Color theory made practical

How to choose yarn colors that work together.

A few simple color relationships can make choosing from a large yarn stash much easier.

Analogous colors

Colors next to each other on the color wheel usually create a smooth, coordinated feeling. Examples include blue with blue-green and green, or red with red-orange and orange.

Complementary colors

Colors opposite each other create stronger contrast. They can be energetic and clear, but one color often works better as the dominant hue while the other acts as an accent.

Triadic colors

Three more evenly spaced hues can create variety without relying on a single opposite pair. Adjusting saturation can make a triadic palette bold or surprisingly soft.

Muted versus vibrant matters

Harmony is not only about hue. Dusty versions of several colors may coordinate beautifully even when their brighter versions feel too intense together.

Texture changes perception

Fuzzy, glossy, heathered and variegated yarns can change how a color reads. Use color theory as a starting structure, then judge the actual yarns together.

YarnChooser lets you compare different harmony styles using the photographed colors from your own stash.