How to Change Yarn Colors Within a Round in Amigurumi
Amigurumi are small stuffed animals that are usually crocheted, then stuffed with fiberfill. "Amigurumi" is a Japanese term for knit stuffed toy--amigurumi are usually crocheted. In order to create the unusually tight stitches, a smaller crochet hook is used in order to prevent gaps between stitches. Stitchers have some options on how to change yarn colors within the same round of crochet. Each option has advantages and disadvantages to consider.
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Things You'll Need
- Amigurumi crochet pattern and instructions
- Yarn in indicated colors
- Crochet hook in specified size
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Instructions
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Cutting the First Color Yarn
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1
Drop the first color of yarn by leaving two loops of the yarn on your crochet hook and starting the second color of yarn.
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2
Take the second color of yarn over your crochet hook and pull it through the loops already on your hook--those loops will be from the first color of yarn you used. Continue crocheting this round in the new color.
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3
Cut the first color of yarn, leaving a tail approximately three inches long. Using your tapestry needle, weave the end into previous crochet stitches. This method is good because the yarn ends are short and easy to weave in. One disadvantage is that areas of the animal could look slightly bulky.
Carrying the First Color in Next Stitches
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4
Drop the first color of yarn and leave two loops of yarn on your crochet hook. Start with the second color of yarn.
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5
Take the second color of yarn over your crochet hook and pull it through the loops of the first color already on your hook. As you crochet the next stitches, hold the ends of the first color close to your current round and crochet so that you catch the end inside the new stitches.
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Take the short end of the second color yarn and thread it on your tapestry needle. Weave this end into previous crochet stitches. One advantage to this method is that you don't have to weave in the ends; the disadvantage is that enclosing yarn ends could cause minor bulkiness in areas of the animal.
Dropping First Color Yarn to Pick Up Later
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7
Drop the first color of yarn, leaving two loops of yarn on your crochet hook. Begin with the second color of yarn.
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8
Take the second color of yarn over your crochet hook and pull it through the loops of the first color already on your hook. Leave the strand of your first yarn out of your way as you work.
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9
Carry the first color of yarn loosely to the next point--in the current round or a new round--where you will pick it up again to begin crocheting with it. You'll be able to avoid bulkiness and weaving in ends, but a disadvantage is that you could soon have several trailing yarns that will make it difficult for you to know which end you should be taking back up.
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Tips & Warnings
Darker colors may show through lighter-colored yarns, especially after you stuff your amigurumi.
Tie ends of yarn loosely to keep them out of the way and to keep the stitches from loosening.
