Mastering color changes in tapestry crochet opens up endless creative possibilities! Whether you're making intricate patterns, stripes, or bold graphic designs, learning how to seamlessly switch colors is key to achieving a professional finish. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about color changing in tapestry crochet, from basic techniques to expert tips for keeping your work neat and tidy.
Tapestry crochet is a technique where multiple colors are carried along the row and worked into the stitches to create colorful designs. Unlike standard crochet color changes, where you switch between colors at the end of a row, tapestry crochet allows you to work with two or more colors within the same row, creating intricate motifs and patterns.
Changing colors in tapestry crochet allows you to:
To get started, you’ll need the following:
Follow these simple steps to change colors in tapestry crochet smoothly:
Begin by crocheting your foundation row or your project up to where the color change will take place. Color changes can be done using any kind of stitch but for this tutorial, we will be using single crochet. In my current row, I have four single crochet stitches.
Start your next stitch, but instead of completing the stitch, stop when you have two loops left on the hook.
Drop the old color to the back of the work and yarn over with the new color, pulling it through the last two loops on the hook.
Begin working the next stitches with the new color while making sure to carry the old color along the row under your stitches. This will make the back of your work much cleaner.
When it’s time to switch back, repeat the same process—on the last stitch before the color change, stop before completing the stitch, yarn over with the original color, and pull through to complete the stitch.
Now we will learn how to do color changes on the backside of your work. You always want your strands of yarn that aren’t in use to stay on the same side of your work for the entire project, so when you turn to start the next row, the steps are slightly different.
Just like in part one, start your next stitch, but instead of completing the stitch, stop when you have two loops left on the hook. Next, pull the working yarn of your first color next to the previous loop before moving on.
Pull your next color through the last two loops on the hook to complete the switch.
Begin working the next stitches with the new color while making sure to carry the old color along the row under your stitches, this time on the side towards you.
When it’s time to switch back, repeat the same process—on the last stitch before the color change, stop before completing the stitch, yarn over with the original color, and pull through to complete the stitch.
Here is what color changes will look like on the backside of your work, where you can see the strands of yarn:
And here is how it will look on the front side. Such a clean look!
To keep your color transitions clean and polished, follow these expert tips:
Now that you know how to change colors in tapestry crochet, try incorporating it into these projects:
Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Learning how to change colors in tapestry crochet adds depth and vibrancy to your crochet work. Whether you’re making striped blankets, detailed images, or geometric designs, these techniques will help you achieve smooth, polished color transitions. With a little practice, you’ll be able to crochet complex patterns with confidence!
Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!
How to Crochet a Cluster Stitch
How to Crochet Two Stitches Together
Ready to try out a pattern utilizing color changes in tapestry crochet? Check out my botanical tapestry patterns on etsy!
