How do you carry yarn without it showing when crocheting?

You're right; carrying yarn without it showing when crocheting is often used when working with multiple colors, such as tapestry crochet or intarsia. Here's how you can carry yarn neatly and effectively:

Method 1: Tapestry Crochet

In tapestry crochet, you work over the yarn you're not using, encasing it within your stitches. This method is excellent for projects with frequent color changes.

Steps:

1. Start with Two Colors:
   • Begin with your primary color and crochet as usual.
2. Introduce the Second Color:
   • When you need to switch colors, yarn over with the new color and pull it through the last two loops of the stitch you're finishing.
3. Carry the Yarn:
   • Hold the unused yarn along the top of your row and crochet over it with the working yarn. This will encase the carried yarn within your stitches, hiding it from view.
4. Switching Back:
   • When switching back to the original color, drop the current color and pick up the unused yarn, continuing to crochet over it to carry it within the stitches.

Method 2: Intarsia Crochet

Intarsia crochet is often used for larger blocks of color. Instead of carrying the yarn across the row, you'll have separate balls or bobbins of yarn for each color section.

Steps:

1. Start with Two Colors:
   • Begin crocheting with your primary color.
2. Introduce the Second Color:
   • When you need to switch colors, drop the primary color and pick up the new color. Twist the two yarns around each other at the color change to prevent holes.
3. Keep Yarn Separate:
   • Use separate balls or bobbins for each color section to avoid carrying the yarn across the back of your work. This keeps the yarn from showing through.
4. Weave in Ends Later:
   • Leave the yarn tails at each color change and weave them in later to secure them.

Tips for Both Methods:

• Tension: Keep an even tension when carrying yarn to avoid puckering or loose stitches.
• Consistency: Carry the yarn consistently to maintain a neat appearance on the back of your work.
• Color Dominance: Be mindful of which color is carried inside the stitches, as it can sometimes peek through. The dominant color should be the one you're working with, while the carried color should be tucked neatly inside.

Example (Tapestry Crochet):

Single Crochet Tapestry Technique:

1. With Color A: Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over with Color A, and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
2. To switch to Color B, Drop Color A, pick up Color B, yarn over with Color B, and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.
3. Carry Color A: Continue crocheting with Color B, working over Color A to carry it along.
4. Switch Back to Color A: When needed, drop Color B, pick up Color A, and continue crocheting, working over Color B to carry it.

Remember: The goal is to keep the yarn out of the way while you're working and make sure it's easily accessible when you need it. Using these techniques, you can effectively carry yarn without it showing, resulting in a cleaner, more professional-looking crochet project.