How to Add a New RetP Colour - Tunisian Crochet In The Round (TITR)

How to Add a New Return Pass Colour in Tunisian Crochet in the Round

When working Tunisian crochet in the round (TITR) using a no-float method, changing colours on the return pass is required to complete a multicoloured motif. Return pass colour changes are worked on the wrong side (WS) of the fabric.

This tutorial shows how to introduce a new return pass colour. This method is used in No Float colourwork designs where the motif is formed on the return pass and requires multiple colour changes across the design.

When and Why You Need to Change Return Pass Colours

In No Float Tunisian crochet colourwork, the motif is formed on the return pass rather than the forward pass. This is because the motif is based on a reverse stitch, which brings the return pass yarn to the front of the work.

For example, the motif of the Fox Pines motifs, which has multiple colour changes over the course of the design: one colour for the fox ear tips, another for the face, a return to the previous colour for smaller details such as the nose, and later a different colour for the pine trees. Each colour change must occur on the return pass so the correct colour is present when the reverse stitch is worked.

The written pattern will instruct when to change the yarn colour one row before the chart indicates the colour change. This ensures the required colour is already in place when the reverse stitch is formed and the motif is worked for the next round.

Changing colours in this way places the motif correctly without carrying unused yarn across the inside of the fabric.

The instructions below use standard Tunisian crochet terminology, with the return pass worked on the wrong side and the forward pass worked on the right side (RS).

How to Add a New Return Pass Colour (Step by Step)

Follow these steps to introduce a new colour on the return pass.

A: Work to approximately 4–5 stitches before the end of the current round. The blue stitch marker in the image indicates the beginning of the next round.

B: Slide the work to the opposite end of the hook and turn to the wrong side (WS).

C: With the new colour, make a slip knot and attach it to the hook.

D: Pull the new colour (green yarn shown) through the existing return pass yarn loop (cream yarn).

E: Continue working the return pass as instructed by the pattern.

F: Slide the work to the end of the hook, turn to the right side (RS), and continue the forward pass as directed by the pattern.