Embroidery Thread Chart Converter – Professional Color Matching Tool

How to Use This Free Thread Charter Converter Tool

Converting thread colors between brands is simple and precise with our CIE Lab-based matching system:

Step 1: Select Your Source Brand Choose the thread brand from your original design file or current inventory (Madeira, Isacord, Robison-Anton, etc.)

Step 2: Enter the Thread Code Input the specific color code (e.g., “Madeira 1801” or “Isacord 0015”)

Step 3: Choose Your Target Brand Select the brand you want to convert to based on your available inventory

Step 4: Review Your Matches The tool displays ranked results with Delta E values. Lower Delta E (under 1.0) means imperceptible difference to the human eye.

Bonus Step: For any codes/colors if you cannot find matches by searching on main tool page. You can naviagate to browse chart section on tool. Try to explore all colors on the page for individual brand and if you find the required color click on convert in front of each color to auto-populate to converter tool. The main tools search field/function is effective and will pull data of all relevant colors with colors-name partial letters as well.

Pro Tip: For critical color matching in corporate branding, always verify with a physical sample under your production lighting conditions.

Download Thread charts:

Madeira Polyneon 40 Thread Chart
Isacord 40 Thread Chart
Brother Country Thread Chart
Wilcom Thread Chart
Pantone Solid Coated(Approx) Thread Chart
Madeira Rayon 40 Thread Chart
Dmc Cotton Thread Chart
Sulky Rayon Thread Chart
Robison Anton Poly Thread Chart
Gunold Poly  Thread Chart
Marathon Poly Thread Chart
Floriani Poly Thread Chart

Why Accurate Thread Conversion Matters

The Problem with Manual Matching

Traditional embroidery thread conversion relies on printed charts that become outdated when manufacturers change dye formulas or discontinue colors. Visual matching under different lighting conditions produces inconsistent results, costing you time and money on production errors.

The Science Behind Our Tool

Our Free Thread Chart Converter for embroidery uses CIE Lab color space technology—the same mathematical standard used by color scientists worldwide. Instead of subjective visual comparison, we calculate the geometric distance between colors in three-dimensional space:

  • Delta E < 1.0: Imperceptible difference
  • Delta E 1.0-2.0: Acceptable for standard production
  • Delta E > 3.0: Visible difference requiring verification

This thread color chart technology accounts for how the human eye actually perceives color, independent of screen brightness or room lighting.

Supported Thread Conversions

Our embroidery thread converter handles all major brand-to-brand conversions with mathematical precision. Whether you’re switching suppliers, working with client-specified designs, or managing mixed thread inventories, we provide accurate color matching across the industry’s leading brands.

Popular Conversion Pairs

The most requested professional conversion. Both brands offer extensive 400+ color palettes covering commercial spectrums. Our Madeira to Isacord conversion achieves exceptional accuracy due to similar gamut coverage and professional-grade dye formulations. Ideal for shops transitioning from European to North American supply chains.

Reverse conversion for digitizers working with Isacord-based designs who need Madeira inventory compatibility. Our Isacord to Madeira conversion maintains color fidelity across both Polyneon (polyester) and Classic Rayon lines, with clear Delta E ratings for each match.

Essential for home embroiderers upgrading to commercial production. Brother to Isacord conversion maps the limited 63-color Brother palette to Isacord’s robust industrial range. Our algorithm identifies the closest Isacord matches for every Brother embroidery thread color, enabling professional-quality output.

Convert professional designs down to home machine capabilities. Isacord to Brother conversion intelligently groups similar commercial colors into available Brother options, with transparency about which shades require compromise due to palette limitations.

Bridge the gap between professional digitizing and consumer equipment. Madeira to Brother conversion handles both Polyneon and Rayon sources, mapping to the standard Brother 63-color set with accuracy ratings for each conversion.

Expand Brother-based designs for commercial production. Brother to Madeira conversion provides upgrade paths to both Polyneon (durability) and Rayon (sheen) options, with multiple match alternatives for maximum flexibility.

Corporate branding demands precise Pantone color matching. Our converter translates Pantone Solid Coated references to physical thread equivalents across all major brands:

Convert Pantone color specifications to Madeira Polyneon or Rayon threads. Our Pantone to Madeira conversion calculates Delta E accuracy for realistic client expectations, identifying when exact matches exist versus best-available approximations.

Match corporate brand standards to industrial-grade polyester thread. Pantone to Isacord conversion is optimized for logo work, uniforms, and branded merchandise where color consistency is critical across production runs.

Adapt brand guidelines for home embroidery applications. Pantone to Brother conversion transparently shows which corporate colors fall within the 63-color Brother palette and which require compromise, essential for small-batch custom work.

North American shops specify Pantone colors for RA thread inventory. Our Pantone to Robison-Anton conversion handles both Super Strength Rayon and Super Brite Polyester lines, with fiber-specific recommendations based on application requirements.

North American shops specify Pantone colors for RA thread inventory. Our Pantone to Robison-Anton conversion handles both Super Strength Rayon and Super Brite Polyester lines, with fiber-specific recommendations based on application requirements.

Essential for North American Wilcom users. Wilcom to Isacord conversion ensures design files created in Wilcom’s color system translate accurately to Isacord’s industrial thread range, preserving artistic intent across the digital-physical divide.

Enable Wilcom-digitized designs on home equipment. Wilcom to Brother conversion intelligently maps professional color selections to consumer thread availability, with clear documentation of necessary color substitutions.

Our Wilcom embroidery thread conversions support all major target brands. Whether converting Wilcom designs to Sulky, Gunold, Marathon, or Floriani threads, our system maintains color fidelity across the entire Wilcom palette.

Additional Supported Conversions

Robison-Anton Thread Conversions
  • Robison-Anton to Madeira conversion
  • Robison-Anton to Isacord conversion
  • Robison-Anton to Brother conversion
  • Robison-Anton Rayon to Polyester internal conversions
Sulky Thread Conversions
  • Sulky to Madeira conversion
  • Sulky to Isacord conversion
  • Sulky Rayon to Poly Deco internal conversions
Gunold Thread Conversions
  • Gunold to Madeira conversion
  • Gunold to Isacord conversion
  • Gunold specialty threads to standard polyester equivalents
Marathon Thread Conversions
  • Marathon to Madeira conversion
  • Marathon to Isacord conversion
  • Marathon to Robison-Anton conversion
Floriani Thread Conversions
  • Floriani to Madeira conversion
  • Floriani to Isacord conversion
  • Floriani Chrome to standard polyester conversions
Universal Conversions
  • Hex code to any thread brand conversion
  • RGB values to thread color matching
  • Pantone to any supported brand conversion
  • Any brand to any brand bidirectional conversion

Supported Thread Brands & Charts

Premium Professional Threads

Madeira Thread Colors The global standard for commercial embroidery. Our converter includes both Polyneon (polyester) and Classic Rayon lines with complete color matching between the two distinct palettes.

  • Madeira Polyneon: 400+ industrial-grade polyester colors
  • Madeira Rayon: Superior sheen for fashion and delicate fabrics
  • Full Madeira thread conversion to all major brands

Isacord Embroidery Thread The industrial workhorse for high-speed production environments. Our Isacord thread chart includes nearly 400 continuous filament polyester colors engineered for speeds exceeding 1,000 stitches per minute.

  • Complete Isacord color chart integration
  • Isacord thread conversion optimized for corporate branding palettes
  • Ideal for shops requiring maximum durability

Robison-Anton Thread Colors North America’s legacy standard with distinct Rayon (2000 series) and Polyester (5000/9000 series) numbering systems. Our Robison Anton thread conversion chart handles both lines independently.

  • Super Strength Rayon: Known for glassy, high-luster finish
  • Super Brite Polyester: Consistent commercial performance
  • Critical for legacy design file compatibility

Specialty & Consumer Threads

Sulky Thread Chart Dominant in quilting and fiber arts with extensive rayon offerings. Our Sulky conversion chart handles both 40wt Rayon and Poly Deco lines across all weight variations.

Brother Embroidery Thread Colors Complete coverage of the standard 63-color consumer palette. Our converter intelligently maps larger commercial palettes down to available Brother embroidery thread options.

Gunold Thread Selection Includes Poly 40 standard weight, commercial Sulky rayon, and specialty lines like Filaine (acrylic) and Cotty (cotton) with texture-aware matching.

Marathon Thread Color Chart High-quality, value-positioned alternative with exceptionally vibrant rayon colors. Extensive Marathon thread conversion for cost-conscious production shops.

Floriani Thread Color Chart High-sheen polyester that mimics rayon performance. Rich in saturated tones optimized for the Floriani software ecosystem.

Additional Supported Brands:

  • Pantone thread color chart
  • DMC color chart (hand embroidery floss reference)

Advanced Color Matching Features

Pantone to Thread Conversion

Corporate branding demands precise color matching. Our Pantone thread chart feature calculates the closest available match from physical thread inventories:

  • Input any Pantone Solid Coated reference (e.g., PMS 485 C)
  • Receive Delta E accuracy ratings for realistic expectations
  • Understand the “gamut gap” between ink and dye chemistry

Important: Pantone contains thousands of colors; thread palettes typically offer 300-400. We find the mathematically closest match, not perfection.

Hex Code & RGB Conversion

Digital designers working in Hex codes can use our thread color match feature to bridge the digital-physical divide:

  • Convert web colors (#FF5733) to thread equivalents
  • Understand why screens always appear more vibrant than physical thread
  • Use as a starting point for color discussions with clients

The RGB Reality: Monitors emit light (additive color). Thread reflects ambient light (subtractive color). Perfect screen-to-thread matching is physically impossible.

Real-Time Data Synchronization

Unlike static PDF conversion charts, our embroidery thread converter syncs with authentic open-source repositories:

  • InkStitch community-verified palettes
  • Manufacturer updates reflected within days
  • Retired colors flagged automatically
  • New dye lot variations incorporated

This living thread conversion chart ensures you’re never working from obsolete data.

Understanding Thread Materials & Texture

Why Fiber Type Affects Color Matching

Even perfectly matched dye colors appear different based on thread construction:

Rayon (Viscose)
  • Trilobal fiber structure acts like a prism
  • High sheen and directional light reflection
  • Softer hand feel
  • Best for fashion and decorative work
Polyester
  • Consistent, slightly matte appearance
  • Superior strength and wash durability
  • Chlorine bleach resistant
  • Industry standard for workwear and uniforms

Important: A Madeira Rayon and Isacord Polyester with identical dye formulas will still look different due to fiber physics. Our color matching tool prioritizes matches within the same fiber family when possible.

Thread Weight Considerations

Thread weight (40wt vs 60wt) affects perceived color:

  • Thinner threads allow fabric color to show through
  • Heavier threads provide more color saturation
  • Same color code may appear different in different weights

Always specify thread weight when requesting conversions for critical color accuracy.

Best Practices for Production

Physical Verification Protocol
  1. Sample Sew-Out: Always test converted colors on actual production fabric
  2. Lighting Conditions: View samples under your production floor lighting
  3. Fabric Interaction: Dark fabrics make threads appear lighter; light fabrics make threads appear darker
  4. Client Approval: Show physical samples, never rely on screen representations
Inventory Management Strategy

Use our thread conversion chart to:

  • Identify substitute colors from existing inventory
  • Reduce thread palette redundancy
  • Plan purchasing around most versatile color selections
  • Convert entire design libraries when switching suppliers
Design File Conversion

When converting digitized files between thread brands:

  • Document original brand specifications
  • Note any compromises in color accuracy
  • Update thread charts in embroidery software
  • Archive conversion records for quality control

Technical Specifications

Color Space Methodology

CIE Lab Color Model
  • L* axis: Lightness (0=black, 100=white)
  • a* axis: Green-Red spectrum
  • b* axis: Blue-Yellow spectrum
  • Delta E calculation: Euclidean distance in 3D space
Data Sources

All thread color chart data derived from:

  • Manufacturer technical specifications
  • InkStitch open-source repositories
  • Community-verified spectral measurements
  • Laboratory-calibrated sRGB conversions
Accuracy Limitations

Our embroidery thread conversion tool provides mathematical precision within these constraints:

  • Monitor calibration affects displayed colors
  • Dye lot variations between manufacturing runs
  • Lighting conditions alter perceived color
  • Fabric substrate influences final appearance
  • Thread texture cannot be digitally replicated

Recommended Use: Starting point for selection, not final approval authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Screens use RGB light emission to display millions of bright, luminous colors. Physical thread relies on dye pigments that absorb and reflect ambient light. This fundamental difference means glowing screen colors will always appear more vibrant than thread. Trust the Delta E numerical value and physical verification over screen appearance.

Yes, but expect texture differences even with perfect color matching. Rayon has high sheen and soft drape; polyester is stronger with slight matte finish. When using our thread conversion chart, a perfect mathematical color match may still look visually different on the garment due to how light interacts with different fiber structures.

Madeira to Isacord conversion (and reverse Isacord to Madeira conversion) achieve highest accuracy because both offer large professional palettes (approximately 400 colors) covering similar commercial spectrums. Converting to smaller palettes like Brother’s 63-color set will always result in compromised accuracy due to limited color availability.

Use our Pantone to thread feature by entering the Pantone code (e.g., PMS 485 C). The tool displays the closest embroidery thread match with Delta E accuracy rating. Our Pantone to Madeira conversion, Pantone to Isacord conversion, and Pantone to Brother conversion all provide realistic expectations about color achievability. If Delta E exceeds 2.0, inform your client that an exact match doesn’t exist in stock thread due to the gamut gap between ink and dye chemistry.

Yes significantly. 40wt thread provides different fabric coverage than 60wt thread. Thinner threads allow background fabric color to visually “bleed through,” altering the perceived embroidery color. Always specify thread weight when requesting conversions for critical applications.

No single chart is truly universal because manufacturers constantly adjust dye lots and discontinue colors. A digital embroidery thread converter is superior to static PDF charts because it can be updated with new spectral data in real-time, whereas printed charts become obsolete immediately when colors change.

Manufacturer PDFs are static snapshots, often outdated within months. Our color matching tool syncs with authentic open-source repositories like InkStitch, reflecting current market reality. We also calculate Delta E values to quantify accuracy rather than just listing “close enough” alternatives.

Our DMC color chart reference is included primarily for cross-stitch pattern conversion to machine embroidery. Note that DMC cotton floss has different texture and sheen properties than rayon or polyester machine thread, so color perception will differ even with accurate mathematical matching.

We provide ranked alternatives because thread availability varies by supplier and region. The top result is always the closest mathematical match, but secondary options account for inventory constraints, preferred textures (matte vs. shiny), or cost considerations.

Use our Brother to Isacord conversion tool by selecting Brother as source and Isacord as target. Input your Brother thread codes and receive ranked Isacord matches with Delta E values. This Brother to Isacord conversion is essential for upgrading home designs to industrial-grade production standards.

Absolutely. Our Wilcom embroidery thread conversions support all major brands. Whether you need Wilcom to Madeira conversion, Wilcom to Isacord conversion, or Wilcom to Brother conversion, our tool translates Wilcom’s color palette to your physical thread inventory with mathematical precision.

Absolutely. Our Wilcom embroidery thread conversions support all major brands. Whether you need Wilcom to Madeira conversion, Wilcom to Isacord conversion, or Wilcom to Brother conversion, our tool translates Wilcom’s color palette to your physical thread inventory with mathematical precision.

Disclaimer & Legal Information

Accuracy & Limitations

Thread match suggestions generated by this embroidery thread converter are mathematical approximations using CIE Lab spectral data. While we maintain the highest precision standards, several factors affect final appearance:

  • Individual monitor calibration and color profiles
  • Background fabric color and texture
  • Production lighting conditions (daylight vs. fluorescent vs. LED)
  • Manufacturer dye lot variations between production runs
  • Thread age and storage conditions

All color matching tool results should be used as preliminary selection guides only.

Production Responsibility

We assume no liability for:

  • Production errors or quality issues
  • Financial losses from color mismatches
  • Damaged goods or rejected orders
  • Client disputes over color accuracy

It remains the user’s sole responsibility to physically verify all thread colors with actual sample sew-outs before commencing production runs.

Trademark Notice

All brand names referenced (Madeira, Isacord, Robison-Anton, Brother, Sulky, Gunold, Marathon, Floriani, Glide, Simthread, DMC, Arc, Wilcom) are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

This thread color chart resource is an independent educational tool and is:

  • Not affiliated with these manufacturers
  • Not endorsed by these companies
  • Not representing official manufacturer data

Thread conversion chart data is derived from publicly available specifications and authentic open-source repositories such as InkStitch.

Color Representation Disclaimer

Color swatches displayed on this thread conversion chart are sRGB simulations rendered on your specific display device. These digital representations:

  • Cannot replicate physical thread sheen or texture
  • Do not account for trilobal fiber light reflection
  • Appear brighter than physical thread due to backlight emission
  • Vary significantly between different monitor brands and calibrations

Always refer to physical manufacturer shade cards for critical color-matching decisions in commercial production environments.

Educational Purpose

This embroidery thread conversion tool is provided for educational and planning purposes. Professional digitizers and production managers should always:

  • Maintain physical thread libraries for reference
  • Conduct sample sew-outs on production fabric
  • Verify colors under actual production lighting
  • Obtain client approval on physical samples before bulk production

Conclusion: The New Standard in Digitizing

The gap between the pixel and the stitch has historically been filled by guesswork, expensive physical shade cards, and trial-and-error. The Free Embroidery Color Thread Chart Converter Tool represents a paradigm shift, democratizing access to professional-grade color science.

By combining the precision of CIE Lab color science with the security of Client-side Web Workers, we provide a solution that is faster, safer, and more accurate than legacy methods. Whether you are a production manager needing to convert logo to Isacord thread for a 1,000-piece order, or a hobbyist using the dmc color picker from image for a family project, this tool ensures that the color you envision is the color you stitch.

For professional digitizing services that take these color palettes and turn them into flawless machine files, EZ Stitch Digitizing stands ready to assist.