Today I am going to show you, step-by-step, how to change to a different color yarn when you are crocheting.
![How to Change Color in Crochet](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/How-to-Change-Color-in-Crochet.png)
I will demonstrate how to execute the color change in the middle of a worked row, but the same instructions can apply to changing colors at the end of a row.
We will begin with instructions for single crochet, then move on to half double crochet, and double crochet.
How to Change Color in Single Crochet
![Change Color in SC 1](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-SC-1.jpg)
1. For this swatch, we will be changing color for the 5th stitch. Work 3 single crochets.
![Change Color in SC 2](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-SC-2.jpg)
2. Work the beginning step of your 4th single crochet. Stop when you have 2 loops on your hook.
![Change Color in SC 3](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-SC-3.jpg)
3. This is where we will begin our color change. Drop your working yarn (in this case, the blue) and pick up your new color (the lavender).
![Change Color in SC 4](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-SC-4.jpg)
4. Use your new color to draw through both loops to complete stitch 4. Your new color is now on your hook, and ready to work.
![Change Color in SC 5](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-SC-5.jpg)
5. Continue working with your new color.
How to Change Color in Half Double Crochet
![Change Color in HDC 1](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-HDC-1.jpg)
1. Again, we will attach a new color for our 5th stitch. Work 3 half double crochet stitches. Work the beginning of your 4th half double crochet. Stop when you have 3 loops on your hook.
![Change Color in HDC 2](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-HDC-2.jpg)
2. This is where we will begin our color change. Drop your working yarn (in this case, the blue) and pick up your new color (the lavender).
![Change Color in HDC 3](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-HDC-3.jpg)
3. Use your new color to draw through all 3 loops to complete stitch 4. Your new color is now on your hook, and ready to work.
![Change Color in HDC 4](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-HDC-4.jpg)
4. Continue working with your new color.
How to Change Color in Double Crochet
![Change Color in DC 1](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-DC-1.jpg)
1. Once again, we will attach a new color for our 5th stitch. Work 3 double crochet stitches. Work the beginning of your 4th double crochet. Stop when you have 2 loops on your hook.
![Change Color in DC 2](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-DC-2.jpg)
2. This is where we will begin our color change. Drop your working yarn (in this case, the blue) and pick up your new color (the lavender).
![Change Color in DC 3](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-DC-3.jpg)
3. Use your new color to draw through both loops to complete stitch 4. Your new color is now on your hook, and ready to work.
![Change Color in DC 4](https://www.ouicrochet.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Change-Color-in-DC-4.jpg)
4. Continue working with your new color.
Changing color in crochet is as simple as that.
As far as finishing off the yarns in the color change, you have a few options.
- You can knot the yarn, cut it (leaving about a 6 inch tail), and weave in the ends later. (Recommended)
- You can simply cut the yarn and work over the ends.
- You can knot the yarn, cut it off close to the knot, and continue on.
I recommend the first option, as there is less chance of your hard work unraveling later.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful!
Note: All patterns are written in American terms.