If your embroidery machine displays different colors than expected, it's not a malfunction, but rather a missing color code. Learn why embroidery machines display colors differently and how to deal with it.

Causes of different colors on the display of your embroidery machine

The color result displayed in your embroidery machine is based on a combination of file format, machine-specific color system, and the internal color table. Unfortunately, there is no uniform industry standard for embroidery files or color definitions.

That's why we offer every embroidery file in up to 11 different file formats —including PES, DST, JEF, VP3, EXP, and HUS. However, each machine interprets the color information contained in them differently. In particular, formats like DST or EXP do not transmit color information.

In addition, there are more than 60,000 different thread colors from over 30 manufacturers. Even commonly used qualities like "Madeira Rayon 40" or "Gunold Poly 40" each offer over 200 shades. However, your embroidery machine only displays the colors stored in its internal color palette —usually based on a standard thread brand from the manufacturer.

Solution: Use the color chart in the PDF as a guide

Each of our embroidery files includes a PDF with the original color chart . This lists the actual colors used, including the thread manufacturer, color number, and quality.

When embroidering, use the information from the PDF, not the colors on your machine's display. This will ensure the best possible result.

Adjust colors in your embroidery software

If you work with embroidery software like Creativate (formerly mySewnet) , you can permanently adjust the color display to your preferred thread brand. Here's how it works:

  1. Select your yarn manufacturer in the software (e.g. Madeira, Gunold, Sulky).
  2. The software automatically replaces all colors with the closest available shades of that brand.
  3. Export the customized motif for your machine and as a PDF.

Summary

  • The display of different colors is not due to an error, but rather to missing color codes in the file format or the machine.
  • Use the enclosed PDF for correct color assignment.
  • With embroidery software, you can adjust the colors to your preferred thread manufacturer.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More articles

View all

Nähmaschinen Festival 2025 in Hamburg von Marit und Mark

Ein Rückblick: Das Nähmaschinen-Festival 2025 in Hamburg

Zwei Tage voller Workshops, Austausch, Pommes, Waffeln & ganz viel Inspiration. Danke an alle, die mit uns gefeiert haben – und alle anderen: ihr habt wirklich etwas verpasst. 😉

Read more

Stoffschere kaufen Tipps

Stoffschere kaufen Tipps: Worauf es bei Scheren für Näh- & Stickmaschinen ankommt

Ein gut ausgewähltes Schneidewerkzeug kann die Qualität deiner Näh- oder Stickarbeiten erheblich beeinflussen. Im Zentrum stehen dabei Schärfe, Form, Material und der spezifische Einsatzzweck. Nachfolgend findest du wichtige Scherentypen, worauf du bei ihnen achten solltest – und passende Bestseller aus dem Sortiment von makema.de.

Read more

Videokurse sind jetzt auf Nähmaschinen-kurse.de

Video courses are now available at Nähmaschinen-kurse.de

From now on, you'll find all our video courses collected together on the new platform naehmaschinen-kurse.de. If you purchased your courses before August 5, 2025, through makema.de – whether individually or together with your sewing or embroidery machine – you don't need to do anything else: Simply log in to the new site with your usual login details and off you go. Of course, you'll retain lifelong access to your courses. The new platform offers you more clarity, more convenience, and more security.

Read more