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Threads and colorways

Thread is material. Screen color is only a hint.

Thread list​

A useful thread entry can record:

  • brand;
  • number;
  • name;
  • RGB preview;
  • weight;
  • metallic or variegated notes;
  • substitution notes.

Imported machine files may contain approximate colors or palette indexes. Map them to real spools when production matters.

Thread order​

Thread order follows the timeline, not the palette. The same color can appear more than once if the sequence requires it.

Check repeated colors before merging them. A stop, trim, appliqué step, or construction note may be the reason the blocks are separate.

Source colors​

Artwork colors are not thread colors. During artwork import, map source colors to project threads deliberately. Merge accidental near-duplicates before digitizing when possible.

Colorways​

A colorway is a thread assignment variant for the same design. Use it for customer choices, fabric contrast, team colors, seasonal palettes, or shop defaults.

A colorway should change preview, proof, thread order, and export package together. It should not require duplicating the whole project.

Warnings​

Design Health should report thread-related risks:

  • too many thread changes;
  • poor contrast against fabric;
  • confusing repeated colors;
  • metallic-thread risk;
  • visible travel between same-color areas.

Follow the warning back to the object and timeline block before exporting.