How to Choose Colors for a Colorwork Project: Prism…
Are you ready for another unforgettable year of stitching together? 🎉 The Tournament of Stitches 2025 (#TOS2025) was planned for March but we missed it. So, we are beginning a new make-along for this fun time of here and it is almost here, and the excitement is real!
Whether you’re knitting or crocheting along, one of the most fun—and sometimes most overwhelming—parts of any colorwork project is to choose colors. But together we can choose colors for a colorwork swoncho.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here💖
Want to see past projects from TOS?
Well, I did mention the previous TOS Make-Along. Maybe you want to check out these previous Tournament of Stitches events: https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-mystery-make-along-2022/
https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-2021/
https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-2020/
https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-2019-make-along/
https://marlybird.com/blog/tournament-of-stitches-mystery-make-along/
🎥 Watch the Yarn Reveal + Color Talk:
In this YouTube Live Yarn Unboxing + Color Chat, we dove deep into the yarns, palettes, and strategy behind picking the perfect combo. Didn’t catch the live? Don’t worry—watch the full replay below and keep reading for color-picking tips you can use for #Prism2025 or any colorwork project in your future.
🧶 The Yarn for #Prism2025
We’re working with Swish Yarn from Knit Picks—a soft, bouncy, superwash Merino wool that’s a dream for both knitters and crocheters. You can choose between:
👉 Swish DK Yarn (lighter weight for a more delicate look) — Crochet
👉 Swish Worsted Yarn (cozy, squishy, and great stitch definition) — Knitting
Both options are fantastic for colorwork and come in a stunning range of coordinated solids, which makes pairing shades so much easier.
🎨 How to Choose Colors for a Colorwork Project
I've written an in depth post about choosing colors for stranded colorwork that you can read here. However, let's talk more about the Tournament of Stitches colorwork specifically. Your colors will shine when you’ve got contrast, harmony, and a bit of playfulness. Here's how to create that magic:
1. Start with a Star Color
Pick a color you LOVE. This will be your “hero” or main color. Build the rest of your palette around it.
2. Look for High Contrast
Colorwork patterns need contrast to show up clearly. Use a light, medium, and dark color. Think:
- Light background + dark motif
- Dark background + bold accent
Swatch if you're unsure—what looks good in the skein doesn’t always pop in the stitches!
3. Use a Color Wheel for Balance
Want a modern, eye-catching combo? Try complementary colors (across from each other on the wheel) or analogous colors (next to each other) for a more subtle vibe.
4. Include a ‘Zinger' or a ‘Pop'
Marly’s tip? Add a fun or surprising pop! It doesn’t have to be neon—just something that gives your palette personality. A little goes a long way.
5. Get Inspired by Nature or Favorite Items
Look at photos, fabric, your favorite sweater… nature is the best designer! Or check out the Harmony Swoncho for a great example of colorwork harmony.
📦 Where to Buy Yarn for #Prism2025
Get your hands on these soft and squishy yarns here:
🧶 Swish DK Yarn – Affiliate Link
🧶 Swish Worsted Yarn – Affiliate Link
Not sure how much you need? Don’t worry—details on yardage will be included in your #TOS2025 pattern download (available soon!).
✨ Color Combo Ideas for #Prism2025
Now, I am not sure how many colors I will use for the Prism Make-Along 2025 yet. But looking at colors is a good place to start when choosing colors for colorwork. So, here are a few palettes you could start with in Swish DK or Worsted:
🎨 Color Combo 1 – “Desert Bloom”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Estuary Heather
- Conch
- Solar Flare Heather
- Nutmeg Heather
- Copper
🌵 Vibe: Warm and earthy with coral and rust tones—like a desert sunrise.
🎨 Color Combo 2 – “Modern Monarchy”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- Mint Julep
- Indigo Heather
- Amethyst Heather
- Karma Heather
👑 Vibe: Regal purples and bold contrast with a touch of green for a modern twist.
🎨 Color Combo 3 – “Pop Art Garden”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Lagoon Heather
- Arctic
- Clementine
- Mint Julep
- Indigo Heather
- Amethyst Heather
- Karma Heather
🎉 Vibe: Bright, bold, and playful—a colorful bouquet with contrast!
🎨 Color Combo 4 – “Sun-Kissed Orchard”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Curry
- Nutmeg Heather
- Wonderland Heather
- Conch
- Solar Flare Heather
- Copper
- Cranberry Heather
🍑 Vibe: Harvest tones with pops of sunshine and fruit—fall in yarn form.
🎨 Color Combo 5 – “Forest Fog”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Rainforest Heather
- Estuary Heather
- Arctic
- Delft Heather
- Green Tea Heather
- Voyage Heather
- Wonderland Heather
🌲 Vibe: A misty forest stroll with moody greens and blues.
🎨 Color Combo 6 – “Sugarplum Frost”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Throne
- Indigo Heather
- Haze Heather
- Crush
- Frosting
- White
- Nutmeg Heather
🍬 Vibe: Soft and sweet purples with gentle neutrals for a dreamy finish.
🎨 Color Combo 7 – “Festival Lights”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Crush
- Throne
- Indigo Heather
- Haze Heather
- Arctic
🎆 Vibe: Bold, glowing, and vivid—like a fiber fireworks show.
🎨 Color Combo 8 – “Vintage Carnival”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right): — 9 colors!
- Crush
- Throne
- Indigo Heather
- Haze Heather
- Arctic
- Lagoon Heather
- Conch
- Solar Flare Heather
- Nutmeg Heather
🎪 Vibe: A fun clash of fairground color and nostalgic charm.
🎨 Color Combo 9 – “Urban Rose”
📦 Yarn: Swish DK
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Garnet Heather
- Crush
- Cobblestone Heather
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- Blossom Heather
🌆 Vibe: A moody, romantic mix of grayscale tones and bold berry hues. Think city skyline meets sunset florals.
🎨 Color Combo 10 – “Bold & Balanced”
📦 Yarn: Swish DK
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Garnet Heather
- Crush
- Cobblestone Heather
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- White
⚖️ Vibe: Clean contrast with a bold heart. This palette is striking and sophisticated, perfect for crisp mosaic patterns.
🎨 Color Combo 11 – “Tropical Pop”
📦 Yarn: Swish DK
Colors (left to right):
- Rainforest Heather
- Marina
- Wonderland Heather
- Conch
- Crush
- Frosting
- Blossom Heather
🍍 Vibe: Bright, playful, and fruity! A punchy combo with tropical energy and bubblegum fun.
🎨 Color Combo 12 – “Neon Neutrals”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- White
- Voyage Heather
- Arctic
- Pucker
💡 Vibe: Balanced neutrals with an electric twist. Classic tones meet a flash of neon pink for a striking combo.
🎨 Color Combo 13 – “Retro Diner”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- White
- Voyage Heather
- Arctic
- Serrano
🍒 Vibe: Channel your inner 1950s soda shop! A high-contrast palette with teal and cherry red accents.
🎨 Color Combo 14 – “Sunset Citrus”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- White
- Voyage Heather
- Arctic
- Clementine
🍊 Vibe: Classic neutrals meet a burst of juicy orange. This combo is zesty, modern, and fun.
🎨 Color Combo 15 – “Royal Fade”
📦 Yarn: Swish Worsted
Colors (left to right):
- Black
- Marble Heather
- Dove Heather
- White
- Indigo Heather
- Amethyst Heather
- Karma Heather
👑 Vibe: A grayscale foundation with deep purple highlights—perfect for elegant fades and colorwork gradients.
👯 Join the Prism Make-Along 2025
Whether you’re knitting or crocheting, there’s a place for you in our community. Use hashtag #Prism2025 #MMMDI and tag @themarlybird to share your progress!
Which color combo is your favorite? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram!
💬 Final Thoughts
Picking your colors should feel exciting, not stressful. Trust your instincts, swatch if you’re unsure, and remember: this is your project—make it you! I can’t wait to see all the amazing combos you come up with for Prism Make-Along 2025. 🧶✨
Use hashtag #Prism2025 #MMMDI on social media so I can cheer you on—and don’t forget to tag me @themarlybird and use #MarlyMadeMeDoIt!
If you are a fan of colorwork you should check out the Camp Colorwork Course in the Marly Bird House. You will absolutely LOVE it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn are we using for the Prism Make-Along 2025?
Honestly… we're working with Swish Yarn from Knit Picks! It's this super soft, bouncy Merino wool that's just a dream for both knitting and crocheting. You can grab it in DK weight for a more delicate look or Worsted weight for something cozy and squishy with great stitch definition. Both are awesome for colorwork!
How do I pick the best colors for my colorwork project?
So here's the thing… start with a color you absolutely LOVE, that's your “hero” color. Then, make sure you have good contrast—think light, medium, and dark. Using a color wheel can help you balance things out too, and don't forget to add a little ‘zinger' color for personality! Nature is also a fantastic designer, so look at photos or your favorite things for inspiration.
Are there pre-made yarn bundles available for the Prism Make-Along?
No, sweet crafter… there aren't any pre-made bundles available. I just put together those color combinations as examples to get your creative juices flowing! You'll need to select your colors individually. But don't worry, the yardage details will be in the pattern download when it's ready!
I'm new to the Marly House, will there be videos for the Prism Make-Along?
Yes! You can catch a YouTube Live Yarn Unboxing + Color Chat replay that dives deep into the yarns, palettes, and strategies for picking the perfect combo. While the page doesn't specifically mention left-handed videos, Marly Bird is known for being super inclusive, so I'd keep an eye out or ask in the comments!
Where can I buy the yarn for the #Prism2025 make-along?
You can grab your Swish DK or Swish Worsted yarn right from Knit Picks! I've put affiliate links in the blog post for both the DK and Worsted weights so you can easily find them. Happy shopping, friend!
I’m somewhat new to the Marly House, about a year, and I’ve never done this course before. Will there be videos available for this event? If yes, for the crochet pattern will there be left-handed videos available for your left-handed crafters to view? Thanks so much!!
Looking forward to TOS2025. I love all the color works.
How can we order the yarn bundles for this
There are no bundles available. I just selected colors to put together as examples.