Fixing embroidery thread color?

[mimosatexas]

Just had a client reject a job because one of the thread colors is too light. Error was made by the embroiderer, they changed it after we picked out the colors in the shop for whatever reason. Can't get ahold of them yet today, but my client asked if using a sharpie would work to fix it. He is a super chill client, but the color is definitely just wrong.

Anyone ever "dye" the thread using something like a sharpy? Thread was supposed to approximate 1505C but is more like a light peach or skintone. Just wondering about options here.

[ftembroidery]

Never tried it.  The ONLY thing we've ever "dyed" with ULTRA FINE Sharpie's is bobbin thread (natural color, not black) when it shows.  Then we "dye" it to match the garment color.  Careful....just a touch will do it...the thread "sucks" it out of the Sharpie and the color can extend further than you want it to quickly.

[mimosatexas]

My embroidery guy just said pretty much the same thing: sharpie.  Fortunately the offending color does not touch any other thread but the thread of the hat, which is black, and the thread is light enough that it should be easy to change.  Wish me luck!

[mimosatexas]

So I think I fixed it.  Attached it the before (right) and after (left).

[JBLUE]

You have fixed nothing. Only patched the problem until it walks out your door. The sharpie will fade really quickly and you will be back in the same boat. Plus you will get the added bonus of being the guy that is known for doing it wrong and providing a half a$$ed fix that wont last. Your competitors will thank you for that.

The embroiderer should make it right and redo them. Thats what we would do if that mistake happened.

[1964GN]

Don't they make markers specifically for dying thread? http://colmanandcompany.com/Fabric_Markers.html

[mooseman]

This fix seldom works but the advantage you have is a hat and a dark color hat at that. Your ONLY option other than starting over is dye the wrong color. Like someone said the color will not hold.......you can buy yourself some time with heat setting the color...you can hit the dyed thread with a hair dryer or (careful here) a heat gun to set the marker color onto the thread...BUT if the thread is polyester it will not hold the color well and heat can shrink or worse yet melt the thread.
mooseman

[mimosatexas]

Thread is rayon and I used a heat set fabric marker. The test hat made it through the dishwasher last night without issue.  I agree they should make it right...but that's another issue I don't want to go into. This client has been with me a long time and understands exactly what I did and knows if it fails I will make it right. Not worried about my rep with him. If this was on shirts I wouldn't even be trying this since they get washed frequently. I definitely don't plan on having to do this again, but this seems to have worked in a pinch...

edit: Figured I would add, there was no downside to this on this particular job.  It was either going to "fix" it and everyone was happy, or it wasn't and I would eat my costs and have it re-done (with or without concessions from the embroiderer).  Thanks again for the feedback.  Helpful as always.

[mk162]

there are thread markers, those are the only thing I trust...but they don't work on poly usually.

[mimosatexas]

there are thread markers, those are the only thing I trust...but they don't work on poly usually.

I assume because it was rayon instead of poly was lucky for me.  I think I was sort of lucky in a few ways (mistake was a light thread, hat is black, client is forgiving, etc).  What brand of fabric marker do you trust?  I believe these are called "TeeJuice" or something.  Not in the shop at the moment to check...

[mooseman]

Never really used them so I can not make a recommendation on brand, some typical are
 http://www.allstitch.net/product/fine-point-embroidery-touch-up-pens-1715.cfm
http://www.michaels.com/fabric-markers-fine-writers/10238584.html?cm_mmc=zadv_PLASearch-_-Google-_-PLA-_-10238584&ci_tracking&gclid=TeSTer-123
http://www.embroideryetcetera.com/embroidery-supplies/notions/embroidery-notion-textile-markers-cards.html

[T Shirt Farmer]

You have fixed nothing. Only patched the problem until it walks out your door. The sharpie will fade really quickly and you will be back in the same boat. Plus you will get the added bonus of being the guy that is known for doing it wrong and providing a half a$$ed fix that wont last. Your competitors will thank you for that.

The embroiderer should make it right and redo them. Thats what we would do if that mistake happened.

WORD.. Replace them you will sleep better knowing you did the right thing!

[ebscreen]

Tie the new thread to the end of the old thread and pull it through like new wiring!