5 tips for working with dark coloured yarn

Hello! I started a new WiP this week in dark blue, almost black yarn and I suddenly remembered what a strain working with this colour of yarn can be!

Have you ever worked with dark yarn and got yourself in a bit of a muddle too? These yarns can be tricky to work with because the stitches don't show up as clearly as they do for lighter coloured yarn, causing us to put our hook in the wrong place and possibly add or loose stitches.

I'm here today with 4 tips for using dark coloured yarn ...

1. If possible, sit by the window or with really good lighting on your work. Daylight bulbs could be your friend if you need to work in the evenings.

2. Count your stitches at the end of each row/ round. This way if you have made a mistake, you don't have so much to frog!

3. Don't strain your eyes! If you are really stuggling to make out the stitches only work on your dark coloured project for 20 minutes at a time and then switch to something else. 

4. Add a lighter yarn as a contrast. This isn't always possible, but if you think it works with your pattern add in sections of lighter yarn - then you have some rows or rounds where you're working into a lighter coloured stitch.

5.  Go high tech! Lights which hang around your neck and glowing crochet hooks are available - you could give them a try, particularly if in the winter!

I have a bonus tip from a follower too! Place a white cloth on your lap while you're working - the white will shine through the spaces and help you identify them! 

On this occasion, I chose to go with tip no. 4 - the dark yarn was just too much for me! The photo above is a sneak peek of my latest design - stay tuned for more to come on that!

I hope this is helpful if you're ever crocheting with dark yarn. Sign up to my mailing list to receive tips like these, straight to your inbox and to find out what that new project is going to become!

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx