How to Carry Yarn for Stripes in Rounds

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If you’re changing colors in the round for crochet stripes, you can save tons of time by carrying your yarn instead of cutting it at each color change.

This tip saves you so much time on striped crochet hats! Don’t avoid color just because you don’t like to weave in ends- try this method instead!

Supplies You’ll Need

Scrap yarn of your choice. In the video, I’m using a Super Bulky weight acrylic yarn called Bernat Softee Chunky. You can buy it on LoveCrafts here! I’ve used this yarn for so many projects, it works up super fast.

You’ll also want a crochet hook that works well with your yarn- I’m using a Furls Streamline Wood Hook in the M/8.0mm size. Buy one here- from Furls Crochet Online- these are SO good for crocheters with carpal tunnel, as the wider hook eases the strain on your fingers!

Video: How to Carry Yarn for Stripes in the Round

To begin, you’ll want to work your crochet round, stopping just before the final slip stitch.

Insert your hook into the first stitch of the round, and drop your working yarn.

Make a slip knot on your hook with your new color yarn, leaving a smidge extra slack in the loop.

Tug on the yarn tails to snug everything tight so it looks good, then tie a simple square knot on the tails to keep them in place. (You only need to tie the knot for your very first color change to keep it secure.

Continue your round as usual, stopping before the slip stitch for your next color change.

Insert your hook in the stitch, and drop the working yarn in the old color.

Untangle your yarn strands and pick up the next color. Continue like this for the rest of your pattern.

Patterns to Try with this technique:

If you’re looking for a pattern to try carrying your yarn, you can make the Basic Chunky Striped Hat I’m working on in the video here. Or if you want something different, check out my Polka Dot Puffs Cowl here!

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