The basic method: finish one color, start the next
To change colors in crochet, you work with your current color until you reach the last stitch before you want the new color to show. On that final stitch, you pull the new color through the last loop instead of your working color. The old color stays woven into the edge of your work, and the new color takes over from that point forward.
The exact step depends on what stitch you are working. For single crochet, you insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull through (two loops on hook), then yarn over with the new color and pull through both loops. For double crochet, you work the same way but pull the new color through on the final pull-through of that stitch. The principle is the same: the color change happens on the last loop.
This method leaves a small tail of the old color at the edge. You weave that tail in later with a yarn needle, which secures it and hides it inside the fabric. The new color automatically becomes your working yarn for the next stitch.
Key Takeaways
- Change colors by pulling the new color through the final loop of your last stitch in the old color, not by cutting and restarting.
- The color change happens on the last pull-through of a stitch, whether you are working single crochet, double crochet, or another stitch type.
- Leaving a tail of the old color and weaving it in later keeps the edge clean and prevents unraveling.
- Carrying yarn inside your stitches works for small color changes but creates bulk if you skip more than a few stitches.
- Cutting and restarting is necessary for large gaps between colors, but requires weaving in more tails.
Carrying yarn inside stitches for small gaps
If your color change is only a few stitches away, you can carry the old color inside your new stitches instead of cutting it. As you work with the new color, you hold the old color loosely inside the stitch and crochet over it. The old yarn becomes trapped inside the fabric, hidden from view.
This works well for gaps of two to four stitches. Beyond that, the carried yarn creates visible bumps on the inside of your work and makes the fabric stiff. For larger gaps, cutting and restarting is cleaner. To carry yarn, simply hold both colors in your hand as you work, keeping the unused color loose enough that it does not pull your stitches tight.
Cutting and restarting for large color blocks
When you have a large section of one color followed by a large section of another, cut the first color and start fresh with the second. Leave a tail of at least four inches on both the old and new color. Tie them together with a square knot close to your work, then continue crocheting.
Cutting gives you a clean break and prevents the bulk that comes from carrying yarn. The downside is more tails to weave in later. After you finish the piece, thread each tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the stitches on the inside of your work for at least an inch. This secures the knot and hides the tail.
Some crocheters prefer to weave in tails as they go rather than waiting until the end. Either approach works; choose based on what feels easier to you.
Avoiding holes and loose edges at color changes
The most common mistake is pulling too tight when you switch colors. When you pull the new color through that final loop, use the same tension you use for regular stitches. Pulling hard creates a tight spot that looks like a small hole or pucker at the color change.
If your edge looks loose instead, you are likely not pulling tight enough on the first stitch of the new color. The first stitch after a color change sets the tension for the whole section. Make it snug but not strangled. Practice on a small swatch until the color changes look smooth.
Another common issue is the old color showing at the edge. This happens when you change colors too early or too late. Change exactly when the pattern tells you to, on the last loop of the stitch before the color should appear. If you are working in rows, the color change happens on the last stitch of the row, so the new color is ready for the next row.
Changing colors at the end of a row versus mid-row
Changing colors at the end of a row is easier and looks cleaner than changing mid-row. At the end of a row, you change on the last stitch, turn your work, and the new color is ready to go. The color change sits at the edge, where it is less visible.
Changing mid-row is necessary for striped patterns or color blocks within a row. The same technique applies: change on the last loop of the stitch before the new color should appear. Mid-row changes are more visible, so keep your tension consistent to avoid puckering.
Weaving in tails neatly
After you finish your piece, thread a yarn needle with one of the tails. On the wrong side of your work, weave the needle through the loops of stitches in a straight line for at least an inch. Go in one direction, then reverse and weave back over slightly different stitches. This creates a secure anchor that will not unravel even if the tail is pulled.
Trim the tail close to the fabric after weaving. If you leave it too long, it can poke through to the right side. If you cut it too short, it may pull free. Trim until about a quarter-inch of tail remains, then gently tug the fabric to make sure the tail is locked in place.
For tails at color changes, weave them along the edge where the two colors meet. This hides the knot or join inside the fabric and makes the color change look intentional and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to cut the yarn every time I change colors?
No. For small gaps of a few stitches, carry the old color inside your new stitches. For large color blocks, cutting is cleaner because carrying yarn creates bulk. Most patterns tell you which method to use, but you can choose based on what works for your project.
What if I change colors in the wrong place?
If you notice the mistake right away, you can pull back a few stitches and redo them with the correct color. If you do not notice until later, you can cut the yarn at the mistake, pull out the stitches, and restart with the correct color. It is tedious but fixable.
Why does my color change look bumpy?
You are likely pulling too tight when you pull the new color through the final loop. Use the same tension as your regular stitches. Also check that you are changing on the correct stitch—too early or too late makes the edge uneven.
Can I change colors in the middle of a stitch?
No. You must complete the stitch with the old color and change on the final pull-through. Changing mid-stitch creates a weak spot and looks messy. Always finish the stitch, then switch colors.
How do I hide the knot where I tied two colors together?
Weave both tails in opposite directions along the edge where the colors meet. The knot will sit inside the fabric, hidden from view. Make sure the knot is close enough to your work that it does not create a gap or hole.