Color Tips for Choosing Embroidery Thread Shades

Picking embroidery thread colors sounds simple until you are looking at several shades of the same red, blue or pink and trying to decide which one is right. With so many options, it is easy to overthink it.

At our Sherman Oaks shop, we work with a wide range of thread colors, and one thing I always recommend is starting simple. You do not need to decide on the exact shade immediately. First, figure out the general color direction.

Tip #1: Start With the Basic Colors

Start by identifying the main colors you actually need.

If the design needs red, yellow and orange, start there. Do not worry yet about whether the red should be cherry, brick, burgundy or something in between. Get the basic palette right first, then narrow down the shades.

Tip #2: Look at the Garment Color

The thread color does not exist on its own—the garment underneath it changes how it looks.

A color that looks perfect on a thread chart can feel completely different once it sits against the actual shirt, jacket or hat. That is why, when possible, I like comparing the thread directly with the garment.

If you want the embroidery to stand out, contrast usually helps—darker or stronger thread on a light garment, or lighter thread on something dark. If you want a quieter look, colors closer to the garment can create a more subtle, tone-on-tone result.

You can browse our embroidery thread colors.

Tip #3: Narrow It Down and Take a Breath

Once you get into the exact shades, this is where people usually start second-guessing themselves.

If you are looking at six versions of the same blue, narrow it down to the two you like most. Seeing two options side by side is much easier than trying to compare an entire wall of thread.

Tip #4: Don’t Stress Over Tiny Differences

Sometimes two shades really are extremely close.

If you are stuck between two shades that look almost identical, there is a good chance most people will not notice the difference once the embroidery is finished. At that point, go with the one you naturally prefer.

Bring the Garment In If You’re Unsure

If color is the part of the project you are struggling with, bring the garment into our Sherman Oaks shop. Seeing the item and thread together usually makes the decision much easier than choosing from a screen.

You can also bring or send your artwork so we can look at the design, garment and color direction together before the embroidery moves forward.

I’m Still Trying to Pick a Color Too

It is completely normal to overthink the color a little, especially when you know the embroidery is going to stay on the garment. But part of the fun is seeing the idea finally come together, so try not to let two nearly identical shades stop the whole project.

I actually wrote this because I have been wanting to embroider one of my favorite denim jackets, and I still have not settled on the thread color. So yes—I understand the problem.

Hopefully, these tips make your own choice a little easier. Start with the basic color, look at it against the garment, narrow the options down, and then trust your eye.

Need help choosing thread colors for your project? Bring your garment to Mr. Stitch in Sherman Oaks or send us your artwork and idea.