DMC color chart: every floss color with code, name, and hex
DMC Stranded Cotton (Mouliné) is the de facto standard thread for cross stitch: nearly every published pattern legend refers to DMC codes. The numbers themselves are identifiers, not a scale, which is why a chart like this is the fastest way to look up what "3846" actually is (Light Bright Turquoise) before you order skeins. This is the same color library that powers the StitchCraft pattern maker, where every generated pattern is mapped to these exact codes.
It also works as a printable DMC thread color chart: the print button below strips the navigation and puts the full embroidery floss list, with names and numbers for every color, cleanly on paper, or into a free PDF via your browser's "Save as PDF" option.
DMC Stranded Cotton (487 colors)
DMC Light Effects (36 colors)
Light Effects are DMC's specialty threads with metallic, pearlescent, and glow finishes. Codes start with an E. On screen they can only be approximated, since the sparkle is part of the thread itself.
How to use this chart
- From a pattern legend: look up each code in the chart to see the color and name, then buy those skeins. The legend's symbol-to-code mapping plus this chart is all you need.
- For designing: use the hex values to plan color schemes on screen before buying thread. Remember they are approximations; dye lots and lighting shift the real thread slightly.
- For substitutions: if a store is out of a code, pick a neighbor with a similar name family (for example another "Delft Blue") and compare the swatches here first.
Frequently asked questions
What do DMC color numbers mean?
DMC numbers are identifiers, not a scale: a higher number does not mean a darker or lighter shade, and consecutive numbers are often unrelated colors. The name describes the shade, such as 310 Black or 321 Red. A few colors use letters instead of numbers: B5200 (Snow White), White, and Ecru.
How many DMC floss colors are there?
This chart lists 523 DMC colors: 487 Stranded Cotton and 36 Light Effects, including the 01 to 35 series that DMC added to the range in 2017. It is the same color library that ships inside the StitchCraft app.
Are the hex values exact matches for the thread?
No, they are close on-screen approximations. Real thread color varies with lighting, fabric, and dye lot, so use the hex values for planning and design, and always buy skeins by their DMC code.
What is the difference between B5200, White, and Ecru?
B5200 (Snow White) is the brightest, purest white in the range. White is a slightly softer, warmer white. Ecru is an off-white with a natural, unbleached tint. They look similar in the skein but read differently when stitched side by side.
What are DMC Light Effects threads?
Light Effects is DMC's range of specialty threads with metallic, pearlescent, fluorescent, and glow-in-the-dark finishes. Their codes start with an E, such as E130 Gemstones. They add sparkle and highlights on top of regular stranded cotton.
How do I find the closest DMC color to a color in my photo?
For a single color, the free DMC color matcher converts any hex or RGB value to the nearest DMC threads. For a whole photo, a pattern generator does this automatically: StitchCraft matches every pixel region to the nearest DMC color from this library, and you can swap any suggested color for another DMC code afterwards.
Is this DMC color chart printable?
Yes. Use the Print chart button above the table, or your browser's print dialog. The printed version drops the navigation and keeps the full table with codes, names, and numbers. Choose "Save as PDF" as the destination to keep a free PDF copy on your device.