How to Change Colors When Crocheting in the Round

If you’ve ever tried color changes in the round and ended up with a noticeable “step” where the colors meet, you’re not alone. Color changes can look tricky in amigurumi because you’re working in continuous rounds and those stripes love to “jog.”

In this tutorial, you’ll see a simple, practical way to change colors in the round so your transitions look smoother and your stripes look more intentional—without overcomplicating your workflow.

How color changes work in continuous rounds (and why the “jog” happens)

When you crochet in the round for amigurumi, you’re often working in a spiral instead of joining each round. That spiral is great for shaping, but it can create a visible shift where a new color begins—especially with bold stripes or high-contrast yarns.

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A cleaner look usually comes down to when you switch colors and how you finish the last stitch before the new shade. In the video, you’ll learn where to place the new color so it reads as a smoother line from round to round and keeps your amigurumi looking neat from every angle.

If you’re aiming for crisp details (like tiny limbs, faces, or outfit stripes), a consistent method helps a lot—because small imperfections show up more on small pieces.

Amigurumi color changes in the round (step-by-step video tutorial)

This video walks you through the technique in a clear, beginner-friendly way, showing exactly what the stitches should look like as you swap colors. Keep an eye on the stitch finish and the moment the new color is pulled through—those little steps make a big difference in how clean your rounds look.

Source: Theresa's Crochet Shop

Tips for cleaner round color changes in amigurumi

Images and patterns courtesy of Theresa's Crochet Shop

If your stripes still look a little uneven after switching colors, try these quick checks:

• Make sure your tension stays consistent before and after the color swap.
• Pull the new color through smoothly so you don’t leave a loose loop that stands out.
• If you’re working with strong contrasts, weave in ends neatly so the “inside” doesn’t shadow through.

Once you get the hang of it, this becomes one of those small upgrades that makes every amigurumi look more polished.

Happy crocheting!
—Maggie