Building a Thread Collection

Building a Thread CollectionWhether you are just getting started or are a seasoned thread collector, it’s good to know what colors to have on hand that will allow you to complete projects on a whim.

At OESD, we are big fans of Isacord thread. We use it exclusively for testing and stitching our embroidery designs because of its high quality and consistency. Having 423 colors to work with is also a big plus for our artists and digitizers – it helps them find exactly the color they need to create beautiful works of art.

Of course, while every embroiderer might be dreaming of owning all 423 colors, it might not be feasible for us to start there! When building a thread library, you want to start with 3-4 shades of each major color, plus the basic neutrals like black, white and gray. Then, start filling in with more specialty colors as you are able.

Here is a recommendation of colors to get you started, in sets of 30. Set 1 has the most commonly used colors and gives you a good basic selection. As you add sets 2 and 3, you will have more shades to create depth and highlights in realistic floral and animal embroidery designs.

Set 1: Basics

0020 Black
2123 Bordeaux
2810 Orchid
0015 White
1760 Twine
2830 Wild Iris
0520 Daffodil
0853 Pecan
3045 Cachet
0640 Parchment

0932 Nutmeg
2155 Pink Tulip
0311 Canary
1055 Bark
2550 Soft Pink
3640 Lake Blue
1102 Pumpkin
2220 Tropicana
3600 Nordic Blue
1220 Apricot

5610 Bright Mint
3543 Royal Blue
1300 Tangerine
5833 Limabean
1902 Poinsettia
0142 Sterling
5422 Swiss Ivy
1600 Spanish Tile
0111 Whale
0660 Vanilla

Set 2:

0672 Baguette
1800 Wildfire
4421 Light Mallard
0761 Oat
1352 Salmon
2900 Deep Purple
0873 Stone
1362 Shrimp
2905 Iris Blue
0010 Silky White

1114 Clay
3040 Lavender
4174 Charcoal
1334 Spice
0800 Golden
3650 Ice Cap
2160 Iced Pink
0811 Candlelight
3962 River Mist
2153 Dusty Mauve

0824 Liberty
3953 Ocean Blue
2152 Heather Pink
0851 Old Gold
1730 Persimmon
4111 Turquoise
0870 Muslin
1725 Terra Cotta
4240 Spearmint
1876 Chocolate

Set 3:

0352 Marsh
2220 Tropicana
0132 Dark Pewter
0345 Moss
2320 Raspberry
3331 Cadet Blue
0453 Army Drab
0270 Buttercream
1876 Chocolate
1060 Shrimp Pink

0713 Lemon
1342 Rust
1061 Taupe
0704 Gold
5643 Green Dust
0970 Linen
3353 Light Midnight
3600 Nordic Blue
1921 Blossom
6011 Tamarack

3900 Cerulean
1911 Foliage
5933 Grasshopper
3241 Amethyst
1912 Winterberry
6156 Olive
0771 Rattan
2171 Blush
0131 Smoke
2650 Impatiens

 

Isacord thread can be purchased here.

This material is © OESD, LLC and may not be reproduced or published without permission.