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Changing Colors in Single Crochet Stitch

By , About.com Guide

Learn how to change colors while working in single crochet stitch. The tutorial includes step-by-step photos, which show the process of changing colors at the end of a row.

Beginning the Work With Color A

Unfinished Single Crochet StitchPhoto © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

I've worked a couple rows of single crochet in baby pink yarn, which we'll call color A. I'm going to change colors to begin the next row with baby blue, which we'll call color B.

To begin the process of changing colors, work as far as the last single crochet stitch in the row, but leave the last single crochet stitch unfinished as shown.

Preparing to Change Colors

Grab the New Color of Yarn With Your Crochet HookPhoto © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Grab the New Color of Yarn With Your Crochet Hook.

Completing the Color Change

Pull Through a Loop of the New ColorPhoto © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Pull up a loop with color B.

You might have to tug gently on the yarn end of color A to keep the color A loops from getting too big.

To Cut, or Not to Cut

If you plan to use color A again within the next few rows, don't cut the yarn; leave it attached so that you can carry it up the sides and avoid having to weave in ends.

Cutting the Yarn and Weaving in the Ends

If you don't plan to use color A again within the next few rows, cut color A, leaving a long tail of yarn - at least six inches or so. You will have to weave this end in later.

Cutting the Yarn and Crocheting Over the Ends

Alternatively, in some cases, you may be able to work overtop of the end. This is not as secure a method as weaving in the ends, but it is quicker. Use this method for projects that won't be laundered frequently - for example, doll clothes. This technique works best if there is not a lot of contrast between your colors.

Work the Turning Chain With Color B.

Work the Turning Chain in the New Color.Photo © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Continue Crocheting With the New Color.

Continue Working in the New Color.Photo © Amy Solovay, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

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