For me, beauty is expressed through color. As a child, I would research where paint colors came from and found it to be plants, nature, rocks, etc. – the very things I am surrounded with today. My favorite color combination is turquoise and rust (I don’t know why – they just resonate with me). When I see this combination on ANYTHING, my head turns to see what the item is. It’s not surprising as these colors are complimentary on the color wheel (exactly opposite each other).

This combination will ALWAYS “go” together. Just like Purple with Yellow and Green with Red. Turquoise and Rust are just variances of Blue and Orange. Studies have proven that colors opposite each other on a color wheel, compliment each other more than any other color. So if you want your purple item to look as “purple-y” as it can, use some yellow (the correct shade of course) near it – it will intensify it! Need your Blue to “pop”? Add some orange next to it. It actually works!

But why is this even important?

As crafters, you are also potential artists. The difference between the two is that as a crafter, you are making something with your hands – as an artist, you can take that craft to a new level. In this case, it’s with color. Learning color combinations, a very important trait in being a good artist, can make the difference between you “loving” your item or thinking it’s just “nice”. When something handmade catches your attention, I guarantee it’s (first) because of the color combination used that triggers something exciting in you. Here’s a test – if you had to purchase one of these items, which one are you most likely to buy?

All Analogous Colors – All Cool Colors

Complimentary Colors Purple and Yellow

A Multitude of Color!

I’m willing to bet that very few of you chose the last one. Yet all three of the items were made using the same pattern (granny stitch). Can you see the immense difference that using correct color combinations can make? So how do you know what “correct” combinations are? Colors have “properties” and these properties work with each other to make something pleasing to look at. If you don’t follow color theory, your art becomes difficult to look at – like the last granny square picture above. The brain can’t compute all the different colors into any sensible fashion. Let’s look at what some properties are:

Blue Properties: Temperature – Cool; Complimentary Color – Orange; Analogous (Equivalent) Colors – Blue Green, Blue Purple; Psychological Effects – Calming, soothing

Yellow Properties: Temperature – Warm; Complimentary Color – Purple; Analogous Colors – Yellow Orange, Yellow Green; Psychological Effects – Warm, Tires the eye

Red Properties: Temperature – Warm; Complimentary Color – Green; Analogous Colors – Red Purple, Red Orange; Psychological Effects – Love, warmth, comfort

The same properties are available for all colors on the wheel. Combining colors with similar properties always works well. All cool, all warm, analogous or complimentary. If you were to just stick with these 4 categories, you’d never produce a bad project (color-wise) again. There are many instructions on color theory on the internet. Color theory is a very involved concept and I could in no way explain it all here. But I can say that it would be worth every second you spend doing your own research on it – whether it be an hour or months of your time. Your crochet projects will only get better with this knowledge.

When I’m deciding on colors for new projects, I first think of the feeling I want to convey – feminine/masculine; flirty/demure; business-like/outdoorsy; etc. Then I have to choose the colors that will enhance that feeling. It’s hard to make a pink hat masculine and a black backpack flirty, agreed? I recently made a set of wrist warmers. I wanted them to state that I was a relaxed, easy going type of person. I made them in denim blue – perfect. Then I realized I needed a pair when riding the motorcycle. Those were made in black with cream trim (leather-like with a feminine touch), but I also wanted a pair for around the house when my hands got cold – those are light pink with a little ruffle. The same items say something different through a different color.

Your colors speak. Let them express your feelings for you. Everyone reacts to colors, so when choosing your project’s palette, do it with purpose and you won’t be disappointed with the result.

Research color theory on the internet. Study different color wheels (though they’re all pretty much the same). Before long, color combining will make sense and be emblazoned in your brain! Color makes all the difference in how you and others feel about your creations. Bring your craft to the level of art by being knowledgeable on color. It’ll be worth every moment you spend researching. I Promise.

How do you like to choose colors for your crochet projects? Feel free to share below!

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2012 at 12:00 AM by Corinne Munger and is filed under Fun Ramblings, Tutorials and Help. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.