How to Use a Color Chart for Your Machine Embroidery Design Project

Finding the perfect shade for a design can be difficult, and it can be even more frustrating when the colors don't come out as expected on the embroidery machine. One common issue is that not all machines have the same palettes installed, meaning they may not accurately display the intended colors. 

At our company, we understand the importance of color accuracy in embroidery designs. Having the correct color chart is crucial when working on an embroidery project. That's why we give our customers a color chart to ensure they know exactly what shades they're working with. By taking advantage of this helpful tool, embroiderers can avoid costly mistakes and guarantee their finished products will meet their standards and customers' standards.

For example, let's look at the color chart "Christmas nativity scene of Joseph and Mary Machine Embroidery Design - 6 sizes" and see that it can benefit an embroidery project.

You have downloaded the ZIP archive. You need to open it and extract the files.

This design includes six sizes so that you will see six folders. Each folder contains one size of the design. This means that it is compatible with all formats for embroidery machines. For example, let's look at folder number one.

Please pay attention to the COLOR files. This color chart can be viewed on any computer simply by opening it in photo view mode. 

How to Use a Color Chart for Your Design Project

Open the file RPE-3370-color. A color map chart seems like a small, insignificant tool, but it can be incredibly helpful in embroidery. A color chart can provide valuable insight. And because our color map fits on an A4 sheet and can easily be printed from a printer, it's always at hand for quick reference during the design process. But our color map is more than just a simple selection guide - it's an essential tool for creating visually stunning and cohesive designs.

1 - Name (article) of Royal Present Embroidery design.

2 - This block displays the design dimensions, the number of stitches, and the number of thread changes. It will also tell you how much thread you will need for this project.

3 - As you can see, this design is not shown in actual size. The size of this design on this sheet is 80%. This means that the design is bigger than it appears on the sheet. There are more color maps in our ZIP archive. Let's see where they are.

If a design is too big to fit on one sheet of paper, we split the design into pieces so that it can be printed on multiple sheets of paper and glued together.

This means that when you glue two sheets of paper together, you will have a full-sized design that you can place on the fabric for embroidering in the correct spot.

Let's take a closer look at our color map using the first image as an example.

4 - Choosing the right thread colors is crucial when creating a stunning embroidery design. Our block contains all 19 thread colors used in the design, each from the Madeira Classic brand and with a corresponding number in their palette.  
The Madeira Classic threads provide exceptional quality for long-lasting and vibrant color, ensuring that the finished product will be a true masterpiece. 

5 - The Design Center is critical when you are doing machine embroidery. The X and Y axes guides help you correctly place the design on the fabric.

6 - Design sequence info. If you want to embroider something, it can be helpful to know the sequence of the stitches and what color thread to use. With these tips, you'll be able to embroider like a pro!

The color chart is an indispensable assistant in machine embroidery. It helps you choose the colors that will look best together and preview how your design will look when it’s finished. With this knowledge, you can confidently embroider beautiful designs with vibrant colors that wow your customers. Try using the color map to help with your machine embroidery projects.

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Author: Ludmila Konovalova

My name is Lyudmila Konovalova, and I lead Royal Present Embroidery. Embroidery for me is more than a profession; it is a legacy of my Ukrainian and Bulgarian heritage, where every woman in my family was a virtuoso in cross-stitch and smooth stitching. This art, passed down through generations, is part of my soul and a symbol of national pride.

Date: 24.10.2022