159 — Rusty
Reds family#924A39
Need details on Valdani 159? This medium-dark, moderately saturated red shade (Rusty) is hex #924A39, RGB 146, 74, 57. Cross-brand equivalents in Classic Colorworks, Weeks Dye Works, and Gentle Art Sampler are listed below — ranked by perceptual similarity — alongside 8 nearby Valdani shades and color-theory harmony pairings.
About Valdani 159
Valdani 6-Ply Floss
- Strands
- 6 ply
Brand Equivalents for Valdani 159
The five closest matches in each brand, ranked by CIEDE2000 perceptual color difference.
DMC
Anchor
Madeira
J&P Coates
Sullivans
Classic Colorworks
Weeks Dye Works
Gentle Art Sampler
Crescent Colors
Similar Valdani Colors to 159
Closest Valdani threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with Valdani 159
It has moderate contrast on both light and dark fabric — usable on either, but test a few stitches on your chosen ground first.
Hand-dyed threads like Valdani 159 (Rusty) are never perfectly flat; expect soft variegation. Stock up in a single dye lot up front, since later batches can read noticeably different.
Valdani 159 (Rusty) sits a hair from Valdani H201 (Rust) (ΔE 1.06) — 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 Valdani 159
Valdani threads that pair well with 159, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
Valdani159 in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About Valdani 159
Meet Valdani 159, Rusty — a moderately saturated, medium-dark thread in the reds family with red-orange tones. Stitchers describe its character as rich and grounded, perfect for roses and hearts. It blends comfortably into projects centered on holiday designs and bold accents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valdani 159 — what color is it?
The color of Valdani 159 is Rusty — a medium-dark red thread (hex #924A39, RGB 146, 74, 57). It shows up most in cardinal birds and apple motifs.
What is the DMC equivalent of Valdani 159?
The closest DMC match for Valdani 159 (Rusty) is DMC 3772 (Desert Sand very dark) with a 74% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include DMC 301 (Mahogany medium, 72%) and DMC 920 (Copper medium, 71%).
Which Valdani threads are close to 159?
The closest Valdani threads to 159 are H201 Rust (ΔE 1.06), 812 Brick Medium (ΔE 1.78), and 160 Light Maroon (ΔE 2.44). These are useful substitutes when 159 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is Valdani 159 good for?
Valdani 159 (Rusty) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring cardinal birds, apple motifs, ladybug designs, barn scenes. Its medium-dark tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with 159.
Does Valdani 159 (Rusty) vary between dye lots?
Yes, mildly. Hand-dyed threads like 159 are never perfectly flat, and later dye lots can read differently. Reserve one lot per project and avoid stitching in strict rows to keep the mottling even.