How to change colors
Normally, you change colors in crochet by working the stitch up to the final step, which you then make with the new color. For example, in single crochet, you would insert your hook into the designated stitch, yarn over and pull through the stitch. (Two loops on hook.) Yarn over with new color and pull through both loops. Now you're ready to start with the new color.
How to change colors at the end of a round
If you need to change colors at the end of a round, above are step-by-step photos that show how to do this. (Hover over photos to read captions.) NOTE: This method for changing colors is used in conjunction with my method of joining rounds.
What if you need to use the same color again?
If you're alternating colors in a seamless hat, this method will prevent holes in your work where you join the rounds. Basically, you're just wrapping the new color around the old color. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
1) The new color lies to the left of the old color.
2) Bring the new color UNDER the old color.
3) Bring the new color OVER the old color, and make slip stitch with new color.
4) The back of the work shows the yarns wrapped around each other in a vertical line. The connecting strands need to maintain the same tension as the rest of your work: if they're too tight, they'll draw in the fabric.
NOTE: This method for changing colors is used in conjunction with my method of joining rounds.
1) The new color lies to the left of the old color.
2) Bring the new color UNDER the old color.
3) Bring the new color OVER the old color, and make slip stitch with new color.
4) The back of the work shows the yarns wrapped around each other in a vertical line. The connecting strands need to maintain the same tension as the rest of your work: if they're too tight, they'll draw in the fabric.
NOTE: This method for changing colors is used in conjunction with my method of joining rounds.