If you want “perfect” stripes in your amigurumi, you need to use joined rounds, versus continuous rounds. Don’t know what I am talking about? Read my joined rounds tutorial first before continuing with this tutorial on colour changes!

I don’t use any fancy techniques for my stripes. No cutting of the yarn after every round, using a needle, or removing your hook from the working loop to conduct some intricate manoeuvring – and I think my stripes come out really great!

I use the simple method of changing colours during the last yarn over of a stitch. Unfamiliar with this method? Read my general colour change tutorial first! Which stitch you change colours in differs, however, when you are working in both loops vs. back loop only (blo), so make sure you choose the method that is appropriate for your pattern.

Both loops:

When working in both loops for your amigurumi, change colours at the last yarn over of the last stitch of the round, BEFORE the joining slst. Photos: (a) just before last sc of rnd; (b) just after last sc of rnd, with new colour added during last yarn over; (c) just after joining slst and ch with new colour; (d) result!

BLO:

When working in the blo for your amigurumi, change colours at the starting chain of the round, AFTER the joining slst. Photos: (a) just after the joining slst of previous rnd; (b) making the ch at start of rnd with new colour; (c) just after ch with new colour; (d) result!

I now have a video demonstrating both these techniques! Find it on my YouTube channel: stripes video tutorial

I really love these simple ways to create great stripes, and I hope you do to!