The complete DMC embroidery floss palette—all 489 colors, searchable by code or name. Tap any color to add it to your palette, or mark the threads you already own.
DMC (Dollfus-Mieg & Compagnie) has been manufacturing embroidery thread in Mulhouse, France since 1746—making it one of the oldest continuously operating thread companies in the world. The iconic Mouliné Spécial six-strand cotton floss, introduced in 1898, remains the global standard for cross stitch and embroidery.
Every skein is double-mercerized (a chemical treatment that adds strength and a subtle sheen) and colorfast, meaning the colors won't bleed or fade when washed. DMC produces each color to exact specifications, so a skein of DMC 310 purchased today will match one purchased a decade ago.
This consistency is why DMC color numbers have become the universal language of cross stitch patterns. When a pattern calls for "DMC 817," stitchers worldwide know exactly which coral red to reach for.
DMC currently produces 489 colors of standard six-strand embroidery floss (Mouliné Spécial). This includes the 35 colors added in 2017, numbered 01–35, which expanded the palette with contemporary shades like Driftwood (07), Nile Green (29), and Alizarin (35).
Beyond the standard floss, DMC offers specialty threads that use the same color numbering system: Mouliné Étoile (35 colors with sparkle), Color Variations (24 variegated threads), Light Effects (36 metallic and pearlescent), Satin (60 rayon threads), and Coloris (24 threads with four color sections).
DMC color codes aren't random—though the system has evolved over nearly 130 years, so some patterns are more obvious than others.
Low numbers (01–35): The newest colors, added in 2017. These fill gaps in the original palette with modern, on-trend shades.
White and ecru: BLANC (white), ECRU (cream), and B5200 (bright white) don't follow the numeric system.
Color families: Many numbers cluster by hue. For example: 300s are rusts and browns, 500s are greens, 700s are bright greens and Christmas reds, 800s are blues, 900s are oranges, and 3000s are extended palette additions.
DMC Mouliné Spécial is a six-strand divisible floss. Each skein contains six loosely twisted strands that can be separated and recombined to adjust coverage and texture.
A standard DMC skein contains 8 meters (8.7 yards) of thread. The weight is approximately 1 gram per skein—light enough that most patterns use only a fraction of each color.
For large projects or full-coverage designs, you may need multiple skeins of heavily-used colors. Most patterns list thread quantities, but if yours doesn't: a full-coverage 100×100 stitch pattern typically uses 1-2 skeins per dominant color.
| Fabric Count | Strands for Cross Stitch | Strands for Backstitch |
|---|---|---|
| 11-count Aida | 3 strands | 2 strands |
| 14-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand |
| 16-count Aida | 2 strands | 1 strand |
| 18-count Aida | 1-2 strands | 1 strand |
| 28-count evenweave (over 2) | 2 strands | 1 strand |
Using fewer strands creates a lighter, more delicate look. Using more strands gives fuller coverage but can be harder to pull through the fabric. For most stitchers on 14-count Aida, two strands is the sweet spot—full coverage without fighting the needle.
DMC Mouliné falls in the "fine" category of embroidery threads. It's thinner than pearl cotton (which doesn't divide) and much finer than tapestry wool. The six-strand divisibility makes it versatile: use one strand for fine detail, all six for chunky texture.
DMC isn't the only embroidery floss brand, though it's the most widely used. Anchor (made by Coats) is the main alternative, popular in the UK and Europe. Other brands include Madeira, JP Coats, and Cosmo.
Tap any color in the chart above to see its closest Anchor and Madeira equivalents.
Important: Brand conversions are approximations, not exact matches. Each manufacturer uses different dye formulations, so "DMC 310" and "Anchor 403" are both black, but they're not identical blacks. For best results: don't mix brands within the same project, buy all your thread at once to ensure consistency, and when in doubt, compare physical skeins rather than relying on charts.
Not sure which brand to use? Read our complete DMC vs Anchor comparison for guidance on availability, pricing, and when to choose each brand.
Serious stitchers accumulate thread over time. Knowing what you already own saves money and avoids duplicate purchases.
Use the "I own this" toggle in the chart above to track your inventory. Your selections save automatically in your browser—no account required. Filter to "Not in inventory" before your next craft store trip to see exactly what you're missing.
Start with the essentials: Black (310), white (BLANC), ecru, and a basic skin tone range (754, 758, 948, 3774) appear in countless patterns.
Build by project: Rather than buying the complete 489-color set upfront, add colors as you need them for specific patterns. After a few projects, you'll have a well-rounded collection.
Found colors you love? Tap them to add to your palette, then open them in the editor to start your next pattern.
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