Crochet Clean Color Change

This doesn’t look very pretty does it?

To make a “clean” color change while crocheting, is actually quite simple, and it will help your projects look even better =)

You start your color change on the stitch prior to the one you need to change. So, say you have to sc 5, switch to purple, then sc 10 more. On the 5th stitch, you would begin your color change.

Start your stitch as you normally would (in this tutorial, I am using single crochet stitches, the same principle could be applied to most other crochet stitches to achieve the same result).

Once you get to the point where you have two loops on your hook, it’s time to switch colors.

Instead of using your first color (pink) to yarn over, use your second color (purple).

Pull through as normal…

…and continue on!

Now doesn’t that look much better =)

At this point you can either cut and tie off the old color yarn (best bet if you are not going to be using the color again) or you can keep it attached until you need to use it again (best if you are going to be changing colors frequently).  With the second option, keep in mind that it will add some extra bulk to you project and it may be visible if there are large gaps.

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Look What I Just Found!

I just made a great discovery for anyone new to crocheting or to amigurumi style crochet (working in continuous rounds).  Hooks and Needles has some great tutorials on things like deciphering crochet code commonly used in patterns, video tutorials on increasing, decreasing and crocheting continuous rounds.  It’s a great resource!  So, if you’ve found yourself staring longingly at some of those really cute patterns but figured you could never do it in a million years…here’s your chance!  The great thing about amigurumi style crochet is that once you master a few basic tricks, you can do just about any of it =)

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Bead Crochet Tutorial

This tutorial is based on a pattern found here and assumes you are familiar with the basics of crochet.

Needed:

Size E (3.5 mm) aluminum hook

32 gauge wire

Memory wire (bracelet size)

Beads of choice (enough to make it around you wrist once strung)

1. String desired number of beads onto wire. Note: At least one bead will equal one crochet chain, but feel free to add extra beads in order to have two or three beads in each single chain (smaller beads work better for this).

2. Begin making a crochet chain, pulling one bead down to your hook and using the wire above it to pull through (remember to do this a bit looser than you would normally).

3. Continue your crochet chain until you are out of beads.

4. When you have completed your chain, chain one more and turn. Single crochet across the row, only on the back post and keeping each loop on the hook rather than pulling through.

5. Bind your wire at the end and weave it in. Next, cut a piece of memory wire to fit, and slide the wire through the loops left on your crochet hook. Fasten off the ends of the memory wire by either using an end bead, or by forming a small loop using pliers.

[tags] crochet, bead, jewelry, bracelet [/tags]

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