How to change yarn colors in crochet without the extra step of weaving in ends. Check out the step-by-step picture guide or watch the video tutorial.
One of the most significant challenges when changing yarn colors in crochet is dealing with the multitude of yarn ends or tails that need to be woven in. It’s a task that can be time-consuming and tedious, leaving many people feeling less enthusiastic about their projects.
After all, who wants to spend hours on end just weaving in those pesky yarn ends?
Another common issue that arises is the struggle to achieve a seamless color transition without any noticeable “joint” or abrupt change in the appearance of the work. It can be frustrating to put in the effort to switch to a second color only to have it disrupt the overall aesthetic of the project.
This is where the invisible color change comes in. I will guide you through a step-by-step process with a detailed photo tutorial and a video tutorial to help you seamlessly change yarn colors while also managing those loose ends. This invisible technique can be applied to all three basic crochet stitches: the single crochet stitch, half double crochet stitch, and double crochet stitch.
Once you’ve checked out this quick and easy tutorial, especially for a complete beginner, you’ll discover how effortless and enjoyable it is to change different colors in all your crochet projects. Gone are the days of dreading the yarn-end weaving process or feeling uncertain about your next color changes.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the tutorial. Together, we’ll learn the best way and different methods to change yarn colors while keeping those loose ends in check.
How to Change Yarn Colors Video Tutorial
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How to Join Yarn Colors in Crochet
Crochet color change should be a simple technique that allows you to add variety and create colorful patterns in your projects. Here’s a great way to switch colors with this step-by-step guide.
When the time comes to change colors, which usually occurs on the final stitch of the row, it’s important to handle that previous stitch with care and precision.
As you approach the completion of the last stitch color, make sure to work it until you reach the point just before closing up the stitch which can happen at the end of the row or in the middle of a row.
In the example, for the first color, I am using the color peach and working a half-double crochet stitch. You should have three loops remaining on the crochet hook.
TIP: The same applies to different stitches as well be it single crochet stitches or double crochet stitches. Before closing that last stitch, you should have 2 loops left on the hook for a Single Crochet and 3 loops on your hook for a Double crochet.
The next step is to prepare your second color and pull through all the remaining three loops on your hook. This will effectively close the previous stitch with the old yarn color A (the original color) and will also secure color B ( the new yarn color) in place to begin the next stitch or row with the current color.
Leave a long tail on the other end of the new yarn color and snip off the old color if no longer in use. Also, make sure there is a long enough tail before cutting them off.
New Row
For a new row, when you reach the end of a row you will chain 1 and turn your work to start a new row with the new yarn color, drop the old color, and bring up the two unused yarn ends of both colors and using the new working yarn, you will work you first stitch while hiding them between your stitches.
New Round
If you are working in the round, then just before working on that slip stitch, you will insert your hook through that first stitch, drop the old color and pick up the new one, pull through that new yarn color and chain 1 to secure. Work your first stitch with the new color while working around those unused yarn ends of both colors.
Related Post:
How to Crochet Seamlessly in the Round
Middle of the Row / Round
If your next color change is in the middle of the row, just drop the old color bring up the two unused yarn ends of both colors, and crochet as usual while working around the yarn ends to hide them. This equals to no weaving in ends.
And on the last step, once you have completed a row/ round or you’ve reached the end of your project, snip off any remaining yarn poking out at the end of the stitch. If you look at the back of your work, you should only be able to see a seamless color change.
And there you go. The next time you think how exhausting it can be to change yarn color and the need to weave in the access tails, just remember these simple steps and that the need to weave in any yarn tails was a thing of the past! (Except for the foundation tail, maybe😁 )
And remember the rule of thumb is that this basic technique will work for any spiral rounds or granny squares, and with any basic stitches.
Check out this tutorial on how I crochet in the round seamless while changing colors here
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Other Perfect Color Change Crochet Ideas
This Bralette was made using two different shades of blue and white. This pattern uses a few stitches such as the back post half double crochet stitch and the Alpine Stitch. You can check out the Video Tutorial here.
If you are thinking of working with multiple colors, then these Nella Boy Shorts will help you up your crochet game.
Changing colors on every row will make your crochet yarn change a breeze. Grab the free pattern here.
Here is another pretty color change using the Alpine Stitch. This Cafe Latte Crochet Dress is made in Tan and white using increase and decrease Alpine Stitches.
Check out the full video tutorial here or check out all the other free crochet patterns here.
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That’s all from me. I hope this tutorial was helpful to you. And if you have any other tips you would like me to share, let me know in the comment box below.
Happy Hooking
Shaz 🧶
