How to Color Change in the Round: Crochet Tutorial

Crochet color changes can be difficult for beginner crocheters to understand. While the basic premise is the same between how to switch colors, the technique and timing is different between rows and rounds. Rows are easy to transition with just a simple pull through, but rounds are all about the timing of that pull through. Once you understand the timing, you can change colors in the round with little difficulty, even as a beginner crocheter.

Crocheting in the round is a fun way to create new and amazing projects! From beanies to amigurumi, and so many other options, there are many reasons why you would want to use rounds instead of rows. However, if you want to up your crochet game with lots of stripes or other color changes, you are going to want your transitions to look seamless and clean.

Completing an invisible color change is so satisfying, and it allows your handiwork to be enjoyed without showing transitions between yarn colors. Personally, I love stripes in a lot of my work, but you can also use these color changing techniques for adding pops of color in the middle of a round as well!

If you are new to color changing in crochet, then I highly suggest that you check out my blog post on How to Change Colors in Crochet: End of Row before you try changing colors in the round. The technique used is the same in both, but it can be easier for beginners to practice this skill in rows first since changing yarn colors in the round adds a another step to the process. However, if you are ready for a challenge or just need a reminder for how to change yarn colors in crochet, then you should be ready to go!

Why would you change color in the round?

The reasons you might change color in the round would be to add stripes, crochet a design, or cause a certain stitch or group of stitches to stand out. Depending on your reason for switching between colors, your timing might be slightly different, but the way you change colors in the round is the same.

How would you change color in a continuous round?

To change color in a continuous round, you will probably want to use an invisible join, and then attach the second yarn color to the start of a new round. Then you should be able to continue crocheting in the second color.

When do you change colors in the round?

The timing of when to change the colors in the round will differ for various projects, but most often, you will be completing the color change at the end of the round. You will crochet the final pull through of the last stitch of the round with the new yarn color, slip stitch to join with the new yarn, and then create your turning chain and continue to crochet. Be sure to be on the lookout for the “cc” abbreviation in a pattern to tell you when precisely you need to change colors, especially if you are creating a fun and unique design.

What do you need to know:

To use the color changing method in the row, you will just need to know how to complete these skills:

–Chain,

–How to Crochet in the Round,

-Stitches Used in Round.

If you are not sure how to complete any of these, then I suggest that you click on the links above. I have stitch tutorials for many basic stitches that you can find on my blog or on my YouTube channel if you need help learning a stitch as well. Those of you who are proficient in crocheting in the round, you are ready to check out the directions for color changing below!

Supplies:

To learn how to crochet color change in the round, you will need the supplies below:

-2 Colors of Yarn

-Crochet Hook

-Stitch Markers (optional)

The two colors of yarn are needed to make the color change obviously, but you will want to make sure that the two types of yarn are the same weight (thickness). For example, you would not want to use a worsted weight (4 medium) yarn with a super bulky (6) yarn. The difference in thickness would cause discrepancies in stitch size and the overall project look.

The stitch markers are not required, but I know that some crocheters find it easier to work in the round when they use stitch markers.

In my pictures and in my video, I am using an H/8 5mm hook and worsted weight (4 medium) cotton yarn.

Notes & Tips for Changing Colors in the Round:

-Try to hold the two yarns during the change to help keep the transition stitch from being too loose. You can pull gently on the yarn ends to tighten if needed as well.

–Color Change is often abbreviated CC or cc. However, you should always check a pattern’s notes section to be sure.

How to Change Colors in the Round:

Finish your round up until the last stitch.

Complete the final stitch of the round but do not do the final yarn over and pull through step.

Yarn over with the second yarn color.

Complete the final pull through through with the second yarn color.

Yarn over, and complete a slip stitch in the top of the first stitch of the round to join.

Crochet your turning chain, and continue to crochet using the new color.

You did it! Those are the steps to create a seamless color change in the round. I hope this tutorial helps you create some beautiful crochet projects in the round, and I would love to have you share this tutorial with others. If you have any further questions, you can always comment below or message me, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.