At times, it can feel like a chore to choose colors for your crochet project. Especially if you have a decent stash of yarn, or find yourself standing in the yarn aisle of the big craft store after restocking. It’s tempting to choose a cake yarn that has multiple colors included to make it super easy, but maybe the yarn cakes don’t include the colors you love.

Below, you’ll find a few simple strategies, so that you can confidently and quickly create color palettes that reflect your style and make your handmade pieces pop!

Whether you’re making a garment, a blanket, or just playing with yarn scraps, this guide will walk you through the easiest way to select colors that work. No fancy color theory required.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products that I use, and think you will enjoy using too. Should you decide to use any such link, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting this small business.

Choose colors with intention:

Color is typically the first thing people notice in any project or outfit, but especially in a crochet project. It sets the mood, shows off your style, and helps you love what you’re making. When you know how to pick colors easily, you save time, avoid frustration, and finish more projects you actually want to wear or show off.

Besides scrunchies and simple bracelets, most crocheters are spending at least three hours on a small crochet project, but 20 hours or more on a large project. Why would you choose colors that you don’t like?? If you’re wanting to improve your patience / frustration tolerance / torture yourself, you can definitely choose colors that you don’t like.

Without getting into color theory, colors can impact one’s mood. There’s cool and warm tones, vibrants, neons, neutrals, and primary colors. One is not likely to find a baby blanket made in black and shades of gray, but instead light yellow, soft pinks, baby blue, and pastel green, as it evokes feelings of serenity and freshness.

As you go learn the following strategies, think about the intention of your color choices too.

Choosing Color Tip 1: Start with Color Inspiration

I’m sure I’m not the only person that finds it relaxing at times to just wander the yarn aisle by myself to see what jumps out at me. If I’m not there for a leisurely stroll, but trying to get in and get out without a shopping cart, it helps to have a color palette in mind.

Inspiration can be found anywhere you look, but nature and fashion are my go to. Nature is the G.O.A.T. at color combinations from the shades of flowers, leaves in the fall, all of the shades of green grass around the world, and let’s not forget the diverse community of a coral reef.

Here are some quick sources of inspiration:

• Nature: Think sunsets, forests, or the beach.
• Fashion: Use your favorite outfit as a base.
• Home Decor: Pillows, artwork, or bedding can spark ideas.
• Photos: Travel memories or favorite snapshots often have great color combos.

Try this: Upload an image to Canva’s Color Palette Generator or Coolors.co and let it create a beautiful palette for you.

Teyana Taylor at the MetGala red Carpet from CFDA.com; Sunrise at the beach from Passion Blog; 2024 Hot Wheels Legends Tour

Step 2: Pick a Color Strategy That Always Works

To keep your color choices simple and harmonious, use one of these three tried-and-true methods:

1. Monochrome

Use one color in different shades—light, medium, and dark. Great for elegant, tonal projects.

2. Analogous

Pick 2–3 colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. For example: blue, teal, and green.

3. Complementary

Choose colors opposite each other on the color wheel—like purple and yellow—for a bold, striking effect.

Pro Tip: For garments, stick to 2–3 colors. For home projects, feel free to go bolder with 3–5!

Step 3: Use the 60-30-10 Rule for Balance

This is a classic interior design trick that works perfectly for crochet too:

• 60% Main Color: This is your base or background color.
• 30% Secondary Color: Adds contrast or interest.
• 10% Accent Color: Adds a playful pop (great for edging or accessories).

Example: A pullover with color blocking might use 60% blue, 30% green, and 10% yellow.

Bonus: Think About Mood and Yarn Finish

What colors do you frequently wear? How do you feel when you wear those colors?

If your closet doesn’t have a lot of color in it, then think about how you have felt when noticing colors in nature, the grocery store, or watching television. Although there is a common emotion associated with particular colors, this is an opportunity to listen to YOUR feelings about a color. Black is often viewed as a dark, sobering color, but can also be elegant and boost one’s mood.

Color influences how we feel about a project:

• Want a cozy, warm vibe? Try earthy tones like browns, rust, and mustard.
• Prefer calm and peaceful? Choose blues, greens, and soft neutrals.
• Feeling bold and expressive? Use bright or high-contrast combos.

Always choose a color that you like. If you feel bleh about a color, it will make it harder to finish that project. Don’t let your projects you’re initially excited about become UFOs (unfinished objects.)

And don’t forget yarn finish! Shiny yarns will make colors look brighter. Matte yarns soften the look.

By default, the texture of most yarns could be classified as a matte finish (think paint samples). When thinking about choosing colors of yarn, it can help to choose lighter shades of a particular color to capture a “matte” finish.

Unfortunately, we don’t have as many shiny yarn options. Some shiny yarns can have more slip when crocheting, so it may help to use a wood crochet hook that has more “grip” / friction when making the stitches.

If you’re interested in easily making your crochet projects brighter by choosing shiny colors, check out these options and patterns:

• Furls Crochet Wander > Berry Crop Crochet Top
• BzyPeach Tencel > Shuri Purse
• GuChet Bamboo Cotton
• Lion Brand Heartland > Wrapped in Waves Cape + Bonnet
• Caron Simply Soft > Wrapped in Kisses Blanket

P.S. If you want it to be even easier to choose colors for your next project consider a WeCrochet Value Pack or Sampler. They have paired the perfect colors and you save money!

Practice Challenge: Try It Yourself!

Here’s a quick 4-step challenge to help you test your new skills:

1. Pick a photo or memory that inspires you.
2. Choose 3 colors using your eye or a palette tool.
3. Apply one of the color strategies above.
4. Use the 60-30-10 rule to plan your next project!

Want to make it even easier? Yarn packs are your friend! They’re pre-coordinated and perfect for beginners or when you’re short on time.

Confidence Comes with Practice

There’s no wrong way to play with color—only what makes you feel excited to crochet. Start small, explore with swatches, and over time, you’ll build your own signature color style.

If you found this helpful, share it with a crochet friend or pin it for later. And don’t forget to join the Confidently Crochet with Creations by Courtney community to show off your latest color combo!

Pin it for Later

Want to talk about yarn goodness, crochet tips, and CAL updates? Be sure to join my Facebook Group, Confidently Crochet with Creations By Courtney.

If we’re not hanging out on social media yet, come check me out on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Join my newsletter for lots of yarny goodness

Now go grab your favorite yarn, start stitching, and show off those beautiful squares!
Happy Crocheting!