In this lesson, we will learn about C2C color changes for beginners. Even though it might look complicated, especially seeing multiple colors, this is where it gets fun. Once you understand how it works, it’s actually a simple technique that opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

If you’ve made it through the first 3 C2C lessons in this series you’ve already done something really exciting.

You’ve learned how to:

• Build C2C blocks (bumps)
• Increase to form a triangle
• Decrease to create a square

And now… it’s time to add color to the mix.

This is the part where you may start to feel a little nervous. Because when you see C2C crochet projects with multiple colors, it can look like there must be yarn everywhere.

But here’s the truth: Color changes in C2C crochet are much simpler than they look.

The Secret to C2C Color Changes

In C2C crochet, changing colors is all about timing. You simply switch yarn at the right moment.

Here’s the key:

If you are changing colors on an increase, change colors during the last yarn over of your final double crochet in the block. then make your increase chain.

Changing colors from one block to another, simply change color in the slip stitch in the ch-3 space.

If you are changing colors on a decrease, turn your work, slip stitch in the first 3 double crochets, change color in the last yarn over of the slip stitch into the ch-3 space.

Changing colors at the last step of the stitch creates a clean transition between blocks. Instead of seeing a messy join, your color change looks smooth and intentional.

What About All the Yarn?

Let’s talk about the part that worries people most:

“Won’t my yarn get tangled?”

Here are a few simple tips to keep things under control:

1. Drop Your Yarn (Don’t Cut It)

If you’ll be using the color again soon, just drop it and pick it back up when you return.

2. Work Over Loose Strands When Possible

This helps reduce ends and keeps things tidy.

3. Untwist Your Yarn Regularly

Every couple of rows, pause and let your yarn dangle to remove twists.

4. Keep Your C2C Color Changes Simple at First

Start with just one color change so you can focus on learning the technique.

Before doing this lesson, be sure you have done Part 1-C2C Crochet for Beginners, Part 2-C2C Crochet Increase, and Part 3-C2C Crochet Decrease. Please find them below or sign up for the complete C2C Confidence Series, which will include 5 emails and 5 blog posts to learn beginning C2C. Once you have completed Part 1 and 2, and 3, return here to find the Color Change Lesson below.

C2C Confidence Bundle

If you’re excited to learn C2C and would rather not wait for each email lesson to arrive, or hop around to each blog post, I’ve created something special for you.

The C2C Confidence Bundle brings everything together in one complete guide so you can learn at your own pace.

Inside you’ll find the full C2C tutorial with detailed written instructions, step-by-step photos, and videos along with clear explanations of increasing, decreasing, and adding color.

To help you practice what you learn, at the end, I’ve also included two beginner-friendly patterns designed specifically for this bundle. Click the button below to purchase.

Your Goal Today-Simple C2C Color Changes

Keep it simple and manageable. We will use Color A and Color B. Your first task will be to change from the 1st color to the 2nd color, then you will change back to the 1st color. You will start with the right bottom corner and work to the left top corner. Arrows show the direction you are working. RS=right side of your work. This will help you when doing more complicated colors changes so you know which side the design will be on. It helps to stick a stitch marker on that first block (bump) to mark which is the right side. See the chart below.

Making Your First C2C Color Changes

C2C-Easy Color Change-These are how many squares (blocks), or as you know I like to call them, “bumps” you’ll have of each color.

bl = blue

pk = pink

← Row 1 [RS]: (bl) x 1 (1 square)

→ Row 2 [WS]: (bl) x 2 (2 squares)

← Row 3 [RS]: (bl) x 3 (3 squares)

→ Row 4 [WS]: (Pk) x 4 (4 squares)

← Row 5 [RS]: (Pk) x 5 (5 squares)

Corner: Start decreasing on both ends

→ Row 6 [WS]: (Pk) x 4 (4 squares)

← Row 7 [RS]: (bl) x 3 (3 squares)

→ Row 8 [WS]: (bl) x 2 (2 squares)

← Row 9 [RS]: (bl) x 1 (1 square)

Total: (Pk) x 13, (bl) x 12

JUMP TO VIDEO

You will start your square as you did in the first lesson by creating your first 3 blocks (bumps).

Step 1: With Color A, create your first 3 blocks (bumps).

Step 2: In the final yarn over of your last dc on the 3^rd bump, change to Color B, turn. You may fasten off Color A.

For Steps 3-4, refer back to the second lesson if needed.

Step 3: Increase to 4 blocks (bumps), turn

Step 4: Increase to 5 blocks (bumps), turn

For the decrease steps, refer back to the third lesson if needed.

Step 5: Decrease to 4 blocks (bumps), turn

Step 6: Sl st in the first 3 dc, sl st in the ch-sp, changing back to Color A in the final yarn over of the sl st, turn. You may fasten off Color B.

Step 7: Decrease to 3 blocks (bumps), turn

Step 8: Decrease to 2 blocks (bumps), turn

Step 9: Decrease to 1 block (bumps), fasten off. Weave in your ends.

Congratulations! You made your first simple color changes.

C2C Color Change Video

How Did You Do?

If it felt a little messy….that’s normal. That’s all part of the learning. Give yourself time to get used to:

• Managing multiple strands
• Switching colors smoothly
• Keeping your stitches consistent
• Knowing when to switch on the last yarn over

It gets easier with practice. Once you’re comfortable changing colors, a whole new world opens up. Patterns, shapes, images. This is how those stunning C2C blankets and wall hangings are made.

And you just learned part of the skill behind them. Wonderful job!

Coming Next: Your First Simple Project

In the first 4 lessons, you learned the core skills:

• Beginning
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Color changes

Now it’s time to bring it all together.

In the next series, we’ll make a simple, beginner-friendly project so you can use everything you’ve learned to create something real and useful.

Thanks so much for visiting and your continued support! Come again real soon.

All patterns and their images are copyright protected and the sole property of Simply Melanie Jane. Please do not redistribute, transfer, or sell the pattern, or alter it to claim as your own. You may sell any products you create from this pattern. Please credit the designer by linking online listings.