Switching colors in knitting is a simple technique that adds visual interest and creative design to your projects. Whether you’re knitting stripes, color blocks, or intricate patterns, learning how to change yarn colors properly ensures clean transitions and a professional finish.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to switch colors in knitting, including when and how to do it, plus tips for avoiding common mistakes.
When to Switch Colors in Knitting
You’ll typically change colors in these situations:
- Striped patterns
- Color block sections
- Fair Isle or intarsia knitting
- Borders or ribbing in a different color
- Adding a new skein of a different color
What You Need
- Your current knitting project
- A new color of yarn
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
How to Switch Colors in Knitting (at the Beginning of a Row)
Step 1: Finish the Last Stitch in the Old Color
Knit to the end of the row or to the point where you want to change colors. Finish the last stitch with the old yarn.
Step 2: Drop the Old Yarn
Let the old yarn hang at the back of the work. Do not cut it unless you are not going to use it again soon.
Step 3: Insert Needle for the Next Stitch
Insert your right-hand needle into the first stitch of the next row as if to knit.
Step 4: Add the New Yarn
Take the new yarn and leave a 6-inch tail. Loop it over the right-hand needle and knit the stitch with the new color. Pull gently to secure it.
Step 5: Continue Knitting
Knit the rest of the row with the new yarn. After a few stitches, tug both tails lightly to neaten the color join.
How to Switch Colors in the Middle of a Row
Step 1: Knit to the stitch where you want the new color to begin.
Step 2: Drop the old color yarn.
Step 3: Pick up the new color, leaving a 6-inch tail.
Step 4: Knit the next stitch with the new yarn and continue.
This is commonly used in intarsia or striped motifs where color changes happen mid-row.
How to Weave in Ends After Switching Colors
- Use a tapestry needle to weave the tails into the back of the stitches.
- Weave in each tail with the same color yarn to keep the back neat.
- For stripes, you can carry yarn up the side (see tips below).
Tips for Neat Color Changes
- Twist yarns when switching to prevent gaps: wrap the new color over the old one at the join.
- Carry yarn up the side if stripes are only a few rows apart—this reduces the number of ends to weave in.
- Plan your change at the beginning of a row for the cleanest result.
- If you’re knitting in the round, change colors at the start of the round and secure tails tightly to avoid jogs.
Advanced Tip: The Jogless Join (in the Round)
When knitting stripes in the round, you might see a visible step (jog) where the round ends and restarts. Here’s how to fix it:
- Knit one round with the new color.
- At the start of the second round, lift the stitch below (in the old color) from the previous round and knit it together with the first stitch of the current round.
This smooths out the transition between rounds.
Projects Where You Can Practice Switching Colors
- A two-tone scarf or shawl
- Striped baby blanket
- Color-block beanie
- Sweater with contrasting ribbing
- Dishcloth with bands of color
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to switch colors in knitting lets you add creativity and variety to your work. It’s a beginner-friendly technique that leads to advanced, beautiful results. Whether you’re creating simple stripes or intricate designs, mastering this skill will make your knitting more expressive and fun.