How to Pick the Right Thread Color

You're at the fabric store, excited that you found the perfect fabric for your holiday dress. You just finished grabbing your zipper and now you are standing in front of the wall of spools thinking "Which color will match my fabric?"

Sometimes, this can be the most daunting task. The right thread color can enhance the quality of your garment. Here are a few of my tips on how to flawlessly pick the best thread color for your next garment.

Solid Color Fabric

Pick a thread color that matches your fabric exactly. If you cannot find an exact match it is best to go a shade darker than your fabric. Darker shades are more flattering than lighter shades.

If you are a new sewer and wish to sew with black or white fabric, choose a thread color a shade off that way it is easier to sew. 

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All-over Print Fabric

You have a few options in this scenario. Best bet is to match your thread color to the background color of your fabric. 

You will notice in the last two photos that I pull the thread out off the spool and lay it on the fabric. This is the BEST way to see what that color will potentially look like sewn. The spool on its own is too saturated with color, so pull out a tail and check it. 

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Happy Sewing!
Photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios