Crochet: Crochet with Color (2 page)

Square Color Scheme

The square color scheme is very similar to the tetradic. The colors in a square color scheme are evenly spaced to form a square when connected with lines. An example of a square color scheme is green, yellow orange, red, and blue violet. This color scheme can also be very vibrant, or soothing depending on the shades and tints you choose.

Scrapghan with lots of colors!

The information I shared in this chapter should be seen as guidelines. Color choice is very personal, so don’t feel bound by the different explanations of color schemes and color families. If you like a color theme, use it. That being said, here are some tips for choosing the right colors for your projects.

• Decide if you want a color scheme which is soothing or vibrant. This will help you choose colors which either contrast each other, or are from the same color family.
  
• Do you want your colors to be cool or warm? Cool colors have more blue in them while warm colors tend to have more orange or yellow. For example, violet red is a cool color, while red orange is a warm color.
  
• Choose a neutral color to compliment the color scheme. Neutrals include white, black, gray, and sometimes brown.
  
• Look to nature for inspiration. What are the colors in your favorite flower? Is there a landscape you are fond of? Inspiration can be found in many places so keep your eye out for any color combinations which speak to you.
  
• Choose colors which make you happy. In the end your color choices are your own, so use the colors you like and that make you happy with your project. Be bold and daring…throw the rules out the window and experiment!
  

Using color in crochet is fun, and it is very easy. There are no hard techniques to learn, and if you know the basic color changing techniques you will be on your way to learning more advanced techniques we’ll cover in a later chapter.

In this chapter we’ll go over the way to change colors at the beginning of a row, how to carry colors up a row or a round of crochet, and how to change colors in the middle of a row or round.

You will need to know the basic crochet stitches and techniques before you begin this chapter, but if you know how to single crochet, double crochet, how to chain stitch, crochet in the round, and how to weave in tails you’re ready to get started working with color techniques.

How to Change Colors at the Beginning and End of a Row

Changing colors at the beginning or end of a row is very simple. Work the last stitch of the row until you have two loops on the hook. Drop the old color and pull the new color through the last two loops on the hook. Continue to work with the new color and catch the old color in the first chain stitch of the next row to secure it.

How to Carry Colors Up a Row

If you are going to be using the same colors during your project, you may want to carry the colors up the side of your project. This cuts down on the number of tails you have to weave in, and creates a strong stable crochet fabric. You can also use this technique and carry colors on the inside of a crochet in the round project, such as a hat.

When you change colors catch the old color in the first chain stitch of the new row. Work the new color across the row and when you work back across the row, you can either change colors again, or catch the old color under the first chain stitch of the new row. This carries the old color up the row without having to fasten it off.

Work the last stitch to the last two loops on the hook.

Pull the new color through these loops to complete the stitch.

Catch the old color under the first chain stitch of the new row to carry it up the side of the project (you can also use the same technique when crocheting in the round on the inside of the project).

How to Change Colors in a Row or Round

Changing colors mid-row or round is just as easy. Work the last stitch of the old color until you have two loops on the hook. Drop the old color and pull the new color through these two loops.

When you work the first stitch of the new color, catch the old color under the new color on the wrong side of the fabric. This secures the color and hides the color change. When you work your way back across the row and need to change back to the first color, simply repeat the process.

This technique is used in Intarsia crochet and many other color techniques. We will cover these techniques in a later chapter.

Work the last stitch of the old color until you have two loops on the hook.

Pull the new color through the last two loops.

Secure the old color under the first stitch of the new color on the wrong side of the fabric and continue with the new color letting the old color rest there.

Changing Colors with a Slip Knot

There are times when you won’t be able to, or you don’t want to, change colors by pulling the new color through the last two loops of the last stitch. For example, when you begin a new round of color on a Granny Square you won’t be pulling the new color through the last stitch. Instead make a slip knot and place it on your hook. Insert the hook into the stitch where you want the new color to begin, yarn over and pull the yarn through the slip knot. This attaches or “joins” the new color. Now you can proceed with the pattern as usual.

You can also pull the new color through the very last round. Work the last stitch and insert the hook into the last stitch and pull the new color through the slip stitch to end the row. Carry the colors up the inside of the round by catching the old color under the first chain stitch of the new round.