917 — Plum medium
Pinks family
Looking up DMC 917? It's Plum medium, a medium-dark pink shade (#911B5B / RGB 145, 27, 91). Scroll down for Cosmo, Classic Colorworks, and Weeks Dye Works equivalents ranked by visual similarity, plus 8 close DMC alternatives and curated color harmonies.
Brand Equivalents for DMC 917
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 917
Closest DMC threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with DMC 917
It has moderate contrast on both light and dark fabric — usable on either, but test a few stitches on your chosen ground first.
DMC 917 (Plum medium) is vivid enough to carry a focal point; use it sparingly for accents so it stays the star rather than competing across the whole piece.
Color Harmonies for DMC 917
DMC threads that pair well with 917, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Pinks Family
DMC 917 in context with nearby shades from the pinks color family.
About DMC 917
A medium-dark, vivid entry in the pinks family, DMC 917 carries the name Plum medium with rose pink tones. The shade reads as strong and rich — a go-to choice for cosmetics-themed designs and rose buds. It also turns up in patterns built around florals and skin tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color is DMC 917?
DMC 917 is called Plum medium. It's a medium-dark pink shade (hex #911B5B, RGB 145, 27, 91) in the pinks family, commonly used for ballet themes, baby projects, and similar motifs.
What's the closest Anchor match for DMC 917?
The closest Anchor match for DMC 917 (Plum medium) is Anchor 78 (Plum Medium Dark) with a 77% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include Anchor 89 (Mauve Dark, 76%) and Anchor 88 (Mauve Medium, 76%).
What's a good substitute for DMC 917?
The closest DMC threads to 917 are 718 Plum (ΔE 5.16), 3803 Mauve medium (ΔE 6.69), and 915 Plum dark (ΔE 7.42). These are useful substitutes when 917 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What projects use DMC 917?
Cross-stitchers pull DMC 917 (Plum medium) for charts featuring ballet themes, baby projects, peony petals, flamingo designs. The medium-dark tone reads cleanly on its own and slots into multi-color palettes — see the color harmonies below for pairing ideas.
What fabric color works best with DMC 917 (Plum medium)?
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, 917 has a contrast ratio of about 8.4:1 on white fabric and 2.5:1 on black. As a warm shade, its warm cast advances toward the viewer — good for focal points, highlights, and cozy, inviting palettes.