Using a DMC color chart: how to choose the right embroidery floss colors
Stitchly StudioDeel
If you've spent more than five minutes with cross-stitch, you've encountered DMC. The French thread manufacturer DMC has been the global standard for embroidery floss for over 270 years – and its 500+ colors are the universal language of embroidery.
In this guide, we'll show you how to read a DMC color chart, which chart you need, and how to put together your own color palette.
What is a DMC Color Chart?
A DMC color chart is a physical or digital overview of all available DMC thread colors with their numbers. Each color has a unique number (e.g., 310 for black, 666 for bright red). This number is universal – everywhere in the world, DMC 310 means the same black.
There are three types of color charts:
- Printed Color Card – colors only in printed form
- Real Thread Color Card (with actual thread samples) – the best version, approx. €20–40
- Digital Color Card (online) – free, but colors may vary on monitors
Why DMC Numbers Are Important
Every cross-stitch pattern (chart) lists the required colors by their DMC number. If your pattern says "DMC 738," you can buy exactly that color in any needlework shop worldwide – no confusion with brand names or color descriptions.
How to Read DMC Numbers
The numbers are not logically ordered but have evolved historically. Here are a few key points for orientation:
- 1–199: mainly pastels and soft colors
- 200–500: vibrant tones, earth colors
- 500–900: standard color palette, greens, blues, and browns
- 900–1000+: intense colors, accents
- BLANC, ECRU: White and Off-White
- B5200: Snow White (brighter than BLANC)
Understanding Color Families
DMC organizes its threads into color families. Related shades often have similar numbers:
- 310 Black → 3799 very dark gray → 413 dark gray → 415 light gray
- 666 bright red → 321 red → 815 dark red
These gradations are particularly useful for photo-stitching, where you need smooth transitions.
Properly Storing Embroidery Floss
Loose skein in the closet? Terrible. Invest in floss bobbins (small plastic or cardboard pieces) and write the DMC number on them. Organize by number in a floss box. This way:
- You'll never lose a color again
- You'll immediately see what you already have
- You'll avoid duplicate purchases
We have a detailed guide to floss storage if you want to improve your system.
How Much Floss Do You Need Per Color?
Rule of thumb: 1 skein (8 m DMC) is enough for approx. 300 cross-stitches on 14-count Aida (with 2 strands). However: For very dark colors or fluffy floss, consumption is higher. Always buy 1 extra skein for each heavily used color – you'll be glad you did.
DMC Alternatives: Anchor, Madeira & Co.
DMC is the standard, but not the only thread. Anchor is the British alternative, Madeira the German. There are conversion charts DMC ↔ Anchor, but: 100% exact color matching is rare. For a consistent end result, stick to one brand per project.
How to Build Your Embroidery Floss Collection
If you stitch regularly, a basic collection is worthwhile:
- White (BLANC), Black (310), Off-White (ECRU)
- Primary colors: Red (666), Blue (798), Green (700), Yellow (725)
- Pastel shades for baby/birth: Light Blue (3325), Pink (818), Lavender (211)
- Skin tones: 3770, 754, 3859
- Earth tones: Brown shades 433, 434, 435
With these, you'll cover 70% of all common patterns.
Don't Need the Whole Color Chart?
For a single project, you don't need 500 colors. Our ready-made cross-stitch kits come with the exact DMC colors in the required quantity – no selection work, no over-ordering. For photo cross-stitch kits, we automatically select the optimal 40–80 DMC colors to match your image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official DMC color chart?
On dmc.com or in any well-stocked needlework store. Online it's free, but screen colors are not 100% accurate.
Which DMC colors does every beginner need?
BLANC, 310 (Black), 666 (Red), 700 (Green), 798 (Blue), 725 (Yellow), 754 (Light Skin Tone), 938 (Dark Brown). With these 8 colors, you'll cover most beginner designs.
Can I mix DMC and other brands?
Technically yes, but the colors are never 100% identical. For a consistent end result, we recommend using only one brand per project.
Which DMC is the best black?
DMC 310 is the standard black. If you want something softer, try DMC 3371 (very dark brown) or DMC 3799 (very dark gray).