Using Yarn Pegs

One of the most joyful parts of crochet is choosing colours.

The right palette can lift a project from lovely to breathtaking. But if you’ve ever stood staring at a pile of yarn wondering whether the colours will work together — you are not alone.

That’s exactly why I love using yarn pegs.

They’re simple, practical, and great for building confidence with playing around with colour.

If you enjoy playing with colour as much as I do, you might also like browsing my full Colour Palette Library, where I share tested combinations from real crochet projects.

What Are Yarn Pegs?

Yarn pegs are simply wooden clothes pegs (or similar) with lengths of yarn wrapped neatly around them. Each peg represents one shade.

You can make your own in an afternoon, or buy ready-made sets from talented makers. Either way, they become the most useful little tools in your colour kit.

Here is a photo of some yarn pegs that I made myself, a few years ago, when I first started playing around with colour — a bit tatty, and haphazard, but they worked.

Yarn pegs made at home

Next is a photo of yarn pegs made by a more professional maker who sells beautifully coordinated sets. You can see how polished and consistent they look — but both versions do exactly the same job.

Professionally made yarn pegs

Why Use Them?

Yarn pegs let you see colours clearly — side by side, in different orders, in different lights — before you commit to a project and start crocheting.

They allow you to:

  • Test contrast and harmony
  • Explore light vs dark balance
  • Adjust colour placement
  • Experiment freely without committing

It is basically colour play without pressure — and that is often when you stumble upon unusual colour combinations that work.

How to Use Yarn Pegs

Step 1: Arrange Your Yarn Pegs

Lay them out on a table and start moving them around.

There is no right or wrong here. This is purely visual experimentation.

  • Group similar shades together for a soft gradient feel.
  • Mix high contrast colours for something bold and playful.
  • Play around with different light, mid and dark tones.
  • Try combinations that feel slightly unexpected.

Step 2: Step Back and Observe

This part is important.

Once you’ve arranged them, step back and really look.

Ask yourself:

  • Does it feel balanced?
  • Is one shade shouting while another disappears?
  • Would a neutral help everything settle together?

Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes it takes a few quiet minutes of looking.

Step 3: Make Small Adjustments

Shift one peg.

Swap two around.

Remove one colour entirely.

Often it’s the tiniest tweak that changes everything. Colour is sensitive — and that is what makes it so exciting to work with.

Step 4: Keep a Visual Record

When you find a combination you love, take a photo.

And take photos of the almost-right combinations too.

Over time, these snapshots become your own personal colour library. You’ll start noticing patterns — the tones you gravitate towards, the contrasts you love, the neutrals that quietly anchor everything.

My phone is absolutely full of yarn peg photos, each one captured so that I have a record of it for later.

Montage of several colour palettes made with yarn pegs

Step 5: Apply Your Palette

Once you are happy, you can confidently transfer the colours into your project.

Yarn pegs are especially helpful for:

  • Granny square blankets — testing which shades sit happily side by side
  • Mosaic wall hangings — planning the flow of contrast
  • Colour-blocked throws or scarves — visualising larger sections before you begin

Gentle Tips for Colour Play

  • Break the “rules.” Crochet is creative — sometimes the so-called clashing combinations are the most memorable.
  • Think about weight. Dark shades feel heavier. Brighter tones feel lighter. Balance them thoughtfully.
  • Keep experimenting. The more you play, the more confident you become.

Why Yarn Pegs Work So Well

They help you to become more confident in developing colour palettes. Over time, choosing colours becomes less overwhelming and far more intuitive.

They let you experiment without waste.

They help you see colour relationships clearly and build trust in your own instincts.

Whether you’re just starting out or you have been crocheting for years, yarn pegs offer a simple, hands-on way to explore colour with curiosity and confidence.

So gather your scraps, wrap a few pegs, and start playing. You might just discover a palette you never expected