Crochet is such a fun and creative craft, but if you’ve been sticking to just one color, you’re missing out! Learning how to change yarn color crochet opens up a whole new world of possibilities—striped scarves, colorful blankets, intricate patterns, and even gorgeous multi-colored granny squares.

If you’ve been nervous about changing yarn crochet, don’t worry—it’s way easier than it looks. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to switch yarn crochet seamlessly so your projects look smooth and professional. 

Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s get started!

When and Why You Might Change Yarn Colors

There are so many reasons to switch yarn colors in crochet, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll start seeing color changes everywhere in your projects!

Adding Stripes or Color Blocks

One of the most common reasons for changing yarn crochet is to create stripes or color-blocked sections. Whether it’s a blanket, a sweater, or a simple dishcloth, adding different colors can take your crochet game to the next level.

Switching Colors When You Run Out of Yarn

Sometimes, you don’t have enough of one color to complete your project, and that’s totally fine! Instead of starting over, you can simply switch yarn crochet mid-project and keep going.

Creating Detailed Designs Like Tapestry Crochet

If you’ve ever admired crochet pieces with intricate patterns or pictures, those are often made using color changes. Learning how to change yarn color crochet will help you experiment with these advanced techniques down the road!

The Basics: When to Change Yarn Colors

Before jumping into the steps, let’s talk about the best times to switch yarn crochet for a clean transition.

Changing Colors at the End of a Row

This is the easiest and most common way to change colors. It creates a neat, even transition without any loose loops or gaps. If you’re making something with solid color sections or stripes, this is the method you’ll use most often.

Changing Colors Mid-Row

For stripes that don’t line up with row changes or designs that require different colors in the same row (like granny squares or tapestry crochet), you’ll need to learn how to change yarn color crochet mid-row. It takes a little more planning but is totally worth it!

Carrying Yarn for Frequent Color Changes

If your project requires switching between two or more colors repeatedly (like fair isle or mosaic crochet), you can carry the unused yarn along the back instead of cutting and reattaching it every time. This technique helps avoid a million loose ends to weave in later!

Step-by-Step: How to Change Yarn Colors in Crochet

Now for the fun part—let’s break down the different methods step by step!

Method 1: Changing Colors at the End of a Row

• Work Until the Last Stitch of the Row – Stop before completing the final stitch with your old color.
  

• Before the Last Yarn Over – Instead of finishing the stitch with the old color, drop it and pick up the new color.
  

• Yarn Over with the New Color – Pull the new yarn through the last loops on your hook.
  

• Start the Next Row with the New Color – Continue crocheting as normal, but now with the new yarn!

This method creates a smooth transition without any awkward bumps or loose threads.

Method 2: Changing Colors Mid-Row

• Work Until You Need to Change Colors – Stop right before the stitch where you need the new color.
  

• Drop the Old Yarn and Pick Up the New Color – Do this before the last yarn over of the current stitch.
  

• Yarn Over with the New Color – Complete the stitch using the new yarn.
  

• Keep the Tension Even – Hold the unused yarn along the back to keep things tidy, or crochet over it to secure it in place.

Method 3: Carrying Yarn for Multiple Colors

• Work With Both Yarns at Once – Carry the unused yarn along the back or inside of your stitches.
  

• Pick Up and Drop Colors as Needed – When switching, simply bring the new color up and continue crocheting.
  

• Be Mindful of Tension – If the carried yarn is too loose, it may show through your stitches.

This method is perfect for keeping color changes neat without cutting and weaving in a ton of ends.

Pro Tips for Seamless Color Changes

Preventing Gaps and Loose Stitches

One of the biggest beginner mistakes when learning how to switch yarn crochet is accidentally leaving a gap where the new color starts. To avoid this, always make the switch before completing the last stitch of the old color.

Keeping Yarn from Tangling

If you’re working with multiple colors in one row, your yarn balls can quickly become a tangled mess. To avoid this:

• Keep each yarn ball in its own space (use a yarn bowl or bag).

• Rotate your project in the same direction each time you turn your work.

• Try working from separate skeins instead of using the same ball for multiple colors.

Weaving in Ends Without the Mess

The worst part of changing yarn crochet is dealing with all the loose ends afterward. Instead of waiting until the end, weave in your ends as you go by crocheting over them for a few stitches. This saves time and keeps everything neat!

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced crocheters run into issues when changing yarn crochet. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Loose or Gaping Color Transitions

If your color change looks uneven or loose, try pulling the new yarn slightly tighter when making the switch. Also, make sure you're changing colors before completing the last stitch of the previous color.

Unintentional Stripes or Jagged Color Changes

If your stripes look messy, you might not be switching yarn at the right time. Always finish a row (or the last part of the stitch) before switching to a new color.

Running Out of Yarn Mid-Row

It happens! If you run out of yarn in the middle of a row, simply attach a new ball of the same color the same way you would switch to a new color. Weave in the ends to secure it.

Fun Projects to Practice Your Color Changes

Now that you know how to change yarn color crochet, here are some fun projects to practice your skills:

Striped Scarves and Blankets

These are great beginner-friendly projects that allow you to get comfortable with color changes while creating something cozy and stylish.

Granny Squares

Perfect for testing out mid-row color changes! You can mix and match colors to create vibrant, beautiful designs.

Color-Blocked Beanies and Bags

Accessories like hats and tote bags are great for practicing how to switch yarn crochet in a way that’s both functional and fashionable.

Ready to Add More Color to Your Crochet?

Learning how to change yarn color crochet might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Whether you’re creating bold stripes, intricate designs, or just switching colors to keep a project going, these techniques will help you take your crochet skills to the next level.

The best part? Once you’ve mastered changing yarn crochet, you can experiment with all kinds of fun and colorful designs. And if you’re looking for high-quality, eco-friendly yarn to bring your colorful crochet projects to life, check out Darn Good Yarn. We offer gorgeous, sustainable yarn in a variety of vibrant shades, perfect for trying out new techniques and making every stitch count.

So grab some yarn, start stitching, and most importantly—have fun with it!

Explore our collection today and find the perfect colors for your next crochet masterpiece!