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If you've ever stared at a cross-stitch pattern and seen instructions like “DMC 310, 3865, 815” and wondered what those numbers actually mean — this guide is for you. By the end you'll understand how DMC's colour system works, how to read a chart, and how to substitute colours when needed.

Why DMC numbers the way it does

DMC (Dollfus-Mieg & Compagnie) has been making embroidery thread in France since 1746. Their numbering system isn't logical in any obvious way — numbers don't ascend by hue, and there are gaps. What matters is that each unique colour has its own permanent number, and that number is the same on every skein anywhere in the world.

So if your Australian-made pattern calls for DMC 310 (Black), and you buy a skein of DMC 310 in Sydney, Tokyo, Paris or New York, you're getting the same colour. That international consistency is why DMC has been the cross-stitch industry standard for centuries.

How to read a DMC code on a pattern

A typical cross-stitch pattern key looks something like:

• DMC 310 — Black (deepest black)
• DMC 3865 — Winter White (warm, slightly cream-toned white)
• DMC Blanc — Pure white (cool, bright white)
• DMC 815 — Medium Garnet (deep red)

Each row tells you the DMC code, sometimes the colour name, and a symbol you'll see on the chart's grid. Find the symbol on the grid, stitch in that colour, repeat.

Colours with names instead of numbers — Blanc (white) and Ecru (off-white) — are DMC's two original “named” colours that predate the numbering system.

Light Effects, Coloris and Variations

DMC produces several thread ranges that have their own number systems:

• Moulíné Stranded Cotton — the standard 6-strand cotton most patterns use. Numbers like 310, 815, 3865.
• Coloris — variegated stranded cotton with subtle colour shifts along the thread. Numbers like 20 (Surimi), 24 (Sabine Purple), 32 (Brimbelle).
• Light Effects — metallic, glow-in-the-dark, and fluorescent threads. Codes start with E, like E940 (glow white) or E3852 (metallic dark gold).
• Etoile — cotton with a subtle metallic sparkle. Codes start with C, like C310.

If a pattern uses these speciality threads, the key will usually note the range — “DMC Coloris 32 Brimbelle” rather than just “32”.

Substituting colours when you can't get a match

Occasionally a pattern calls for a specific shade you don't have or can't easily find. Three options:

1. Use the closest neighbour — DMC's numbering often groups similar shades together. If a pattern needs 815 (Medium Garnet) and you have 814 or 816, the result will be very close.
2. Cross-reference with a printed chart — lay your existing threads next to the chart's colour reference and pick the visually closest match.
3. Use the DMC website's colour matching — DMC's official site has substitution tools for converting between DMC and other brands (Anchor, Madeira, Sullivans).

For colourwork where contrast matters, even a one-shade substitution usually goes unnoticed in the finished piece.

Where to buy authentic DMC in Australia

Authenticity matters because DMC's colourfastness, sheen, and dye consistency are what make the brand worth specifying in a pattern. Counterfeit or off-brand cotton will fade unevenly and may not be colourfast in the wash.

We stock the full DMC Moulíné Stranded Cotton range, Coloris variegated thread, and Light Effects speciality threads at Crafty Hobbies. Each skein is 8 metres, 6 separable strands of long-staple Egyptian cotton, mercerised for sheen, and colourfast at 40°C. Browse the full range:

• DMC Stranded Cotton — the full colour range, individual skeins
• Cross Stitch Kits — complete kits that include all DMC threads
• Cross Stitch Patterns — pattern-only designs

How many strands should you use?

A skein of DMC stranded cotton has 6 strands held together. You separate the strands and use only the number you need for your project. As a rough guide:

• 14ct aida — 2 strands for cross stitch, 1 for backstitch
• 16ct aida or 32ct evenweave (over 2) — 2 strands cross stitch, 1 backstitch
• 18ct aida or 36ct evenweave — 1 strand cross stitch, 1 backstitch
• Backstitch only / outlines — always 1 strand for clean lines

How long does a skein last?

An 8 metre skein of DMC stranded cotton covers roughly 600–800 cross stitches on 14ct aida using 2 strands. A typical small project (20 x 20 cm finished, 50–80% coverage) uses 1–2 skeins per dominant colour and a single skein for each accent.

FAQ

Are all DMC threads colourfast? Yes. DMC Moulíné Stranded Cotton is rated colourfast up to 40°C wash. Finished pieces survive gentle laundering without bleeding.

Can I mix strands from different skeins of the same colour? Yes — DMC's dye batch consistency means a fresh skein of 310 looks identical to one bought five years ago.

What's the difference between DMC and other thread brands? Anchor, Madeira, and Sullivans make stranded cotton in different colour ranges. Some patterns specify other brands. DMC's range is the largest (500+ colours), and most patterns default to DMC codes.

How should I store my DMC threads? A floss organiser keeps your colours sorted by code and away from sunlight, which can fade thread over years. We stock floss bobbins and organiser boxes for the well-stocked stitcher.

Ready to start stitching?

If you're starting a new project, the easiest way to get all the right DMC colours in one go is to buy a complete cross stitch kit — the kit's instructions tell you exactly which skeins are inside and what each one's for. If you're working from a pattern, our full DMC range ships Australia-wide.