Today, as a cross stitch designer, I am giving you express permission to change the colours of our designs!
We all know that feeling when you come across the perfect pattern, but the colours just don't quite match your vibe. But with a little creativity and know-how, and a little bravery, you can easily swap out those hues for ones you love!
How to Colour Substitute Like a Pro:
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Shop Your Stash: Take inventory of the embroidery floss colours you already have in your collection. You might be surprised by the range of hues you already own. Use this as a starting point for your colour substitution journey.
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Retail Therapy: If you're looking to expand your colour palette, head to your local craft store and browse the embroidery floss aisle. Gather all the colours that catch your eye and lay them out together to see how they look side by side. This hands-on approach allows you to visualise how different colours interact and make informed decisions about substitutions.
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Mix and Match: Once you have your potential substitute colours in front of you, it's time to play around! Experiment with swapping out colours in the pattern to see how they affect the overall look and feel. Don't be afraid to mix and match – sometimes unexpected combinations yield the most stunning results!
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Online Inspiration: Can't make it to the store? No problem! Take advantage of the wealth of resources available online. Websites like DMC's official site offer detailed images of their thread colours, making it easy to browse and compare shades from the comfort of your own home. Simply pull up a few images of the colours you're considering and see how they stack up against each other.
Tips for Substituting Colours:
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Colour Wheel Magic: Start by identifying the colours in the original pattern and selecting hues that complement or contrast with them on the colour wheel. For example, if the pattern features a lot of warm tones like reds and oranges, consider swapping them out for cooler shades like blues and greens for a fresh twist.
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Test Swatches: Before committing to your colour substitutions, it's always a good idea to stitch up a small swatch using your chosen threads. This allows you to see how the colours look together in the fabric and make any adjustments as needed.
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Play with Shades: Don't be afraid to experiment with different shades and tones of the same colour. Adding depth and dimension to your stitching can create stunning visual effects and breathe new life into your project.
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Trust Your Instincts: At the end of the day, trust your instincts and go with what feels right to you. Cross stitch is all about expressing your creativity, so don't be afraid to think outside the box and put your own spin on things.
Enter Spruce Craft Co: Your Colourful Companion
Now, you might be thinking, "But where do I find patterns that are easy to customise?" That's where Spruce Craft Co comes in! Our digital download patterns are geared towards beginner stitchers, with lots of outlines and block colours, which are perfect for colour substitution.
With our extensive collection of digital patterns, you'll find everything from quirky quotes to charming motifs, all ready for you to make your own. Simply download your chosen pattern, select your preferred colours, and get stitching! Plus, with new patterns added regularly, there's always something fresh and exciting to inspire your next project.
