How to choose your thread colour

Choosing the thread might be our favourite part.

Every LINNAIS napkin is embroidered to order, and the thread colour can completely change the look. Go tonal for something quieter, choose contrast if you want the embroidery to stand out, or simply pick the colour you like the most. There really isn't a wrong combination.

The thread

We use Gütermann Rayon 40 for our embroidery, a 100% viscose thread made specifically for machine embroidery.

We chose rayon because of its beautiful, subtle shine. It catches the light differently from the matte linen underneath, giving the embroidery depth without making it look glossy or overly decorative. The thread is soft and fine, but creates a clear, defined embroidery that works particularly well for names and monograms.

Underneath, we use Brother embroidery bobbin thread. It is a fine, strong and smooth thread designed to work together with the upper embroidery thread and create an even, clean stitch.

We also use a washable stabiliser during embroidery to keep the linen stable and the stitches neat. Once embroidered, every napkin is washed to remove the stabiliser and then carefully ironed by hand before it leaves us.

So when your LINNAIS napkins arrive, they have already been embroidered, washed and pressed, ready for your table.

In other words, there is a little more going on behind your monogram than you might think.

Choosing your colour

We currently embroider in four colours: Burgundy, Ochre, Chocolate and Green.

All four have been chosen to work across our linen colours, but they create very different results.

Burgundy

Deep, warm and probably the most classic of the four.

Burgundy works beautifully on Natural and Off White when you want a clear contrast. On Dusty Pink it becomes softer and more tonal, while Dusty Blue gives it a slightly unexpected contrast that we really like.

Ochre

Warm, golden and a little more playful.

Ochre looks particularly good against Natural and Off White, where the warmth of the thread works beautifully with the linen. We also love it with Dusty Blue for a stronger colour combination.

Chocolate

Rich brown with a softer feel than black.

Chocolate is one of those colours that seems to work with almost everything. Pair it with Natural for a warm, understated combination, Off White for contrast, or Dusty Blue for one of our favourite combinations.

Green

Deep and earthy, but still with enough colour to stand out.

Green works particularly well with Off White and Natural, and creates a stronger contrast against Dusty Pink. It's a good choice if you want colour without going too bright.

Tonal or contrast?

If you want the personalisation to feel subtle, choose a thread that sits close to the tone of the linen.

If you want the name or monogram to become part of the table setting, choose contrast.

And if you're stuck between two colours? We would probably choose the slightly less obvious one. A little contrast is what makes the embroidery come alive.