233 — Shell Grey Dark
Grays family#917A7B
Anchor 233 (Shell Grey Dark) is a medium, subdued gray shade with hex code #917A7B and RGB values 145, 122, 123. Below you'll find the closest Sullivans, Cosmo, and Classic Colorworks equivalents — ranked by visual color similarity — plus 8 similar Anchor shades and color harmony pairings.
About Anchor 233
Anchor Stranded Cotton Mouliné
- Fiber
- 100% cotton
- Sold as
- 8 m
Brand Equivalents for Anchor 233
The five closest matches in each brand, ranked by CIEDE2000 perceptual color difference.
DMC
Madeira
J&P Coates
Sullivans
Classic Colorworks
Weeks Dye Works
Gentle Art Sampler
Valdani
Crescent Colors
Similar Anchor Colors to 233
Closest Anchor threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with Anchor 233
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground.
Color Harmonies for Anchor 233
Anchor threads that pair well with 233, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Grays Family
Anchor233 in context with nearby shades from the grays color family.
About Anchor 233
Known as Shell Grey Dark, Anchor 233 is a medium, subdued shade sitting in the grays family. This thread brings a restrained and earthy presence to projects featuring storm cloud accents or slate textures. Look for it in charts that feature rabbit fur or shading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anchor 233 — what color is it?
The color of Anchor 233 is Shell Grey Dark — a medium gray thread (hex #917A7B, RGB 145, 122, 123). It shows up most in castle walls and elephant motifs.
What is the DMC equivalent of Anchor 233?
The closest DMC match for Anchor 233 (Shell Grey Dark) is DMC 3861 (Cocoa light) with a 70% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include DMC 452 (Shell Grey medium, 70%) and DMC 3042 (Antique Violet light, 65%).
Which Anchor threads are close to 233?
The closest Anchor threads to 233 are 393 Beige Grey Ultra Very Dark (ΔE 8.97), 235 Pewter Grey (ΔE 9.28), and 871 Antique Violet Medium (ΔE 9.82). These are useful substitutes when 233 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is Anchor 233 good for?
Anchor 233 (Shell Grey Dark) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring castle walls, elephant motifs, cobblestone paths, industrial designs. Its medium tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with 233.
What fabric color works best with Anchor 233 (Shell Grey Dark)?
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground. For reference, 233 has a contrast ratio of about 4:1 on white fabric and 5.3:1 on black. As a neutral shade, as a near-neutral, it plays quietly with almost any palette and works well as a background or shading tone.