Learn how to change colors at the end of a row in your crochet project. This tutorial demonstrates the invisible color change, how to end and how to start a row in a new color.
You can use this invisible color change on many crochet stitches. Changing colors at the end of a row is a little different than the middle of the row.
When you’re at the end of a crochet row, the stitches tend to be looser since they’re not in between others. In the tutorial, I show you how I use the yarn tails to tighten those stitches up.
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Yarn
I’m crocheting with two contrasting colors of Red Heart With Love in teal and beige for this tutorial.
Red Heart With Love is a #4 medium worsted weight yarn. You can use any weight yarn your pattern specifies.
Stitch
This color changing technique is useful for a variety of crochet stitches. I use the single crochet and double crochet here.
You can apply this invisible color change to any crochet stitch you are using in your pattern.
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Of course the easiest way to do color changes is to let yarn do the changing for you! I love this shawl pattern from Elk Studio Handcrafted Crochet Designs.
Shawl in a Ball yarn is gorgeous with a metallic thread running through it. I split three cakes of this self striping yarn into two designs, the California Crochet Wrap and the California Knit Wrap.
Crochet Patterns With Color Changes
The Verso Scarf features contrasting stripes that will give you some great practice with this color changing method.
The Tuscan Charm Cowl is a chunky weight cowl pattern with color work and texture. There is also a matching hat, the Tuscan Charm Beanie.
This classic chevron baby blanket uses small and large stripe sections, so you’ll use color changes at different intervals.
In this swatch I use a foundation single crochet which makes a nice edge for the start of your pattern.
Materials
- Any weight yarn and compatible crochet hook.
- In this tutorial I’m using two contrasting colors of #4 medium worsted weight yarn and a 5mm US size H crochet hook.
Notes
- In this tutorial I end with a single crochet and start the new row with a standing stitch for a double crochet.
- You can apply this technique to any stitch.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
How to Change Colors at the End of a Row Crochet Tutorial
Learn how to change colors in crochet at the end of a row. This easy technique works for all crochet stitches.
Materials
- Any weight yarn and compatible crochet hook.
- In this tutorial I’m using two contrasting colors of #4 medium worsted weight yarn
Tools
- Hook to match your yarn or project. I'm using a 5mm US size H crochet hook.
Instructions
- Work across the row as normall until you have the last stitch left.
- You'll begin the stitch as normal, but stop before the last yarn over. If you're making a single crochet then insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, but stop here. If you're making a half double or double ccrochet then yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop. Stop there for a half double crochet. For a double crochet, you'll yarn over and pull through two loops and then stop.
- Drop the color you're working with, and pick up the new color.
- Yarn over in the new color and pull through.
- Gently pull on the first color to tighten your stitch, and then turn your work.
- Drape the first color you don't need to the back of your work.
- Work into the first stitch as normal, working over the first color yarn to secure it.
- Continue working your stitches across the row. You can work over the yarn and carry it or cut it.
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Copyright © 2021 ChristaCoDesign/Crystal Marin. This pattern is for personal use only. Please feel free to sell and/or gift items you personally make from this pattern. You may not distribute this pattern and/or photos in any form, including screenshots, email, photocopying, or posting photos of this pattern online, or elsewhere. Please link to this post https://christacodesign.com/2021/03/01/how-to-change-colors-at-the-end-of-a-row-crochet-tutorial/ if you would like to share.
