309 — Rose deep
Reds family
Looking up DMC 309? It's Rose deep, a medium red shade (#AD203E / RGB 173, 32, 62). 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 309
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 309
Closest DMC threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with DMC 309
It has moderate contrast on both light and dark fabric — usable on either, but test a few stitches on your chosen ground first.
With its high saturation, DMC 309 (Rose deep) draws the eye — a natural pick for focal motifs, small pops of color, and details you want to read first.
DMC 309 (Rose deep) sits a hair from DMC 3831 (Raspberry dark) (ΔE 1.26) — 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 309
DMC threads that pair well with 309, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
DMC 309 in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About DMC 309
Known as Rose deep, DMC 309 is a medium, vivid shade sitting in the reds family with warm crimson tones. Expect a vibrant and steady look that suits ladybug designs, barn scenes, and similar motifs. Cross stitch enthusiasts often reach for this thread when stitching tomato patterns or roses.
Frequently Asked Questions
DMC 309 — what color is it?
The color of DMC 309 is Rose deep — a medium red thread (hex #AD203E, RGB 173, 32, 62). It shows up most in berries and valentines.
What is the Anchor equivalent of DMC 309?
The closest Anchor match for DMC 309 (Rose deep) is Anchor 19 (Pink Bright Ultra Very) with a 97% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 20 (Garnet Light, 75%) and Anchor 29 (Baby Pink Ultra Very Dark, 70%).
Which DMC threads are close to 309?
The closest DMC threads to 309 are 3831 Raspberry dark (ΔE 1.26), 326 Rose very deep (ΔE 2.27), and 347 Salmon very dark (ΔE 4.11). These are useful substitutes when 309 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is DMC 309 good for?
DMC 309 (Rose deep) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring berries, valentines, poppies, cardinal birds. 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 309.
What fabric color works best with DMC 309 (Rose deep)?
It has moderate contrast on both light and dark fabric — usable on either, but test a few stitches on your chosen ground first. For reference, 309 has a contrast ratio of about 6.9:1 on white fabric and 3.1:1 on black. As a warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.