How to Create an Embroidery Color Palette from Scratch.

 Let's Create a Color Palette!

Students reading my article on understanding color often ask... “How can I put together a color palette?” And so, I thought I would deal with that question, in short.

Of course, the best way to learn to put together a color palette of your own; is to first understand how color works and it helps to have the guidance of someone proficient, as it is when learning anything new. Once you have conquered the color wheel the next thing is to practice putting together your colors.

Whether you choose to use this article as a guide or not, or even agree with it, is entirely up to you. I acknowledge, that there may be different ways of doing things and you may have a better way. I do concede, however, that this way has simplified what could be a confusing lesson for a beginner.

A step-by-step plan.

The easiest way for those new to color creation to get started creating their color palettes is to do them step-by-step. Here’s a four-step guide that I encourage all my students to use.

Don’t skimp on supplies. The first tip to setting up really effective color palettes is to have enough colors to choose from. This is where I am going to get a little technical and mention a few confusing words, from my post Understanding Color.

A good color palette does not only have its primary, secondary, and tertiary colors; it implements color in all its forms. So having ribbons, or threads in a variety of hues, tints, tones, and shades will make your palettes both tasteful and realistic.

Pick a picture, any picture. Before you can create a color palette you need to first decide what you want to create… is it a floral pattern? Or a needle painting of a favorite landscape or family pet? Whatever the choice, start by deciding on the picture; then start putting your color palette together.

Build a palette that works. Now begin to choose your colors. Your color palette can have three or more colors depending on the number of elements in the picture.

This color palette courtesy of Pinterest
is built on the 4 forms of color.

A landscape will have more elements than a vase of flowers because it has more detail. It will also have more hues, tints, tones, and shades. Choose the colors that are identical or closest to the colors in your picture.

Practice, Practice, Practice! Being skilled at creating color palettes will take time. It takes time to put colors together and it takes time to learn to use color to its best effect.

Even the best of us need practice before we can get things right in one go. There have been so many times when I have wished I used a different color from the one I originally chose, and in some instances, I reworked sections of my embroidery because I was unhappy with my first choice.

So take the time to experiment, to work one step at a time, until creating color palettes becomes familiar.

The Deonne's World Embroidery community has lessons, workshops, and masterclasses that teach you everything you need to know about color; composition, and the tips and tricks of putting it all together. You can avail yourself of these with just a call or WhatsApp message.