Jogless stripes – Crochet blog

Side-by-side crochet swatches showing the difference between a jogged stripe and a jogless stripe, worked in cream yarn with contrasting yellow and purple stripes.

If you’ve ever added colour changes to amigurumi and spotted a visible step or “jog” where the stripe joins, you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. It’s a really common crochet quirk. This is especially true in small, tightly stitched amigurumi. However, it can be a little annoying once you notice it. That tiny step can make your stripes look less smooth and slightly more homemade than you’d like, particularly on high-contrast colour changes or gift-worthy pieces.

The good news? There’s a simple way to create smooth, jogless stripes in amigurumi that instantly makes your work look more polished; and I’m going to share with you how I do it.

Why Do Stripes Jog in Amigurumi?

Amigurumi is usually worked in continuous spiral rounds (without joining).
Because crochet stitches naturally lean, colour changes slowly drift upward, creating that stepped look.

This is most noticeable when:

Using contrasting colours
Making narrow stripes
Working on small plushies

A jogless stripe technique helps visually realign the colour change, even though you’re still crocheting in a spiral.

Crochet swatch showing a stepped jog in a yellow stripe worked in the round, with white arrows highlighting where the colour change shifts between rounds.

Crochet swatch showing a jogless purple stripe worked in the round,

When to Use a Jogless Stripe Technique

This method is perfect for:

Amigurumi toys
Crochet plushies
Striped limbs, bodies, and accessories
Any project worked in continuous rounds where colour changes matter

How to Crochet a Jogless Stripe in Amigurumi (UK Terms)

Step 1: Finish the Last Stitch of the Old Colour

Work the final stitch of the round until the last yarn over.

Step 2: Change to the New Colour

Yarn over with the new colour and pull through to complete the stitch.
This ensures the stitch belongs to the new colour.

Close-up of crochet stitches showing a slip stitch worked through the front loop, with arrows and labels identifying the front loop and back loop.

Step 3: Slip Stitch in the Front Loop

Slip stitch into the front loop only of the next stitch using the new colour. This counts as the first stitch.
This is the key step that softens the jog.

Step 4: Continue Crocheting as Normal

Carry on crocheting in continuous rounds, working into both loops as usual unless your pattern says otherwise.

Why the Front Loop Slip Stitch Works

Close-up of a crochet swatch showing a yellow slip stitch at the back of the work, with an arrow pointing to the slip stitch on the right side.

The front loop sits inside the amigurmi, meaning the join visually lies towards the back of the work when viewed from the right side.
Slip stitching here subtly pulls the colour change backward
This visually levels the stripe without disrupting shaping

It’s especially effective on tightly stitched amigurumi fabric.

Tips for the Neatest Stripes

Keep the slip stitch relaxed, not tight

Place a stitch marker in the slip stitch to remind you that this counts as your first stitch

Always place slip stitch in front loop and work rest of stitches in both loops unless the pattern states otherwise.

Use this technique only at colour changes, not every round

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slip stitching through both loops (less effective)

Not counting the slip stitch as the first st of the round

Pulling the slip stitch too tight

Forgetting you’re still working in a spiral

Final Thoughts

This jogless stripe method is a brilliant little finishing trick — subtle, simple, and perfect for amigurumi. It keeps your stitch count steady. It gives your stripes a cleaner, more intentional look, helping to level up your work — ideal for market stock, custom orders and gifting.

Save this post for later so you can come back to it whenever you’re adding stripes to your makes