A DMC embroidery floss color chart gives you a visual reference for all 200 most popular DMC thread colors — with color swatches, DMC numbers, color names, and nearest Anchor equivalents. Filter by color family or search by number or name to quickly find what you need.
How to Use the DMC Embroidery Floss Color Chart
DMC embroidery floss is the world's most popular thread brand for cross-stitch and surface embroidery. Every pattern calls out colors by DMC number. This embroidery floss color chart helps you visualize and find those colors quickly without needing a physical color card.
Searching by DMC Number
Type the DMC number directly into the search box — for example, type "321" to find Christmas Red, or "825" to find Dark Blue. Partial number matches also work: type "8" to see all colors beginning with 8. The chart highlights matching colors and scrolls them into view.
Filtering by Color Family
Use the dropdown to narrow to a specific color family — reds, greens, blues, browns, or white/cream neutrals. This is useful when you need to choose between similar shades or find a specific tone within a broad color range. Filters combine with the search box for precise lookups.
Understanding Anchor Equivalents
The Anchor number shown under each swatch is the closest equivalent in the Anchor thread system. Use this if your pattern specifies Anchor numbers but you prefer to work with DMC thread. Note that these are approximate matches — Anchor and DMC dye lots differ, so the colors will not be identical. Most embroiderers find Anchor equivalents acceptable substitutes for casual projects.
Working with DMC Thread
Standard DMC stranded cotton comes in 6 strands twisted together. Most patterns specify using 2 strands for 14-count aida cloth, 3 strands for 11-count, and 1 strand for 18-count or finer fabric. Always separate your strands and thread them individually into the needle — re-combining them smooths the thread and reduces twisting during stitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this DMC embroidery floss color chart free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All color data is built into the page and runs entirely in your browser. No data is transmitted anywhere.
Is my data private when using this tool?
Absolutely. Everything runs locally in your browser using JavaScript. No searches or interactions are transmitted to any server.
Are the hex colors on screen accurate to actual DMC floss?
No — screen hex colors are approximations only. Monitor color calibration, screen brightness, and ambient lighting all affect how colors appear on screen. Always verify your floss selection with physical samples or the official DMC color card before purchasing thread for a project.
How do I use DMC floss color numbers?
Each DMC floss skein has a number printed on its paper band. The number identifies the specific color — for example, DMC 321 is red, DMC 825 is dark blue, DMC 3865 is winter white. Use the numbers to match colors when buying replacement skeins or ordering online.
What is the Anchor equivalent to DMC floss?
Anchor is another popular embroidery floss brand. The Anchor numbers shown in this chart are approximate equivalents — the closest color in the Anchor system. Due to manufacturing differences, Anchor and DMC equivalents are never exact matches, but they are close enough for most projects.
How many DMC floss colors are there?
DMC produces over 450 standard thread colors plus various special thread types (metallic, satin, fluorescent, variegated). This chart covers the 200 most popular colors — the ones you are most likely to encounter in cross-stitch and embroidery patterns. The full range is available at DMC's website.
What is the difference between DMC floss and perle cotton?
DMC stranded floss comes in 6 separable strands and is used by splitting strands to your desired weight. DMC Perle cotton is a twisted, non-divisible thread that is glossier and thicker, used for needlepoint, hardanger, and surface embroidery that benefits from a bolder, rounder thread texture.