173 — Rich Brown Dark
Reds family#442B2D
Need details on Valdani 173? This dark, muted red shade (Rich Brown Dark) is hex #442B2D, RGB 68, 43, 45. 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 173
Valdani 6-Ply Floss
- Strands
- 6 ply
Brand Equivalents for Valdani 173
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 173
Closest Valdani threads by perceptual color distance, sorted from most to least similar.
Working with Valdani 173
It pops on white and light fabric but nearly disappears on black, so pair it with a light or neutral ground.
Hand-dyed threads like Valdani 173 (Rich Brown Dark) are never perfectly flat; expect soft variegation. Stock up in a single dye lot up front, since later batches can read noticeably different.
Valdani 173 (Rich Brown Dark) sits a hair from Valdani 1645 (Red Brown Dark) (ΔE 2.72) — 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 173
Valdani threads that pair well with 173, based on color theory harmony rules in CIELAB color space.
Reds Family
Valdani173 in context with nearby shades from the reds color family.
About Valdani 173
Meet Valdani 173, Rich Brown Dark — a muted, dark thread in the reds family with warm crimson tones. Stitchers describe its character as dramatic and quiet, perfect for roses and hearts. It blends comfortably into projects centered on holiday designs and bold accents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valdani 173 — what color is it?
The color of Valdani 173 is Rich Brown Dark — a dark red thread (hex #442B2D, RGB 68, 43, 45). It shows up most in cardinal birds and apple motifs.
What is the DMC equivalent of Valdani 173?
The closest DMC match for Valdani 173 (Rich Brown Dark) is DMC 779 (Cocoa dark) with a 76% match based on visual color similarity. Other near matches include DMC 938 (Coffee Brown ultra dark, 74%) and DMC 838 (Beige Brown very dark, 72%).
Which Valdani threads are close to 173?
The closest Valdani threads to 173 are 1645 Red Brown Dark (ΔE 2.72), H210 Melancholic Purple (ΔE 4.23), and O145 Earth Shades (ΔE 4.46). These are useful substitutes when 173 is unavailable or for building gradients.
What is Valdani 173 good for?
Valdani 173 (Rich Brown Dark) is commonly used in cross-stitch projects featuring cardinal birds, apple motifs, ladybug designs, barn scenes. Its dark tone works well for standalone motifs and as part of larger palettes. This page includes color harmonies and similar shades to pair with 173.
Does Valdani 173 (Rich Brown Dark) vary between dye lots?
Yes, mildly. Hand-dyed threads like 173 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.