Crochet Colorwork: How to Change Yarn Color for Tapestry Crochet and Crochet Stripes

It’s easy to change yarn colors in crochet, but if you don’t change colors at the correct point in the stitch, you will find that the colors bleed into the stitches to the left and right of your color change stitch. This method for changing colors in crochet is ideal for tapestry crochet projects like the Piazza Cowl or for striped projects. This technique is also a great way to add a new yarn when you’re at the end of your skein.

So let us show you how to properly change colors in crochet. Let’s go!

Changing Colors in Tapestry Crochet

Tapestry crochet is a color changing technique that allows you to make intricate patterns and shapes as you stitch. Since you can make stitches in different colors within the same row or round, its effect is similar to stranded colorwork in knitting.

The example below is in double crochet. No matter what stitch you use, work the stitch before a color change to its final yarn over and pull through. Switch colors by holding the previous color behind the stitches, then work the final yarn over and pull through in the new color.

Click the arrows to left and right to see the step-by-step photos.

Repeat these steps for as many color changes as your pattern calls for!

Related: Changing Colors Every Stitch: Mastering Tricky Crochet Colorwork

For tapestry crochet, be sure to carry the unused yarn along the top of the stitches from the previous row and working your stitches around the unused color to hold it in place.

Related: Editors’ Picks: Favorite Tapestry Crochet Projects

Why Use This Method?

Above, you can see what happens if you don’t use this method, and start a new color with the first step of the stitch. The final drawn-through loop of a crochet stitch carries over to be the top lip of the next stitch. If you work the entire stitch in one color and then switch, the colors will carry over, your stitches won’t work as blocks of color and you won’t be able to distinguish your tapestry crochet pattern.

Changing Colors for Stripes

If you need to change colors between the last stitch of the row and the chain or first stitch of the next row, like for crochet stripes, you can use the same technique.

Work the last stitch of the row to the last step in the old color, work the last step (usually yarn over and draw through two stitches) in the new color, then chain to begin the new row.

It’s that easy! Use this method for changing colors in tapestry crochet, stripes, or even just joining a new ball of yarn in the same color.

Do you have a tip for tapestry crochet or striped projects? Let us know in the comments!

Originally published 4/12/2019. Updated 6/19/2023.

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