How to Create a Stitched Effect with Color

How to Create a Stitched Effect with Color

Step 1: Sketch the embroidery shapes first

Before you start coloring, lightly sketch the embroidery design on your page. This helps create a structured layout and ensures that your stitches follow a natural pattern. If you're using a pre-designed coloring page, identify the key areas where you want to add embroidery effects.

  • Use a light pencil or fine liner to outline floral, geometric, or decorative patterns.

  • Keep the stitches consistent by sketching small lines or dots where each thread segment will go.

  • Adjust shapes as needed to make the design flow naturally before adding color.

Step 2: Choose the right color palette

Embroidery pieces often feature vibrant colors that stand out against a fabric-like background. When selecting colors, consider:

  • Traditional embroidery hues: Deep reds, blues, greens, and golds.

  • Pastel thread looks: Soft pinks, baby blues, and delicate creams.

  • Vintage aesthetic: Muted earthy tones like mustard yellow, faded navy, and warm browns.

  • Contrast: Pick colors that pop against each other for a bold, stitched effect.

Step 3: Base and shade from lightest to darkest color

Step 3: Mimic thread textures with light acrylic strokes

To make your coloring resemble real embroidery stitches, use different types of strokes:

  • Short, feathery strokes to imitate the look of thread strands.

  • Hatching and cross-hatching for areas that need a dense, fabric-like texture.

  • Layering and blending to add depth, making the stitches look raised.

Step 4: Finishing touches for a realistic look

  • Add shadows beneath stitch lines to create depth.

  • Use metallic gel pens for gold or silver thread embroidery.

  • Blend edges softly to make the "fabric" appear natural.

  • Add buttons for decoration (optional).

Whether you’re recreating floral embroidery, vintage stitched patterns, or modern textile-inspired art, embroidery coloring is a fun way to add texture and dimension to your artwork. Experiment with different color combinations, try various stitch effects, and most importantly—enjoy the creative process.

Check us out on Tiktok and Instagram for full video tutorial and share your results with us! #bellybeancoloring #bellybeanco #coloringtok

 

Back to blog