Embroidery Thread Conversion Guide
How to convert thread colors between brands like Isacord, Madeira, Sulky, and Robison-Anton — and why there's no single lookup table that's exactly right.
Why there's no universal chart
Thread brands use different dye lots, different base fibers (polyester vs. rayon), and proprietary color numbering. Even the best conversion charts describe themselves as giving the closest match, not an exact one — two brands' "true red" can still look slightly different side by side. Treat any conversion as a starting point, and pull a physical thread card if color accuracy really matters for a client.
What the major brands use
| Brand | Common line | Fiber | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isacord | Isacord 40 | Polyester | 40wt |
| Madeira | Polyneon / Rayon No. 40 | Polyester or Rayon | 40wt |
| Robison-Anton | Super Strength / Rayon Super Strength | Polyester or Rayon | 40wt |
| Sulky | Rayon 40 | Rayon | 40wt |
| Mettler | Poly Sheen | Polyester | 40wt |
40wt polyester is the de facto standard for commercial embroidery — it's more colorfast and bleach-resistant than rayon, which is why most shops have shifted to it for anything going through repeated washing (workwear, uniforms).
How to actually convert a color
Thread manufacturers and major distributors publish free conversion tools and PDF charts that map specific color numbers across brands — these are maintained directly by people with access to the actual dye data, so they'll be far more reliable than a general estimate. A few worth bookmarking: OESD's thread conversion PDFs, SewMadeira's interactive Madeira color converter, and EmbroideryOnline's printable Isacord-to-Madeira/Sulky/Mettler chart.