How to Crochet: Multi-Colored Stitches Part 2
By Erin Burger – 13 CommentsI think it’s a fact that some stitches just scream for multi-color! This series gives instructions for stitches like these, includes photos to see what the end result with look like and suggests color sequences to best display the stitch.
Little Gems Stitch
This multi-color sequence is reversible and looks great with two colors (as pictured) or with multiple colors repeating in pattern. I call this stitch ‘Little Gems’ because the second repeating row looks like little diamonds hiding amongst the opposite rows stitches. This stitch is great for fun scarfs, kid’s washcloths and holiday themed gifts (black, orange, white etc…for Halloween, red, green, white for Christmas).
Start by chaining a multiple of 3, plus 4
The color sequence for this stitch is stated in the instructions.
Row 1: with color A, 3 dc in 5th ch from hook, (skip 2 ch, 3 dc in next ch) across until 2 chains remain, skip 1 ch, dc in last ch, do not break off Color A
Row 2: join color B, ch 1, turn, sc in first dc, sc in space between first dc and next 3 dc, (ch 2, sc in space between next 3 dc) across ending with a sc in top of beginning ch-3
Row 3: pick up color A from beginning of Row 2, join by pulling loop up in first sc, ch 3, 3 dc in first ch-2 space and in each ch-2 space across, ending with dc in last sc
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until appropriate length is reached.
Have any questions or comments about this stitch? Comment away!
This pattern is perfect for my sisters scarf…thanks for the pattern 🙂
I love this pattern!
I do have a couple of questions. It looks you never break off color A?
Do you break off Color B at the end of the row?
Have you made an afghan with this pattern?
Hi Terri,
If you read the pattern you’ll see I give instructions for when and when not to break off the colors. Thanks for the comment and questions!
I’m with Teri – I don’t see instruction to either break off or NOT break off color B. I’m not working it in hand either, so maybe it’s obvious once you’ve got the yarn on the hook. But I agree with her comment that the pattern (as read!) is a bit unclear.
I think this is a beautiful pattern, although I do agree that maybe a little more detail in the pattern would help. This looks like tapestry crochet, where you carry the unused color along the row so that you have it ready to pick back up at the next row. Could you please clarify this?? Thanks!!
HI Erin, I’m a little confused here. If I don’t break off color A, don’t I have to come back across the row with Color B so that I can pick up color A? The pattern doesn’t look like I’m carrying color A all the way across.
Or am I joining color B back at the beginning of color A so that I am going the same direction with color B and then I’ll pick up color A? Thanks for this pattern. It looks really pretty, I want to try it with red & white for Valentine’s Day .
This is one of those patterns that one returns to again & again. It’s quick & easy and versatile!
There is no need to break off the yarn when you change color… just bring it up along the side & then when you finish hide the floats(the carried yarn) under stitches you place around the entire piece as a border.
It does not say to carry your color behind or work over it because that does not happen in this stitch. There are chain loops formed and then with the next row you work into those chain loops.
I hope that you do not mind me answering these question Rachel!
Happy Crocheting!
Bethintx
Hello to everyone who asked about this pattern!
Bethinktx is right on, you don’t have break off the yarn, you just switch colors without breaking where it is indicated then pick up the color where you left off when indicated.
Thanks for your interest and thanks for your help Bethinktx!
-Erin
Ah ha! For those of you who are confused about the changing of colors I have discovered the secret. You don’t turn your work. You’ll work both rows (of each color) in the same direction then work both rows back the other way. That’s why you don’t break off the colors. I’m sure I would have discovered that much easier if I had the yarn in hand but after muddling it out in my wee brain I figured it out.
One of you should do a picture or video tutorial on this. 🙂 I can see the confusion.
I would love to try this stitch, but I agree that it is confusing. It does say to turn. By the time I get to row 3, my color A is on the other end. I can’t pick it up. I need help 🙂
I love the look of this stitch! I’d like to make a hat out of it, preferably worked top down. Any ideas how to increase?
Hi Amanda, maybe you can increase by making the “3 dc” in more places than what’s indicated in the pattern. The extra sets of “3 dc” should help you increase. Have fun playing around and experimenting with it!