How to change colors in crochet: finish with the new yarn

Change color at a row edge

1. Work the final single crochet until 2 loops remain on the hook. Drop the old working yarn.
2. Lay the new yarn over the hook, leaving a tail long enough to weave in. Pull the new yarn through both loops.
3. Chain 1 with the new color and turn. Do not count that chain for a single-crochet row.
4. Work the next row. Gently adjust the tails so the edge stitch matches its neighbors, then weave each tail through stitches of its own color.

Change in the middle of a row

Change on the last pull-through before the stitch that should show the new color. Leave the unused yarn at the back of the work.

Carrying yarn inside stitches can show through and can change the fabric. For separate blocks of color, use separate balls and secure each change. Swatch the exact method before using its gauge for a sized project.

Check the boundary

The top of the final old-color stitch contains the new color because the new yarn makes its final pull-through. That is part of this method.

If an edge puckers, loosen the strand carried up the side or cut and weave between stripes. If a knot feels bulky, replace it with separately woven tails instead of tightening it further.