20 — Shrimp
Oranges family
Looking up DMC 20? It's Shrimp, a light orange shade (#F7D1B3 / RGB 247, 209, 179). Scroll down for Crescent Colours, Anchor, and Madeira equivalents ranked by visual similarity, plus 8 close DMC alternatives and curated color harmonies.
Brand Equivalents for DMC 20
Top 5 closest matches in each brand, ranked by visual color similarity. How matching works
Anchor
Madeira
J&P Coates
Sullivans
Classic Colorworks
Weeks Dye Works
Gentle Art Sampler
Valdani
Crescent Colours
Similar DMC Colors to 20
Closest DMC threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with DMC 20
It reads best on black or dark fabric and can wash out on white, so reach for a dark or mid-tone ground.
With its high saturation, DMC 20 (Shrimp) draws the eye — a natural pick for focal motifs, small pops of color, and details you want to read first.
DMC 20 (Shrimp) sits a hair from DMC 951 (Tawny light) (ΔE 2.22) — close enough to blend a strand of each for a smooth gradient or to swap one for the other in a pinch.
Color Harmonies for DMC 20
DMC threads that pair well with 20, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Oranges Family
DMC 20 in context with nearby shades from the oranges color family.
About DMC 20
Known as Shrimp, DMC 20 is a light, highly saturated shade sitting in the oranges family with warm tangerine tones. Expect a gentle and clear look that suits seasonal designs, pumpkins, and similar motifs. Cross stitch enthusiasts often reach for this thread when stitching marigolds or fall wreaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
DMC 20 — what color is it?
The color of DMC 20 is Shrimp — a light orange thread (hex #F7D1B3, RGB 247, 209, 179). It shows up most in monarch butterflies and persimmon patterns.
What is the Anchor equivalent of DMC 20?
The closest Anchor match for DMC 20 (Shrimp) is Anchor 1010 (Copper Very Light) with a 90% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 1080 (Taupe Ultra Light, 82%) and Anchor 880 (Cream Medium, 79%).
Which DMC threads are close to 20?
The closest DMC threads to 20 are 951 Tawny light (ΔE 2.22), 543 Beige Brown ultra very light (ΔE 3.62), and 948 Peach very light (ΔE 4.4). These are useful substitutes when 20 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is DMC 20 good for?
DMC 20 (Shrimp) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring monarch butterflies, persimmon patterns, autumn leaves, sunsets. Its light tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with 20.
What fabric color works best with DMC 20 (Shrimp)?
It reads best on black or dark fabric and can wash out on white, so reach for a dark or mid-tone ground. For reference, 20 has a contrast ratio of about 1.4:1 on white fabric and 14.7:1 on black. As a warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.