Why are my embroidery colors not changing correctly?

The most common reasons an embroidery machine uses the wrong thread color are incorrect color changes, a different thread palette, file conversion, or the thread being placed in the wrong position.

Check the Color Sequence

Your embroidery machine follows the color sequence saved in the design file. Make sure the correct thread is loaded when the machine reaches each color change.

Different Thread Palette

Embroidery machines and software may use different thread brands and color charts. A color number in the design may correspond to a different shade in your machine's thread library.

The File Was Converted

Converting a design from one embroidery format to another can sometimes change the color information or color sequence. If possible, use the original file format supported by your machine.

Thread Is in the Wrong Position

If your machine has multiple thread positions, make sure each spool is loaded in the correct position. One thread placed in the wrong position can cause the entire color sequence to appear incorrect.

Check the Color Chart

Use the color chart included with your embroidery design to determine which thread should be used for each color stop. The machine's displayed color may not exactly match the actual thread.

The Machine Display May Be Different

The colors shown on the machine screen are only a digital representation. The actual thread color can look different depending on the machine's thread library and screen settings.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  • Check the design's color sequence.
  • Compare the machine's thread numbers with the design's color chart.
  • Make sure each spool is loaded in the correct thread position.
  • Check whether the design was converted to another file format.
  • Use the recommended thread colors from the design's color chart.
  • Remember that screen colors are only a preview.

Best Tip

If the machine is stitching the correct shapes but the colors are wrong, the problem is usually the thread sequence or color palette rather than the embroidery design itself. Follow the color chart and load each thread when the machine reaches the corresponding color stop.

Source of information: With over 200,000 customers and a private Facebook group with more than 2,000 members, we have heard just about every embroidery question and troubleshooting problem you can imagine. This question has come to us directly from customers by email, through our Facebook page, and in our private Facebook group.

Have another question? See all the answers in our machine embroidery designs FAQ.