How to change colors in crochet

Adding color to your crochet projects can be a great way to make them stand out. Whether you're looking to add a few stripes or create an intricate design, changing colors in crochet is an essential skill. In these tutorials, we'll show you how to change colors in crochet and provide some helpful tips for achieving the perfect look.

Want to make the jump between the two different colors a little less noticeable? Do a slip stitch for the first stitch in the other colors instead of a single crochet stitch, like in this video.

Changing colors in the round (step-by-step with photos)

Step 1

1. For the stitch before the pattern says to switch colors, crochet it like normal until right before you get to the last yarn over. In this example, the stitch before the color change is a sc, so pause when you have two loops of color A on the hook.

Step 2

2. Take color B and drape it on the hook. Leave at least a 6-inch yarn tail. The yarn tail should be on the side of the hook closer to you.

Step 3

3. Pinch the yarn with your left hand to help give it enough tension so you can pull color B through the loops on the hook.

Tip

If this made the last loop of color A too big, pull on color A's working yarn.

Step 4

4. There should be one loop of color B left on the hook.

Step 5

5. Insert the hook under the top loops of the next stitch, plus color A's working yarn and Color B's tail.

Step 6

6. Crochet the stitch written in the pattern like normal, using color B's working yarn. Every time you're supposed to yarn over and pull the yarn through a stitch to draw up a loop, remember to pull the working yarn under any unused yarn and through the stitch.

Step 7

7. Every time you're supposed to yarn over and pull the yarn through loops on the hook, remember to do this above the unused yarn.

Step 8

8. This is what it looks like after crocheting.

Step 9

9. For at least the next 10 stitches, keep crocheting over color A's working yarn and color B's tail.

Step 10

10. If you're going to use color A in the same or next round, keep crocheting over it. If not, cut it as close to the piece as possible.

Step 11

11. To switch back to color A, crochet the stitch before the pattern says to switch colors, and pause before you do the last yarn over.

Step 12

12. Yarn over with color A. Pull color A through the loops on the hook so you're left with one loop of color B.

Step 13

13. Continue following the pattern, this time crocheting with color A and crocheting over color B.

Tip

To minimize the chance of the unused color peeking out, hold the unused color's working yarn on the inside of the piece.

Tip illustration

Still have questions?

This usually happens when the unused yarn isn't held on the inside of the piece. Make sure to keep the unused color's working yarn on the inside while crocheting over it.
Leave at least a 6-inch yarn tail when adding a new color. This gives you enough length to crochet over it and secure it properly.
Yes, you can carry the unused color by crocheting over it. This works well when you'll need that color again soon. If you won't use it for many rounds, it's better to cut it and rejoin later.

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