DMC Mouliné Spécial

223 — Shell Pink light

Reds family

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.

Hex
#B35C65
RGB
179, 92, 101
HSL
354°, 36%, 53%
Lab
49.7, 36.1, 11.1
Lightness
53%
Medium
Saturation
36%
Muted
Hue
354°
Family
Reds

Brand Equivalents for DMC 223

Top 5 closest matches in each brand, ranked by visual color similarity. How matching works

DMC 223 Shell Pink light

Similar DMC Colors to 223

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

Working with DMC 223

On white fabric
4.5:1
On dark fabric
4.6:1
Temperature
warm
Closest to
rose

It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground.

Color Harmonies for DMC 223

DMC threads that pair well with 223, 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

Reds Family

DMC 223 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 1023 (Dusty Rose) with a 84% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 41 (Rose Dark, 75%) and Anchor 38 (Dusty Pink, 74%).

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.