How to Turn AI into Your Ultimate Embroidery Color Expert: The Power of Reference

One of the most common struggles with embroidery floss is trying to identify which color number from a major brand matches the leftover thread from a kit, isn't it? While there are various conversion tools available, asking AI for help is now a great option as well. However, it seems there is a little trick to getting the most accurate results.

Why you shouldn't just take a photo as-is

The biggest challenge when showing a photo to AI is lighting.

If you take a photo under warm, yellowish indoor lights, a blue thread might look greenish. In bright natural light by a window, the color might appear washed out or overexposed.

The solution is to use a Known Color (Reference). By placing a thread with a known color number next to the mystery one, the AI can think, "If this white thread looks this yellow in the photo, the mystery thread next to it must actually be this specific shade." This allows the AI to perform color calibration in its "brain."

Step 1: What to Prepare

• The mystery leftover thread

• DMC threads with known numbers (1 to 2 colors) I highly recommend using DMC 310 (Black) and DMC B5200 (Snow White). These two colors serve as the baseline for black and white levels, making it much easier for AI to correct the lighting. If the mystery thread belongs to a specific color family (e.g., if it is reddish), placing a similar known red like DMC 321 will further improve accuracy.

Step 2: How to Take the Photo

• Natural light (such as near a window on a cloudy day) is best. Avoid direct sunlight as it creates harsh shadows.

• Place the threads parallel to each other on a sheet of plain white paper.

• Hold your camera directly above the threads (perpendicular) and ensure no shadows fall on them.

Step 3: Magic Words for the AI (The Prompt)

When sending the photo to an AI, don't just ask, "What color is this?" Instead, try using the following instructions:

English Instructions (For Global Users) 

I need to identify the DMC color number for the mystery thread in this photo. Reference Colors:

• The leftmost thread is DMC 310 (Black).

• The middle thread is DMC B5200 (White).

• The rightmost thread is the mystery thread. Using the known colors as a baseline for lighting correction, please suggest the 3 most likely DMC color matches for the mystery thread. Include color names and the reasoning behind your choices.

※Remember, AI is a helpful assistant, but your eyes are the final judge. Always compare the physical thread with an actual color card or at a craft store to be 100% sure before starting your project!

 😊Happy creation !