Learn how to alternate colours in crochet without cutting your yarn and avoid the frustration of weaving in countless ends! In this tutorial, Charlotte Lee will take you step-by-step on how to seamlessly switch between colours as you crochet, whether you are working single or double crochet rows. You will also learn how to manage your yarn tension so that your edges stay smooth and even, with no unsightly scrunched-up edges or loops. This technique is perfect for creating clean, polished projects with alternating colours. Find the written step-by-step instructions below the video!
Materials & Tools Shown
- Crochet hooks
- SweetGeorgia Flaxen Silk DK in Rose Gold
- SweetGeorgia Superwash DK in Mermaid
More about Charlotte Lee
- Charlotte Instagram
- Charlotte’s patterns at SweetGeorgia Yarns
- Explore Charlotte’s courses at the School of SweetGeorgia
- Browse Charlotte’s articles to discover new techniques, refine your skills, and spark creativity.
How to Change Colours in Crochet Without Cutting Your Yarn
Materials
- 1 skein SweetGeorgia Flaxen Silk DK
- 1 skein SweetGeorgia Superwash DK
Instructions
When Changing Over Two Single Crochet Rows
- When changing colours over two single crochet rows, the stitches are short enough that you can just grab the last colour you used and start working with it again.
- Tighten up the new colour of yarn before you begin.
- Make sure it’s not too tight, as it can pull the side down and cause it not to match the other side, affecting the size and overall appearance of your finished piece.
- The little bit of yarn that floats along the back of your work is so small that it won’t show and won’t affect the look of your project.
When Changing Over Two Double Crochet Rows
- When changing colours over two double crochet rows, you can’t just start with the new yarn colour, as it will create a large float.
- The first step is to hold both the new and old colours but keep them separate.
- Lay the old colour over the crochet hook.
- Yarn over with the new colour.
- Pull through both yarn strands. When starting a new double crochet row, we usually begin with a chain three. In this case, we’ve just completed a chain one.
- For the second chain, simply lay the old colour over the new colour and make a chain one.
- For the third chain, repeat what you did for the first chain: lay the new colour over the hook and yarn through both strands.
- We now have three chain stitches, and the yarn is carried up through the chain.
- Now, simply crochet along the row and back, following the instructions in your pattern.
Connecting Stitches When Returning to the Colour Change Side
- When you return to the colour-change side, it's easy to spot where to pick up the final stitch because it is easy to spot both colours.
- Yarn over, pick up both legs of the stitch, yarn over, and then pull the yarn through both loops.
- Ta-da! All done, with the second colour neatly tucked away!
Do you have questions about how to alternate yarn colours in crochet?
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Original publication: November 30th, 2021; Refreshed: February 20th, 2025
