Easy DIY Gradient Color Technique for Knitting or Crochet

Easy DIY Gradient Color Technique for Knitting or Crochet by Kristin Omdahl

What is gradient color change?

Gradient color change is when anything softly transitions from one color to another color. Some yarns are available as gradient, ombre, self striping or other descriptions that mean the color transitions softly from one color to another.

Did you know you can also create Gradient effect with solid color yarns?

If you hold two or more strands of yarn together, you can create a softer transition between two color stripes of yarn in knitting or crochet. And if you hold three, four or more strands of yarn together you can create an even more subtle transition between the two colors.

Here is an example of gradient color change with 3 strands of yarn:

First stripe: 3 strands of color A

Second stripe: 2 strands of color A, 1 strand of color B

Third stripe: 1 strand of color A, 2 strands of color B

Fourth stripe: 3 strands of color B

Other Ways to Incorporate gradient Color Technique into Knitting and Crochet Projects:

• You can gradient between 2 colors more than once in a project. Gradient from color A to color B, then gradient from color B to color C, then gradient from color C to color A.
• You can work in rows, rounds or increase in motifs for various effects.
• Alternate the direction of gradient for adjacent motifs: Color A to color B, then the next motif from color B to color A.
• Use high contrast color for a bold gradient color effect and analogous colors for a more subtle, soothing gradient color effect.

Here are some patterns showing DIY Gradient Color Technique:

Roxy Knit Cowl Pattern

Easy Basic Knit Hat Pattern

Here are some videos showing DIY Gradient Color Technique:

Kristin Omdahl is the best-selling author of dozens of knit and crochet books; designer of almost 1000 knit and crochet patterns; producer of award-winning videos; and curator of gorgeous yarns and products. You can join Kristin LIVE 5 days a week for The Kristin Omdahl Show on YouTube and browse through thousands of tutorial videos there, too. Kristin donates a portion of every sale to help survivors of domestic violence. Learn more about Kristin’s charity, Project Kristin Cares HERE.

Shop Kristin Omdahl Yarns HERE

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I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other knit and crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!

• I have recently added a wonderful new interactive section to the website which I invite you to take part in, it has been a smashing success and such fun so far. It is the new “Share Your Project” section. You, my creators, can upload images and descriptions of your creations to share with the ever growing community! To upload simply click here. 

Additionally, I host a livestreaming podcast, vlog or show weekday on my YouTube Channel called The Kristin Omdahl Show. You can join the audience and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell, or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!

You can browse through over 1000 previously recorded episodes HERE: The Kristin Omdahl Show Playlist. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE.

Join the KO Community for a PRIVATE forum to chat with other KO friends HERE

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I look forward to seeing what you create!

xoxo,
Kristin