Color Changes Techniques Compared: SC vs. BLO SC

Creating adorable amigurumi and plush toys is a delightful journey, and incorporating color changes adds a vibrant touch to your cuddly creations.

But have you ever wondered about the subtle difference between using single crochet stitches (sc) and single crochet in back loops only (sc blo) for color changes?

This guide will unravel the mysteries of both techniques, empowering you to make informed decisions for flawless color transitions.

 

 

Unveiling the Look: A Tale of Two Stitches

 

Single Crochet (SC): The Classic Way

This technique offers a distinct visual effect. By inserting your hook into both loops of the stitch, you create a more prominent ridge along the color change line. This ridge adds a decorative element, mimicking a ribbed knit stitch and offering a textured contrast. However, it's important to be aware of the following:

More Prominent Color Separation: The ridge creates a more noticeable separation between colors, especially with contrasting hues. This can be desirable for highlighting color changes, but might not be ideal for subtle transitions.

Serrated Line: The ridge can appear slightly serrated, especially with thicker yarns. This adds a textured look but can also make the color change line appear less smooth.

Slight Shape Distortion: Because the new colors involves both loops the visible area of the first color appears smaller.

Whether these characteristics are considered positive or negative depends on the desired effect for your project.

 

Single Crochet in Back Loops Only (SC BLO)

This technique offers a distinct visual effect, creating a more prominent separation between colors. Here's what to consider when using sc blo:

Distinct Color Separation: The ridge creates a clear separation between colors as with the front loop being visibleyou create a line optic, especially with contrasting hues. This can be ideal for highlighting stripes or colorwork patterns.

Textured Look: The sc blo stitch creates a ribbed texture that adds a decorative element, mimicking a knitted look. This can be a great way to add visual interest to your amigurumi.

Serrated Line: As only the back loop is engaged in sc blo, the bottom row of stitches with the new color may recede slightly, resulting in a subtle shape distortion. This phenomenon is more noticeable in rounded features of amigurumi, where precise stitch placement is crucial for maintaining symmetry.

 

Conclusion

The choice between single crochet and single crochet in back loops only (sc blo) boils down to your creative vision. Experiment with both techniques on a swatch to see how they interact with your chosen yarn colors and amigurumi pattern. There's no right or wrong answer – embrace the creative freedom and choose the method that best complements your amigurumi masterpiece!

 

Happy crocheting and crafting stunning color changes!