Have you ever thought about using a color wheel when you crochet to help you put together great color combos that produce eye-catching results? We all have our favorite colors and color combinations to crochet, but sometimes we just get stuck trying to decide which colors would go together well in our projects.

There are numerous styles of color wheels. The one shown below is very basic and simple to use.

Color Wheel

Locate the main color you’d like to use for your afghan. Blending colors can be chosen from the two wedges to the right or left, depending on the look you want to achieve. Contrasting colors are directly across from the main color.

Triad color schemes can be created by choosing the colors that create an equilateral triangle with your main color. On a 12-part color wheel, the lines of an equilateral triangle would select every fourth color. So, for example, if the main color on your crochet project is blue, the triad colors are yellow and red.

All colors on the color wheel are numbered according to value, so if you wish to crochet a project using an unusual color scheme, choose colors that are the same values. You can create an unlimited number of gorgeous color combinations using colors from any value group (all No. 3’s, for example). For an exciting color scheme, choose black, gray, navy, brown or white, and accent with one or more vivid colors.

Let’s say you are crocheting an afghan as a gift. You might like to choose colors that reflect the personality of the recipient. Yellows are cheerful and bright. Reds are passionate and aggressive. Blues are calm and cool. Purples are regal and starlike. Oranges are warm and cozy. Greens, depending on whether they are more blue or more yellow, can be cool or vibrant.

If you want to  crochet an afghan or other decorative accessories for your own home, work up swatches in several possible color combinations. Look at them from a distance rather than close up, preferably in the location where you plan to use the pieces. You will get a more realistic view of how the color combination will look and which combinations  you prefer.

Have fun experimenting with the color wheel and seeing what fabulous color combinations you can put together for your projects. The possibilities are virtually endless!

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