Embroidery Designs and Thread Colors for Machine Embroidery Sewing

I wish that I had a nickel for each time I've been asked for the "exact" colors I used in aan embroidery design or for a conversion chart for specific embroidery thread brands - I would be a very wealthy woman!

Everyone seems to think that someone is going to knock on their door with a search warrant if they don't use the exact colors a designer used in the test sew out or the color numbers used in the stitch directions.

Not so - if you don't "think outside the box" and use colors that you enjoy, or just prefer, you are really missing the real fun of machine embroidery! Come to think of it, I don't believe that I've ever used the exact color on any design I've ever stitched in 6+ years-some because I didn't have the exact color & others due to a dislike of the colors used. Not only do you expand your design library, but you make each design a more personal experience & you sure won't see your embroidery friends wearing the same design!

Following are some tips to help you to "think outside the box":

1. One misconception is that changing the colors of a design violates a designer's copyright. I don't think that any designer has a "color change" clause in their copyright terms.

2. If you like the colors the designer used, don't fret if you don't have the exact same color in the thread brand used or the brand you prefer. Colors do not have to be exact-a color shade lighter or darker, or even a different tone will not be noticeable when the design is finished.

3. Learn to adjust colors for different fabric colors! Have you ever finished stitching a design on denim & wondered why it didn't look like the image shown on white? All colors take on a different look each time they are stitched on a different color background. If you have the background color change feature in your embroidery software, use it to help you determine when you will need to make a color switch to help the design show up better. If you don't have this feature in your software, keep various colors of felt or fabric on hand to test stitch your designs before putting them on a project. There's nothing worse than having a disappointing finished project.

4. Try stitching some designs in one color instead of the numerous colors a designer used. There are many designs that would lend themselves to an outstanding tone-on-tone design by just using your imagination! Tone-on-tone motifs make any design more "classy" on any garment or project.

The perfect example is a single pink rose with a green stem & leaves. Test that same rose using thread color/s in either lighter or darker shades of the fabric color. [If the design has shading, substitute darker shades of the same color for the shading.]

5. Look through your entire design library to see where you can change the look of a design by just changing the color! I doubt you have even one design that couldn't be given a "designer" look by a color change - even fruit or flowers!

Remember, "think outside the box", or you are missing out on the enjoyment & ability to expand your creativity to optimize the use of your designs! To see what I mean, take a look at the photo of my finished wind jacket post on our web site! I didn't look at the colors in my own stitch directions to sew these out - I just used the colors that I liked & would show up best on the jacket color.

Sandy Carter is the author of embroidery articles at embroidery designs by Thread Artist. She has an article about embroidery software for digitizing and lettering fonts at embroidery software. There is free embroidery digitizing Tutorial at this web address - embroidery by Thread Artists

In The News:

---

History of Kokeshi Wooden Dolls from Japan

Little is known of the early history of Kokeshi Japanese... Read More

Antiques From Europe...Is It Really The Goose That Layed the Golden Egg?

Many dealers and auctioneers have been bringing container loads of... Read More

Gold Jewelry Hallmarking Secrets Revealed

We should be familiar with the BASIC hallmarks mentioned on... Read More

How to Use Feathers and Dried Flowers to Give Your Scrapbooks an Artistic Feel

Feathers make exotic and interesting embellishments and borders. Feathers add... Read More

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's... Read More

Copyright: Five Facts Every Scrapbooker Needs To Know!

Here are five basic things that EVERY scrapbooker should know... Read More

Bookmarks As Unique As You

Racks and racks of bookmarks ranging from funny to inspirational... Read More

Gemstone Collecting

Personally, I have become fascinated with gemstones (precious and semi-precious... Read More

Rare Depression Glass Pieces

Depression Glass - The Rare PiecesDid you know that if... Read More

Sharing Journals

Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and journaling,... Read More

Embroidery Designs Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software program was created with multiple function... Read More

How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work

Many thanks for taking the time to read this compact... Read More

Essentials of Genealogy - Getting Started with Your FamilyTree

Since genealogy is my hobby, my profession, and my passion,... Read More

Money Making Hobbies - Which Ones?

Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made... Read More

Turn An Arts And Crafts Hobby Into A Business

Are you searching for a quick way to make an... Read More

An Interesting Look at the Cuban Cigar

Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore... Read More

Roasting Your Own Coffee - A Hobby You Can Love

There is nothing like a cup of coffee that has... Read More

Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

One of the most popular party favors is a framed... Read More

How to Make Quilted Silver Beads

After making the leaf bead, I was impressed with the... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Swords Online

Looking at all the various swords for sale online can... Read More

Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?

If you are involved in the crafts business, and are... Read More

Easy Crafts for Kids - Help with Learning

According to the research on child cognitive development, making use... Read More

Tips for Attending Gemstone Shows

If you've been to gem shows, you know how overwhelming... Read More

Airbrush for Profit - Sell Your Services to Colleges

Colleges, schools, university and the like are one way you... Read More

Antique Delft and Very Collectible Tiles and Ceramics: Beginners Start Here

So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure... Read More

How to Use Textured Paper and Book Jacket Backgrounds to Give Your Scrapbook Dimension

Textured paper can add extra dimension to your scrapbooking page.... Read More

Marking Tools and Laser Marking Machines for Marking on Metals

Marking tools are used for marking metals and non-metal surfaces.... Read More

How to Make Your Civil War Uniform Shirt

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your... Read More

Fun with Origami!

Storing origamiThis is a great question. Many people want to... Read More

Pagan Crafts

Greetings to all Crafty Pagans,Witches and those who want to... Read More

Scrapbooking Those Memories!

You will find scrapbook supplies for photos and pictures in... Read More

Choosing The Correct Comic Book Storage Box

Most Comic Book Storage Boxes are super strong and come... Read More

Diecast Collectibles: The Collectors? Guide to Making a Profit

Millions of people have made a hobby of collecting items... Read More