How To Create Your Own Color Palettes. A Step-by-Step Guide.

Creating an Embroidery Color Palette from Scratch.

Hello Dear Friends,

Create Your Own Color Palettes.

Students reading my article on color theory often ask, "How can I put together my own color palettes?” I thought I would answer that question in short.

Of course, the best way to learn to create a color palette is to first understand how color works and It helps to have the guidance of someone proficient, as it does when learning anything new or complex. 

Once you have conquered the color wheel, you should practice creating your own color palettes.

Whether you choose to use this article as a guide or even agree with it, is entirely up to you... there may be different ways of doing things and your teacher may have a better way. 

However, I concede that this way has simplified what could be a confusing lesson for beginners.

Creating Your Color Palette - A step-by-step plan.

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

1. Don’t skimp on supplies. 

On my first trip to the store, I first bought the colors that I loved best. I then added to that some colors from the color wheel, including black and white and I kept adding to my collection every time I visited the embroidery store.

So my first tip for 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 words from my Color Theory masterclass.

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, tones, tints, and shades will make your palettes both tasteful and realistic.

2. 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 choosing a picture or photograph. A good source for pictures is to subscribe to Pinterest or other stock photo sites.

An example of a good picture for a beginner from Pinterest.

Since you are beginning to create color palettes choose a

simple picture, with not too many color elements. 

 A good picture for a beginner contains three to five color elements. 

You can now start creating your color palette.

3. Build a palette that works. 

Begin to choose your colors. Your color palette can have three or more colors depending on the number of elements in the picture.

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.

4. 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 carefully unpicked sections and reworked them because I was unhappy with my first choice.

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

The best way to practice is to continue working on simple projects. These projects help you practice, not only creating color palettes but they help you perfect stitches, texture, composition, and detail.

The Tiny Strand Stitchery 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 through our social media DMs, email, or a WhatsApp message and by following us, subscribing, and leaving your comments.

My next masterclass will teach you how to add detail to needle paintings and other works of art. So join me next time and don't forget to take some time to leave a comment or question. 

Until next time... Happy Sewing!