How to Choose Colors for a Colorwork Project: Tournament of Stitches 2025 Edition 
Are you ready for another unforgettable year of stitching together? 
The Tournament of Stitches 2025 (#TOS2025) 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.
Want to see past projects from TOS?
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 #TOS2025 or any colorwork project in your future.
The Yarn for #TOS2025
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 #TOS2025
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 #TOS2025
Now, I am not sure how many colors I will use for the Tournament of Stitches 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 Tournament of Stitches 2025
Whether you’re knitting or crocheting, there’s a place for you in our community. Use hashtag #TOS2025 #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 Tournament of Stitches 2025.
Use hashtag #TOS2025 #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!
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!!