Hex to DMC thread converter

How the thread match works

A hex code is a short code, like #1F6F78, that describes a colour exactly as it appears on screen. Every DMC thread colour also has a hex value that approximates how it looks. Pick a colour with the colour picker or type in a hex code, and we compare it with every colour in the DMC range and show you the one that's closest.

Why it’s an approximate match

A hex code describes a colour on a screen, but thread is a physical object, so the match is a very good guide rather than a guarantee.

• DMC has a limited range. There are only a few hundred colours, so most hex codes won't have an exact twin. You'll get the nearest one.
• Screens vary. The same hex code can look a bit different on every device, and the hex values for DMC threads are themselves approximations of the real thing.
• Thread isn't flat colour. It has a slight sheen and texture, and it looks different depending on the fabric and the light.
• Dye lots. Different batches of the same DMC colour can vary very slightly.

If the colour matters to you, the best check is to hold the real thread against whatever you're matching, in natural daylight, before you buy lots of it.

FAQ

What is a hex code?

It's a six-character code starting with #, such as #FF5733, that describes a colour on a screen. You'll find them in most design and photo-editing tools.

Do I need to know the hex code?

No. Use the colour picker in the tool to choose a colour and we'll find the match for you. If you already have a hex code from another tool, you can type it in instead.

What if there's no close match?

Some colours, especially very bright or unusual ones, don't have a close equivalent in the DMC range. You'll still get the nearest shade, but it's worth comparing the real thread before you commit.

Why does the thread look different from the colour on my screen?

Screens glow, while thread reflects light, so they never look quite the same. Thread also has a sheen, and it looks different on different fabrics and in different lights.

Can I use this to match colours from a photo?

Yes, if you pick a colour from the photo and enter its hex code. Bear in mind that photos are affected by lighting and by how the camera handled colour, so the result may not be what you'd see in real life.

Will the colour look different on coloured fabric?

Yes. Thread looks different against different fabrics, so if you're stitching on anything other than white or cream, it's worth testing a few stitches first.

Do you match to other brands?

Not yet, but we're planning to add other brands soon.