One of the most common questions that I get asked is why the designs that I sell/advertise look different to those stitched by customers. More often than not, the answer is simple – its thread choice!
I am not an advocate of having “my” colours blindly used by others – in fact I dislike creating colour charts because I worry that it stalls creativity, however there are some great tips that I have learnt along the way to use colours that you personally like, whilst still getting a great effect.
Main colour – if you look at all designs, there is always a main colour. This is your starting point. Pick a colour instinctively that appeals t you. From here all things will begin.
Depth of colour – is your main colour light, medium or dark?
Tone – does your colour have a white base to it, or a cream base?
Once you have this information – it is easy. Go through the colour chart that comes with your design, and look at how each colour works in relation to the main colour. Is it lighter/darker, where does it sit tonally. With this information, choose colours you like along the same lines. It doesn’t have to be the same colour, so long as it meets the tone and depth criteria.
In the 1st example shown – the original design uses dark cream based colours, all beginning with the flower colour burgundy. By simply changing the main leaf colour to a cream based green, and using a pale yellow flower, we achieve a totally different look.
Julie Hall
Julie Hall Designs is the home of machine embroidery designs and projects for the home user. For information visit www.juliehalldesigns.com.