Picking the right colors for a yarn project can seem daunting, but with some planning and knowledge of color theory, you can choose a beautiful and harmonious palette for your knitting or crochet. Whether you want bold contrast or soft, blended tones, thoughtfully selecting colors will elevate your finished project. In this guide, we’ll walk through the basics of color for yarn projects, and provide tips for choosing colors that work well together. Let’s explore the wonderful world of yarn hues!
Understand Color Theory
Before picking colors, it helps to learn a bit about color theory. This refers to the science of how colors interact with each other. Here are some key concepts:
The Color Wheel
The color wheel shows relationships between colors. Complementary colors sit opposite each other, while analogous colors are side-by-side. When picking a palette, you can use complementary colors for high contrast, analogous for harmony, or a mix.
| Color | Complementary Color |
| Red | Green |
| Orange | Blue |
| Yellow | Purple |
Color Temperature
Some colors appear “warm” (red, orange, yellow) while others seem “cool” (blue, green, purple). Using a mix of warm and cool colors together creates visual interest.
Color Value
This refers to how light or dark a color is. Having a range of lights, mediums, and darks adds depth.
Color Saturation
Saturation describes how vivid or dull a color is. Combining saturated bold tones with softer muted shades is pleasing.
Determine Your Color Palette
Now that you know the basics, how do you choose your colors? Here are some approaches:
Monochromatic
Sticking to shades of one color can be striking. Try light, medium and dark values.
Complementary
Choosing opposite colors on the wheel makes contrast pop. But use one as an accent, or the effect may be jarring.
Analogous
Colors beside each other on the wheel blend beautifully. Adjust values and saturation for interest.
Triadic
Selecting three colors equally spaced around the wheel offers vibrancy. Be sure to balance the tones.
Custom Palette
Pick any colors you like! Use an online tool to find out if your choices work together.
Tools for Choosing Colors
These resources can help you put together harmonious palettes:
Online Color Wheels
Virtual color wheels provide color theory visuals and let you test combinations. Some recommended sites:
– Adobe Color Wheel
– Canva Color Wheel
Yarn Color Cards
Many yarn brands provide cards with colored stripes so you can view tones together. These are handy when selecting yarn.
Color Palette Generators
Sites like Coolors.co let you pick a color you like and auto-generate a palette around it. This removes the guesswork.
Photography
Use photos you love as inspiration for color schemes. Pick out dominant tones as your starting point.
Choosing Yarn Colors
Once you have your palette, it’s time to pick yarn. Here are tips for selecting the perfect colors:
Compare Yarn Swatches
Buy a small ball of each potential yarn and knit/crochet swatches. See how the colors look next to each other. Observe them in different lighting.
Consider Number of Colors
Using fewer colors in a project allows each one to stand out. Too many competing tones can look cluttered.
Watch Color Distribution
When using multiple colors, be mindful of how they are distributed in the pattern. Generally, you want an even representation of each.
Match Color Saturation
Choose yarns with a similar saturation level. Mixing bold and muted colors can make some tones feel out of place.
Variegate Responsibly
Variegated yarn can add great color variation. But pair solid and variegated skeins thoughtfully so tones don’t clash.
Order Extra Yarn
To avoid running out mid-project, get 10-20% more than the pattern calls for in each color.
Change Colors Seamlessly
When using multiple yarn colors in a project, you’ll need to switch between them at certain points. Here are ways to change colors smoothly:
Cut and Tie On
Simply cut the old yarn, leaving a 4″ tail. Tie the new yarn to this tail so they are secured together. This method works for any stitch.
Weave Ends In As You Go
Working yarn tail ends into your knitting or crochet as you switch colors hides them inside the project. Do this every few rows/rounds.
Join New Yarn Inconspicuously
Start new yarn at edges, in seams, or somewhere it won’t stand out. Avoid color changes mid-row/round.
Add Locking Stitches
Crochet: make last stitch before color change a slip stitch. Knitting: wrap yarn around each other. This locks the yarns together.
Set Aside Cut Tails
Keep all cut ends together in a bag to weave in later. Be sure to label them by color!
| Yarn Color Change Method | When To Use |
|---|---|
| Cut and tie on | Any stitch or yarn type |
| Weave as you go | When you’ll primarily use that color next |
| Join at edge or seam | Want to hide color change |
| Locking stitches | Concerned about stitches coming undone |
Additional Tips
Keep these last techniques in mind for picking colors successfully:
Choose a Dominant Color
Use one color more than others for a unified look. Accent with sparing pops of coordinating shades.
Contrast Number of Colors with Pattern Complexity
Simple stitches look best with multiple colors. Intricate patterns shine when made with fewer hues.
Swatch in Real Life Lighting
Colors can look different inside versus outside. View your swatch in various lightings before finalizing palette.
Consider Planned Use
Pick colors suited to the item’s purpose. For example, baby items often use soft, light colors that are soothing.
Select Yarn Material Thoughtfully
The composition impacts color saturation. Wool shows colors vividly, while cotton may appear more muted.
Conclusion
Choosing appealing yarn colors involves some planning, but the effort pays off in a stunning final project. Remember to brush up on color theory, use handy tools like color wheels and generators, compare yarn swatches, and seamlessly join hues. With a harmonious palette and adept technique, you can knit or crochet colorwork designs that truly pop!
