Caterpillar
Reds family#271615
Classic Colorworks Caterpillar has hex #271615 and RGB 39, 22, 21. This very dark, moderately saturated red thread sits alongside its closest DMC, Anchor, and Madeira matches below, with 8 similar Classic Colorworks shades and a panel of color harmonies for palette planning.
Brand Equivalents for Classic Colorworks Caterpillar
The five closest matches in each brand, ranked by CIEDE2000 perceptual color difference.
DMC
Anchor
Madeira
J&P Coates
Sullivans
Weeks Dye Works
Gentle Art Sampler
Valdani
Crescent Colors
Similar Classic Colorworks Colors to Caterpillar
Closest Classic Colorworks threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with Classic Colorworks Caterpillar
It pops on white and light fabric but nearly disappears on black, so pair it with a light or neutral ground.
Classic Colorworks Caterpillar is dark enough to define edges: stitchers reach for shades like it when a design needs crisp backstitch outlines or readable text.
Hand-dyed threads like Classic Colorworks Caterpillar are never perfectly flat; expect soft variegation. Stock up in a single dye lot up front, since later batches can read noticeably different.
Color Harmonies for Classic Colorworks Caterpillar
Classic Colorworks threads that pair well with Caterpillar, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
Classic ColorworksCaterpillar in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About Classic Colorworks Caterpillar
Meet Classic Colorworks Caterpillar — a moderately saturated, very dark hand-dyed thread in the reds family with true red tones. Its tone is striking and grounded, making it a popular choice for roses and hearts. It pairs nicely in designs that call for holiday designs or bold accents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Classic Colorworks Caterpillar — what color is it?
Classic Colorworks Caterpillar is a very dark red thread (hex #271615, RGB 39, 22, 21). It shows up most in cardinal birds and apple motifs.
What is the DMC equivalent of Classic Colorworks Caterpillar?
The closest DMC match for Classic Colorworks Caterpillar is DMC 938 (Coffee Brown ultra dark) with a 67% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include DMC 3371 (Black Brown, 64%) and DMC 3031 (Mocha Brown very dark, 56%).
Which Classic Colorworks threads are close to Caterpillar?
The closest Classic Colorworks threads to Caterpillar are German Chocolate (ΔE 5.32), Blackbird (ΔE 5.53), and Black Coffee (ΔE 6.49). These are useful substitutes when Caterpillar is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is Classic Colorworks Caterpillar good for?
Classic Colorworks Caterpillar is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring cardinal birds, apple motifs, ladybug designs, barn scenes. Its very dark tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with Caterpillar.
Is Classic Colorworks Caterpillar good for backstitching and outlines?
It's an excellent outline color. The depth of Caterpillar defines edges and text cleanly where lighter threads would disappear into the fill; one strand is usually enough for backstitch.