Crochet · technique guide
How to change colors in crochet: rows, rounds and amigurumi
To change colors in crochet, work the last stitch in the old color until 2 loops are left on the hook, then yarn over with the new color and pull it through to finish that stitch. The new color is now on your hook for the next stitch; leave a 6 in (15 cm) tail of each color to weave in later.
The standard color change, step by step
- Work the last old-color stitch partway. For single crochet (UK double crochet): insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, so 2 loops are on the hook.
- Drop the old color. Let it hang at the back (or the inside of a piece worked in the round).
- Finish with the new color. Fold the new color over the hook, leaving a tail, and pull it through both loops.
- Keep going. Work the next stitch in the new color as normal, then tug both tails gently so the change sits snug.
The same rule works for taller stitches: for a double crochet (UK treble), stop before the last yarn over, when 2 loops are left, and pull the new color through those 2.
Changing colors at the end of a row
Finish the last stitch of the row with the new color, then chain and turn in the new color. If the stripes are narrow (2 rows or fewer), you don't have to cut the old color: carry it loosely up the side and pick it up when you need it again.
Changing colors in the round and in amigurumi
- Change in the last stitch of the round, the stitch just before your marker, so the new color starts with the new round.
- Expect a small step (the jog). Spiral rounds climb, so the change shows a little where the round starts. Keep that spot at the back of the toy.
- Tails inside: in a stuffed toy, leave the tails on the inside; knot them together or weave them through a few stitches on the wrong side before you stuff.
- Joined rounds (with a slip stitch at the end) give straighter stripes: join with the new color, then chain up in the new color. See spiral vs joined rounds.
Fewer ends to weave in
- Crochet over the tails: lay both tails along the top of the next stitches and work over them for 5 or 6 stitches; trim what's left.
- Carry the unused color: for colorwork (tapestry crochet), lay the unused color along the top of the row and crochet over it until you need it.
Finishing the tails: how to fasten off and weave in the ends. New to the stitches? Start with how to crochet.
Practise on a free patternThe free Candy Corn changes color between rounds, with every round's stitch count written out, so you can practise the change and check your count as you go.
Free Candy Corn patternMore free patterns
Questions
Do you change colors on the last stitch or the first stitch?
On the last stitch of the old color: work it until 2 loops are left on the hook, then finish it with the new color. That way the new color starts cleanly with the next stitch.
How do I change colors at the end of a row?
Finish the last stitch of the row with the new color, then make the turning chain in the new color and turn. The edge stays one color per row.
How do I change colors without cutting the yarn?
For stripes only a few rows or rounds apart, drop the old color and leave it attached. Carry it up the edge of the work (in rows) or along the inside (in the round) and pick it up again at the next change.
Should I tie a knot when changing colors?
A knot can work loose or show through on the front, so weaving in the ends is the more secure finish. Inside a stuffed toy, where nobody sees the tails, many makers tie them together before stuffing.
Why is there a step where my colors change in the round?
Spiral rounds climb, so a color change leaves a small jog where the round begins. Keep the start of the round at the back of the piece and tug the old tail gently to tidy the first stitch.
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