Learning how to change colors in crochet is an important skill to learn. One of the best things about crochet is being able to make items your own and choosing the colors you want your item to be. However, you can’t just wish for these colors to magically attach, you have to specifically learn how to change colors in crochet.

In todays’ tutorial, we’ll go over how to change colors in crochet at the end of a row and in the middle of a row. I will show you how to change colors using single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

Color changes are important because color is what makes your item so unique and your own. It is also important when you want to do something like tapestry crochet or fair isle crochet.

Tapestry crochet would need its own tutorial so I won’t be going over that in detail, but learning how to change colors in crochet is the first step.

There are a few ways you can do this, but the way I’m going to show you is the least noticeable.

For the single crochet you will insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have two loops on your hook. Then you will drop the yarn you’re working with a pick up the new color. Pull the new color through like you’re finishing the single crochet. Pull down each end to make sure it’s secure and single crochet into the next stitch.

You’ve made your color change.

As for the half double and double crochet, it’s the same thing as far as finishing your stitch. For the half double crochet you will yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook and you will pull your new color through those three loops.

For the double crochet you will yarn over, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Those last two loops finish the double crochet so you will pull your new color through those two loops and double crochet into the next.

After you’ve changed your color you’ll have two loose ends hanging around. You can either crochet over them as you work by carrying them with you down the row or you can ignore them and weave them in later.

By carrying them down the row you make it easier on yourself so that you won’t have to weave in those ends later. However, it can be a little tricky at first. But I have faith in you!

How to Change Colors in Crochet

For this sample, I made a little test swatch. Feel free to make a bigger one if you’d like.

First we’re going to go over how to change colors in crochet in the middle of a row with the single crochet stitch.

Make sure you have a couple rows of single crochet before you attempt to change colors just so you have a better grip on your work.

Changing Colors in the Middle of a Row with Single Crochet

Once you’re where you want to be, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have two loops on your hook. Drop the yarn you’re working with and pick up the new color.

Note: Although you’re not finishing the stitch with the same color yarn, the stitch in which you’re changing colors will still be the same color as the color you’ve been working with. The color does not change until you make your first single crochet with the new color.

Pull the new color through like you’re finishing the single crochet. Pull down each end to make sure it’s secure and single crochet into the next stitch and each stitch down the row.

Changing Colors at the End of a Row

Now let’s go over how to change colors at the beginning of the next row.

In order to begin a new color at the beginning of the next row, you’ll have to make your color change in the last stitch of the previous row. We’re going to do this the same way as we did above.

With your current yarn, insert your hook into the last stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have two loops on your hook. Drop the yarn you’re working with and pick up the new color.

Pull the new color through like you’re finishing the single crochet. Pull down each end to make sure it’s secure. Chain 1 and turn your work. Work a single crochet into the very first stitch and continue down the row as normal.

Changing Colors with Half Double Crochet

When you’re ready to change your color, yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook. 

Drop the yarn you’re working with and pick up the new color. Pull the new color through all three loops like you’re finishing the half double crochet.

Pull down each end to make sure it’s secure and continue half double crocheting down the row as normal.

Changing Colors with Double Crochet

When you’re ready to change your color, yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You will have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Drop the yarn you’re working with and pick up the new color.

Pull the new color through the last two loops like you’re finishing the double crochet.

Pull down each end to make sure it’s secure and continue double crocheting down the row as normal.

Learning how to change colors in crochet can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be!

In this picture tutorial, we learned how to change colors in crochet both in the middle of the row and at the end of the row. With each stitch, you will be changing the color on the last step.

We went over how to do this with the three basic stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and the double crochet.

Get started on your next tapestry crochet project by following these steps. I can’t wait to see what you make!

The Crochet’dy Bunch Facebook Group is a community I started for beginner crocheters and we would love for you to join us! In this group we talk about all things crochet, dive deeper into tutorials, and share tons of laughs!