How to Choose Perfect Colour Combinations for your Yarncraft Projects

Feb 10

Crocheters and Knitters know that colour choices can transform simple projects into stunning masterpieces. But many of us are nervous about choosing colours, so how can we plan our colour choices to achieve results we love? In this article, we'll consider the basics of colour placement, combinations, techniques, and stitch types to help you choose the perfect colour combinations for your yarncraft projects

Understanding Colour Theory can help you choose the perfect colour combinations for your yarncraft projects

Colorful yarn balls (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red) arranged in a circle on a white background, creating a vibrant display. — The Colour Wheel in Yarn

Before starting colour selection, it's essential to take colour theory into account. The colour wheel is a valuable tool, helping us to understand how colours interact with each other. Complementary colours, which sit opposite each other on the wheel, create high contrast and dramatic combinations. Analogous colours, located next to each other, offer a harmonious blend. Understanding these principles will guide your colour choices and help you achieve the effect you intended.

Color wheel with 12 segments: yellow, orange, red, magenta, purple, blue, and green. Each segment transitions smoothly, creating a vibrant circle. — A more traditional and detailed colour wheel

Exploring Colour Combinations

Crochet flower garlands in various colors displayed on grass, tables, and near crafts. Text: "The Last Minute Crochet Flower Garland."

In the picture: Crochet Flower Garland

Choosing the right colour combinations can make or break a project. While some colour pairings are timeless classics, don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional combinations. Pastel shades evoke a sense of softness and delicate feelings, while bright, contrasting colours make a bold statement and neutrals and muted tones provide a calm, quiet look. Try allowing the mood or theme of your project to influence your colour choices as in these seasonal and celebration themed garlands above.

Planning Colour Placement

Smiling person holds a large crocheted tote bag with geometric patterns in charcoal, lilac, and cream. Light blue background. — The Edifice Bag has a 3d stacked blocks design

In the picture: Edifice Bag

Colour placement significantly impacts the overall look of your project. You’ll want to consider how different colours will interact with each other. Sections worked in lighter brighter colours can look bigger/closer than they really are, while deeper or darker sections may appear to recede or shrink, sometimes creating the illusion that a flat surface is 3d as in the image of Edifice Bag above. For a striking effect, experiment with alternating bold and neutral colours in stripes or blocks. Strategically placing pops of colour can draw attention to specific areas of your design, adding visual interest and depth, even whilst keeping the shapes and textures simple.

A mannequin wearing a navy blue crocheted shawl with blue stripes and colorful ruffled edges in orange, yellow, and white. Indoor setting. — The Fractal Fronds Shawl features stripes of a close colour and a bold contrast border and curlicues

In the picture: Fractal Fronds Shawl

Techniques to Add Colour

Blue knitted bag with a white panel and orange zigzag pattern. Features an orange ring decoration tied with string. Simple background. — Day at the Beach Bag features a bold slipstitch knit zigzag design

In the picture: Day at the Beach Bag

There are various techniques you can use to add colour to your crochet projects, each offering different effects. Colourwork techniques such as intarsia, tapestry, mosaic or Fair Isle crochet allow you to create a beautifully patterned fabric. Simple stripes or rounds of different colours are a classic look for crochet and separate pieces of different colours or contrasting colour embellishments to be attached are also great options for crocheted items.

Pink knitted hexagonal bag with striped pattern. The bag has a braided pink handle. — Persica Bag has simple stripes of light and dark pink arranged in different directions

In the picture: Persica Bag

Whichever technique you use you’ll need to avoid the colours being visible where they shouldn’t be or leaving tangled messes and unsightly gaps. For stripes you might carry the yarn up the side of your work, twisting it with the working yarn at the beginning of each row and for the various colourwork techniques it’s helpful to find a video tutorial showing how the teacher manages the working and unworked yarns, the tension and also the finishing, e.g. weaving ends in neatly. Whichever method you choose, practise consistency to maintain a polished finish.

Stitch Type and Colour Choice

Four crochet squares with intricate patterns. Top left: yellow and white; top right: pink and white; bottom left: blue with orange design; bottom right: pastel squares. — Granny Squares offer a fantastic opportunity to play with different colour schemes

In the picture: (clockwise from top left) Coupe Square, a square from Soapstone Bag, Granny's Captivated Square and Granny's Yarn Square

The type of stitch you use can also influence your colour choices and overall aesthetic. Certain stitches, such as the granny square v-stitch or chevron stitch, lend themselves well to vibrant, multi-coloured designs. Conversely, intricate lace stitches and cabled designs may benefit from a solid colour or more subtle colour combinations like an ombre effect to allow the textures to shine.

Cream knitted bag with brown handles on a gray surface. A bouquet with a pink rose and white ribbon lies beside it, against a pale blue wall. — The knitted cables of Cabled Bangle Bag could have lost definition in a more colourful project

In the picture: Cabled Bangle Bag

Using colour effectively in crochet involves combining artistic intuition and a little technical knowledge. But most importantly, remember to embrace creativity and have fun with your colour choices, as each handmade creation is a reflection of your unique style and personality.

Four green knitted Christmas tree ornaments with red, white, yellow, and blue stripes on a wooden bench, creating a festive atmosphere. — Christmas ornaments offer the chance to use colourful yarn scraps

In the picture: Fragrant Fir Trees Sachets