How to Change Colours in Crochet When Working in the Round

Changing colours is a simple way to add stripes, patterns and other details to your crochet projects. But if you’re new to crocheting in the round, knowing when and how to change yarn colours can be a little confusing.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to change colours in crochet when working in a continuous spiral, a technique commonly used for amigurumi.

How to Change Colours in Crochet

When working in a continuous spiral, you generally change colours in the final stitch before you want the new colour to begin.

The easiest way to do this is to work the last stitch of the old colour until you have two loops left on your hook. Then, instead of pulling the old colour through those final loops, use the new colour to complete the stitch.

For example, if you’re working a single crochet stitch:

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn over with the old colour and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
3. Drop the old colour to the back.
4. Place the new colour over your hook.
5. Pull the new colour through both loops on the hook.

Your colour change is now complete and your next stitch will be worked in the new colour.

Changing Colours in Crochet When Working in a Continuous Spiral

When working in a continuous spiral, you may notice a step or “jog” where the colour change takes place.

This is perfectly normal and while there are ways to minimize the colour change, I don’t think any of them are entirely invisible and some of these methods can be fiddly for beginners.

If it really bothers you, try replacing the first stitch of the new colour with a slip stitch for a smoother transition.

Personally? I think it just adds to the handmade charm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In this example, we’ll be demonstrating with single crochet but the general process is the same for most stitches: stop before the final yarn over, when you have two loops remaining on your hook.

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over with the old colour and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).

2. Drop the old colour to the back of your work and place the new colour over your hook.

3. Pull the new colour through both loops on the hook to complete the stitch.

Gently tug the yarn tails to tighten the last stitch of the round, then continue crocheting as normal with the new colour.

That’s it!

If you’ll be using that colour again, for example, when crocheting stripes, you may be able to leave the yarn attached rather than cutting it.

If you won’t be using the old colour again, cut the yarn and tie the two loose ends together in a knot on the inside of your piece.

Tips for Changing Colours in Amigurumi

• Change colour in the last stitch before the new colour is needed. Complete the final yarn over with the new colour so the next stitch is worked entirely in the new colour.
• Keep your tension consistent. Changing yarn can sometimes make your stitches tighter or looser, try to maintain the same tension throughout your piece.
• Expect a small jog. Colour changes in continuous rounds naturally creates a slight step between rounds. This is normal.
• Position the colour change at the back. If possible, place your colour change where it will be less noticeable, particularly when making amigurumi with stripes.
• Be careful when carrying yarn. If you’ve carried yarn across the inside of your amigurumi, make sure it isn’t pulled too tightly. Tight strands can distort its shape.
• Don’t carry yarn unnecessarily. If you won’t use a colour again for several rounds, it’s often neater to cut it rather than carrying it a long way through the inside of your piece.
• Secure your yarn ends. Once you’ve finished with a colour, leave a tail and secure it on the inside of your amigurumi.
• Use the same colour change method throughout. This will help your colour changes look more uniform.

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