Judge neighbours, not isolated colours
Lay the yarns beside the colours they will actually touch. Two colours can both look lovely on their own and still merge together in a chart. Lightness contrast describes how light or dark they appear; it is different from choosing different colour names. A pale green and a pale yellow may need more separation than you expect.
Make three decisions
- Choose a main colour, a contrasting colour and, if wanted, a small accent. Give each a clear role.
- Make a short sample in the project’s stitch. Include the actual colour change rather than placing loose strands on the table.
- Look from a little farther away. Can you still see the motif’s outline or the difference between its important areas? If not, change a neighbour before adding more colours.
Use a photograph as an extra check
A greyscale photo can help you notice colours with similar lightness, though phone processing and lighting can change the result. It is a comparison tool, not an exact measurement. For a lettered chart, pay particular attention to the letter and its immediate background. Check the real sample in ordinary light as well as on your screen.
Give the palette a written key
Assign a simple letter to each yarn and keep a physical strand beside its label. A screen hex code is not a universal yarn number. If a colour is essential to understanding a chart, pair it with a symbol or letter so the plan does not rely only on colour perception. Save the key with the project rather than trying to remember it later.
Words in this lesson
Lightness contrast
The difference between the apparent light and dark values of neighbouring colours.
Accent
A colour used in a smaller area to add emphasis.
Notes & further reading
Original explanations and practice exercises by Crochet By Micky. UK stitch names are used; check the stitch key in any other pattern you follow.
Reviewed 25 October 2026. Cover artwork is an original illustration, not a third-party pattern or event photograph.