Building a Thread Collection - Getting Started with Isacord
Whether 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 Oat1352 Salmon2900 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.
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