Free crochet patterns · Beginner tutorials · Crochet stitches · Halloween crochet · Pattern help
CrochetIndex
Finishing Techniques•Tutorial

How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly

Learn the standard crochet color-change method, how to reduce visible joins, and where to carry or cut yarn for stripes and motifs.

By CrochetIndex EditorialUpdated 2026-09-17
How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly
LevelBeginner
TypeTutorial
Learn in10–15 minutes
Updated2026-09-17
Quick answer

Complete the last yarn over of the stitch before the color change with the new color. The new color then becomes the working yarn for the next stitch.

Quick reference

Mini lesson sheet

Keep the short row instructions on one side and the visual target on the other.

Row 1
the final stitch in the old color until only the last yarn over and pull-through remain.
Row 2
the old color and place the new color over the hook.
Row 3
the new color to complete the final pull-through of the old stitch.
Row 4
the next stitch with the new color.
Row 5
both yarn tails on the wrong side of the work and secure them according to the project.
How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly practice sheet preview
Finished view
See the key steps and the finished look together.
Use this section as a fast visual check before you work through the full steps.
  • Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
  • Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.
What you should see

Finished result

Final outcome
How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly finished result

Key facts

The color change usually happens on the final pull-through of the stitch before the new color begins
Carrying yarn is useful for short repeated changes
Cutting and rejoining is cleaner when colors are used far apart
Step by step

How to do it

  1. How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly step 1
    01
    Step 1

    Work the final stitch in the old color until only the last yarn over and pull-through remain.

  2. How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly step 2
    02
    Step 2

    Drop the old color and place the new color over the hook.

  3. How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly step 3
    03
    Step 3

    Use the new color to complete the final pull-through of the old stitch.

  4. How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly step 4
    04
    Step 4

    Continue the next stitch with the new color.

  5. How to Change Colors in Crochet Cleanly step 5
    05
    Step 5

    Keep both yarn tails on the wrong side of the work and secure them according to the project.

Watch it in action

Video walkthrough from Bella Coco

Use this as a second explanation after the written steps. Pause, replay, and compare the motion with the close-up images above.

CROCHET BASICS: Changing colour
Video by Bella Coco · YouTube
Watch on YouTube
Useful tips

Make it easier

  • Do not knot the two colors tightly at the join; this can distort the stitch.
  • For stripes worked back and forth, decide which edge will carry unused yarn if you do not cut it.
Common mistakes

What usually goes wrong

  • Changing color after completing the full stitch
  • Leaving the new-color tail too short to weave in
  • Pulling the join so tight the edge puckers
Frequently asked

Questions about how to change colors in crochet cleanly

When exactly do I change color in single crochet?+

Insert the hook, yarn over and pull up a loop with the old color, then complete the final yarn over and pull-through with the new color.

Continue this topic
Edges & JoinsGranny SquaresGift FinishingHalloween
Practice this skill

Use this technique in a complete crochet project.

Related learning

Build the next connected skill.