Comments on: How to Change Colors in Crochet

By: Rachel Choi

Rachel Choi — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:50:40 +0000

Sure thing! What seems to be the problem? Does the yarn get tangled or are you not sure how to work the color change? The color change is worked the same way on either side, it doesn’t matter what direction you’re coming from. If your yarn is getting tangled, try cutting the yarn after you change the colors each time. You can weave the ends in your work so it doesn’t look so messy.

By: Jayne

Jayne — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:51:00 +0000

Hello Rachael
I am getting frustrated when changing colours doing single crochet, I can do it on the first row but coming back on the other side I end up with a mess!! Can you help me please ?? Thanks

By: Rachel Choi

Rachel Choi — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:59:22 +0000

Hi Demi, when in doubt I like to cut the yarn. You can experiment and see what you like best though. I find that when you carry the yarn it makes the fabric thicker and sometimes, depending on the colors you use, the yarn will show through your work. So I don’t carry the yarn as much as I cut the yarn. It really is personal preference though!

By: Demi

Demi — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:10:35 +0000

Hi Rachel!

i want to try this, but im not sure whether i should cut the yarn or carry it on if i am planning on using the color again, but about 15 rows later. which do you think is better? and how can i “hide” the strings from the other colour? thanks

By: Rachel Choi

Rachel Choi — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:09:16 +0000

Hi Sue,
Crochet is basically a series of knots, so you are sort of tying a knot when you join a new color. If you are worried about it not being secure, you can tie the ends of the yarn together after you’ve used this method to join the new color. You’ll see that the ends of the yarn will hang out and need to be weaved into your work, so you can tie them together if you really want to.
You can also try this method of changing colors on a small swatch of work. Then test it out for yourself by tossing it in the washing machines, etc. to see if it holds up

By: Sue Evans

Sue Evans — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:36:55 +0000

Hi Rachel,

This method of changing color almost looks too good to be true. I am picking up crocheting after an absence; I used to do it alot when I was a teenager.

Recently I have tried to change color by tying knots, but that presents some problems as you know… using your method, it doesn’t fall apart because we are not tying?

By: 'Chelle

'Chelle — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:11:59 +0000

Thanks for putting the left handed version!!!! So many people forget about us lefties and I had one heck of a time learning because people couldn’t teach me using my left hand! You are the best! Thanks!

By: Crochet Spot » Blog Archive » Crochet Pattern: Traditional Finnish Mittens - Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and News

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:38:42 +0000

[...] When working in 2 colors, work over the unused yarn. With this method, you avoid loose strands in the back. Pull on the unused yarn a little now and then, so that it lies straight inside the stitches, but be careful – don’t tighten too much! For additional help with changing colors, please see the tutorial How to Change Colors in Crochet. [...]

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 02:25:33 +0000

I use the small sized tissue boxes. The balls fit in good while I’l working, and they store nice and neat when I’m done using them.

By: Vee

Vee — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:34:27 +0000

Another option for changing colors is a Russian join/knot. It helps when using colors that just do not carry well with each other. It is a slightly more time intensive while working but saves a good deal of weaving at the end. There are a few tutorials on youtube showing how to do this particular technique.