223 — Shell Pink light
Reds family#B35C65
DMC 223 — Shell Pink light — has hex #B35C65 and RGB 179, 92, 101. This medium, moderately saturated red thread sits alongside its closest Anchor, Madeira, and J&P Coates matches below, with 8 similar DMC shades and a panel of color harmonies for palette planning.
About DMC 223
DMC Six-Strand Embroidery Floss (Mouliné Spécial)
- Also sold as
- Granite Pink
- Fiber
- 100% cotton
- Strands
- 6 strands
- Sold as
- 8 m skein
Brand Equivalents for DMC 223
The five closest matches in each brand, ranked by CIEDE2000 perceptual color difference.
Anchor
Madeira
J&P Coates
Sullivans
Classic Colorworks
Weeks Dye Works
Gentle Art Sampler
Valdani
Crescent Colors
Closest match to DMC 223 in 67 more brands
The single nearest shade in every other palette we hold, from needlepoint silks and wools to fuse beads and yarn. Match quality is perceptual color distance: 93% and up is hard to tell apart, under 75% is a visible shift.
More stranded cotton
Hand-dyed & overdyed
Silk
Wool for needlepoint
Metallic, rayon & specialty
Other threads & beads
Fuse beads
Yarn for crochet & knitting
Need the runners-up, or a whole pattern converted? The thread conversion chart ranks every alternative for DMC 223 (Shell Pink light) in any brand.
Similar DMC Colors to 223
Closest DMC threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with DMC 223
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground.
DMC 223 in other DMC lines
DMC reuses base numbers across its specialty lines, so the same shade can exist as a satin, a metallic, or a sparkle floss under a prefixed code. Here is where Shell Pink light turns up.
DMC 223 is a Mouliné Spécial-only number: there is no Satin, Light Effects, or Étoile version of this shade. For a sheen or sparkle in the same tone, blend one strand of the nearest metallic with two strands of DMC 223.
Diamond painting: the same number is sold as a drill — Diamond Dotz D223, Diamond Drills USA DMC223. A kit legend or drill bag marked 223 means this color. See the diamond painting DMC chart for every code with drill availability.
Color Harmonies for DMC 223
DMC threads that pair well with 223, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
DMC223 in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About DMC 223
Meet DMC 223, Shell Pink light — a moderately saturated, medium thread in the reds family with warm crimson tones. Its tone is steady and rich, 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
DMC 223 — what color is it?
The color of DMC 223 is Shell Pink light — a medium red thread (hex #B35C65, RGB 179, 92, 101). It shows up most in cardinal birds and apple motifs.
What is the Anchor equivalent of DMC 223?
The closest Anchor match for DMC 223 (Shell Pink light) is Anchor 1018 (Antique Mauve Light) with a 87% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 1027 (Shell Pink Medium Dark, 85%) and Anchor 970 (Dusty Violet Dark, 81%).
Which DMC threads are close to 223?
The closest DMC threads to 223 are 3833 Raspberry light (ΔE 5.64), 3712 Salmon medium (ΔE 6.6), and 3731 Dusty Rose very dark (ΔE 6.74). These are useful substitutes when 223 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is DMC 223 good for?
DMC 223 (Shell Pink light) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring cardinal birds, apple motifs, ladybug designs, barn scenes. 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 223.
What fabric color works best with DMC 223 (Shell Pink light)?
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground. For reference, 223 has a contrast ratio of about 4.5:1 on white fabric and 4.6:1 on black. As a warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.
Is there a metallic or satin version of DMC 223?
No. DMC 223 (Shell Pink light) exists only as Mouliné Spécial six-strand cotton — there is no Satin, Light Effects, or Étoile code for it. For a matching shine, blend one strand of the nearest Light Effects color with two strands of the cotton.
What is the diamond painting drill code for DMC 223?
Diamond Dotz D223 and Diamond Drills USA DMC223 carry the same number. Diamond painting adopted DMC's numbering, so a kit legend or drill bag marked 223 is this color regardless of drill brand — though each manufacturer dyes to the reference in its own batches, so avoid mixing brands inside one large block.
Which other thread brands come closest to DMC 223?
Outside the main floss brands, the nearest shades we hold are Eterna Silk 2230 Rose Wine Medium Dark (92%), Caron 101 Cherry (88%), Artkal S S84 Deep Chestnut (87%). Percentages are perceptual color distance between the two swatches; anything above about 93% is hard to tell apart on fabric.