3801 — Christmas Red light
Reds family
Need details on DMC 3801? This medium, vivid red shade (Christmas Red light) is hex #E02338, RGB 224, 35, 56. Cross-brand equivalents in Madeira, J&P Coates, and Sullivans are listed below — ranked by perceptual similarity — alongside 8 nearby DMC shades and color-theory harmony pairings.
Brand Equivalents for DMC 3801
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 3801
Closest DMC threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with DMC 3801
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground.
With its high saturation, DMC 3801 (Christmas Red light) draws the eye — a natural pick for focal motifs, small pops of color, and details you want to read first.
DMC 3801 (Christmas Red light) sits a hair from DMC 350 (Coral medium) (ΔE 2.98) — 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 3801
DMC threads that pair well with 3801, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
DMC 3801 in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About DMC 3801
Known as Christmas Red light, DMC 3801 is a medium, vivid shade sitting in the reds family with warm crimson tones. With a vibrant and steady quality, this thread works beautifully in ladybug designs and barn scenes. You will find this color at home in patterns featuring tomato patterns and roses.
Frequently Asked Questions
DMC 3801 — what color is it?
The color of DMC 3801 is Christmas Red light — a medium red thread (hex #E02338, RGB 224, 35, 56). It shows up most in berries and valentines.
What is the Anchor equivalent of DMC 3801?
The closest Anchor match for DMC 3801 (Christmas Red light) is Anchor 1098 (Red) with a 80% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 28 (Baby Pink Very Dark, 67%) and Anchor 29 (Baby Pink Ultra Very Dark, 67%).
Which DMC threads are close to 3801?
The closest DMC threads to 3801 are 350 Coral medium (ΔE 2.98), 891 Carnation dark (ΔE 4.27), and 606 Burnt Orange-Red (ΔE 5.55). These are useful substitutes when 3801 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is DMC 3801 good for?
DMC 3801 (Christmas Red light) 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 3801.
What fabric color works best with DMC 3801 (Christmas Red light)?
It stands out clearly on both white and dark fabric, so it is an easy, versatile choice for any ground. For reference, 3801 has a contrast ratio of about 4.7:1 on white fabric and 4.5:1 on black. As a warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.