Anchor Stranded Cotton

873 — Antique Violet Dark

Pinks family#512C3C

Looking up Anchor 873? It's Antique Violet Dark, a dark pink shade (#512C3C / RGB 81, 44, 60). Scroll down for Crescent Colors, DMC, and Madeira equivalents ranked by visual similarity, plus 8 close Anchor alternatives and curated color harmonies.

Hex
#512C3C
RGB
81, 44, 60
HSL
334°, 30%, 25%
Lab
23.3, 19.5, -2.7
Lightness
25%
Dark
Saturation
30%
Muted
Hue
334°
Family
Pinks

About Anchor 873

Anchor Stranded Cotton Mouliné

Fiber
100% cotton
Sold as
8 m

Brand Equivalents for Anchor 873

The five closest matches in each brand, ranked by CIEDE2000 perceptual color difference.

Anchor 873Antique Violet Dark

Similar Anchor Colors to 873

Closest Anchor threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.

Working with Anchor 873

On white fabric
11.8:1
On dark fabric
1.8:1
Temperature
soft warm
Closest to
charcoal

It pops on white and light fabric but nearly disappears on black, so pair it with a light or neutral ground.

Color Harmonies for Anchor 873

Anchor threads that pair well with 873, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.

Complementary
Opposite on the color wheel — maximum contrast
Analogous
Adjacent hues — smooth, natural transitions
Triadic
Evenly spaced at 120° — vibrant and balanced
Monochromatic
Same hue, different lightness — great for shading

Pinks Family

Anchor873 in context with nearby shades from the pinks color family.

About Anchor 873

Known as Antique Violet Dark, Anchor 873 is a dark, muted shade sitting in the pinks family with rose pink tones. Expect a dramatic and quiet look that suits blush accents, cherry blossoms, and similar motifs. Cross stitch enthusiasts often reach for this thread when stitching ballet themes or baby projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchor 873 — what color is it?

The color of Anchor 873 is Antique Violet Dark — a dark pink thread (hex #512C3C, RGB 81, 44, 60). It shows up most in cosmetics-themed designs and rose buds.

What is the DMC equivalent of Anchor 873?

The closest DMC match for Anchor 873 (Antique Violet Dark) is DMC 3740 (Antique Violet dark) with a 72% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include DMC 3834 (Grape dark, 71%) and DMC 3802 (Antique Mauve very dark, 71%).

Which Anchor threads are close to 873?

The closest Anchor threads to 873 are 72 Dusty Plum Ultra Very Dark (ΔE 9), 70 Dusty Plum Very Dark (ΔE 10.51), and 401 Shell Grey Very Dark (ΔE 11.36). These are useful substitutes when 873 is unavailable or for building gradients.

What is Anchor 873 good for?

Anchor 873 (Antique Violet Dark) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring cosmetics-themed designs, rose buds, florals, skin tones. Its dark tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with 873.

What fabric color works best with Anchor 873 (Antique Violet Dark)?

It pops on white and light fabric but nearly disappears on black, so pair it with a light or neutral ground. For reference, 873 has a contrast ratio of about 11.8:1 on white fabric and 1.8:1 on black. As a soft warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.