How to Combine Half Color Changes & Shell Stitches

One of my favorite things about winter is when it snows and the trees are covered in a beautiful layer of white. There’s just something so peaceful and stunning about it. So this year I thought why not recreate that beauty in crochet? After some experimenting, I figured out how to combine half color changes & shell stitches for a crochet snowy tree. In today’s article I’ll show you how to do each of these techniques so you can play around and make your own beautiful project!

How to Combine Half Color Changes & Shell Stitches

If you’ve never used this type of color change or tried shell stitches before, I highly recommend making a little sample to practice on. Bright colors work best so you can see your stitches easier. For my sample, I just made a small square in blue and then used a light green for the color changes.

Half Color Changes

To do a basic color change, you typically start in the stitch before you need the colors to switch. For example, if the pattern says: Color A: 3sc, Color B: 4sc, you would change colors in the third single crochet. To actually change colors, you will insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over (or under) and pull up a loop. Then drop the current color and pick up the new color, yarn over and pull through the 2 loops on your hook.

If you would like more information on changing colors, check out this Quick Guide to Color Changes in Amigurumi.

The big difference with half color changes is that you will be using both colors for each stitch, rather than dropping one color entirely. The instructions below will show you how to add in the new color and then create half color changes.

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Drop Color A.
2. Pick up Color B, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook. Drop Color B.
3. Pick up Color A, insert your hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have one loop of each color on the hook. Drop Color A.
5. Pick up Color B, yarn over and pull through both loops.

To continue doing half color changes, you just repeat steps 3-5.

One important thing to keep in mind is that this kind of color change is not reversible and it does slightly curl the top of the row toward you. When using it for edging like in the snowy tree example, this doesn’t matter much. Just keep in mind that the use of this kind of color change is situational.

Prefer to watch tutorials? No problem! Check out the video version below. Subscribe to my channel so you never miss a video!

Shell Stitches

Shell stitches are basically several stitches worked into the same space. This includes stitches of any height and any combination. Here’s some examples of different shell stitches:

NOTE: ( ) – Instructions enclosed in parentheses are all worked in the same stitch.

• (4hdc)
• (4dc)
• (sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc)

You may have also seen shell stitches written like this: ‘[sc, sk 1 st, (5dc), sk 1 st] repeat x times.’ This type of shell stitch is more spread out and is used for edging. In contrast, the shells in the examples above are more squished in with the other stitches of the row, which creates a more textured look.

Combining Half Color Changes & Shell Stitches

Now let’s take the half color change technique and apply it to some shell stitches! In this example, we’ll use the shell variation that is 4hdc worked into the same stitch. To get started, change colors in the single crochet before the shell stitch.

1. Pick up Color A (blue), yarn over.
2. Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have 2 loops of one color and 1 loop of the other color. Drop Color A.
3. Pick up Color B (green), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
4. Working in the same stitch: repeat steps 1-3 for the next 2 hdc.
5. For the last hdc of the shell, repeat steps 1 and 2. Then instead of switching to Color B in step 3, just yarn over and pull through all 3 loops with Color A.
   • This ensures that only the top of the shell stitch is in Color B (green) and the rest of the single crochet stitches around it stay in Color A (blue).

One thing to keep in mind is tension. Switching colors so frequently is a bit time consuming and it takes practice to manage your tension, especially when the stitches are taller. Take a quick moment after each stitch to tug any loose strands a little tighter and try to keep the yarn tails on the back organized.

The snowy tree is a great example of this combination of techniques in action. It’s also a sneak peak of a new, upcoming shell pattern for Sammie the Turtle! His pattern is available for free right here on my blog and if you want to check out his other removable shells, you can find them in my Etsy and Ravelry shops.

Summary

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to start experimenting with different shell variations and colors! What other kinds of projects would you use this combination for? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Don’t forget to share this article with your crafty friends and subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a post or a new pattern (*wink, wink*)!

If you liked this article here’s a few more you might enjoy:

• 4 Ways to Seamlessly Change Colors for Amigurumi
• Create Beautiful Color Fades on Your Amigurumi with This Easy Trick
• 4 Useful Crochet Stitches to Add to Your Amigurumi Tool Box
• How to Use Front & Back Loop Stitches for Amigurumi

Have a wonderful day and happy stitching!