
This might sound very complicated but believe me, it is so much easier when you practice it.
Once you master this technique, check out this great pattern HERE.
Learn to Change Colors in Crochet
I hope you found this list of multicolor crochet techniques useful. Share these with your crafty friends using the social media buttons below.
But if you wanna learn more, well, then I have something for you, you can start IMMEDIATELY!
Be sure to join my Crochet Facebook Group and show off your multicolor crochet projects. I would love to admire them and cheer you on as you’re working on creating it and after you finished it.
I’m also always here to support you through this and any other pattern and tutorial. Simply ask in my group and me and other amazing and kind crocheters will help you along.
If you love this tutorial collection, please use the social media share buttons above or below and share this pattern link with the world and your friends.
THE CROCHET CLUB – CROCHET PATTERN, TIPS & TUTORIAL VAULT
You can have the most amazing pattern and yarn in the world, but if you don’t have the knowledge on how to crochet in a way that makes you proud, then all your work is for nothing.
Maybe you have a dream of having perfect straight seams or have less yarn to weave in?
Let me introduce you to THE CROCHET CLUB – AN ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP! It is exactly what it says on the tin. If you sign up for the membership I will teach you different techniques and tips on how to improve your crochet projects!
You will get access to all my patterns in PDF formats and full support from myself to guide you through the tricky bits. I will also teach you what YOU want to learn! Join me in THE CROCHET CLUB – AN ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP!
