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How Many DMC Solid Colors Are There? The Complete Guide for Embroidery & Cross Stitch
If you've spent any time in the cross stitch or embroidery world, you've probably heard stitchers talk about collecting "all the DMC colors."
But how many DMC embroidery floss solid colors are there exactly?
The answer depends on whether you're counting only current solid colors or including discontinued shades and specialty threads. In this guide, we'll break down the DMC color system and explain how many colors most stitchers consider part of a complete collection.
Quick Answer
Most stitchers consider a complete DMC embroidery floss collection to include approximately 500 solid colors.
This typically includes:
DMC colors 1–3895
White
Blanc
Ecru
B5200
Many collectors also include several discontinued or replacement colors to maintain compatibility with older patterns.
Why DMC Colors Matter
DMC is the most widely used embroidery floss system in the world.
Most cross stitch and embroidery patterns reference DMC color numbers rather than color names.
For example:
l 310 = Black
l 666 = Bright Red
l 820 = Royal Blue
Because patterns rely on these numbers, many stitchers organize their thread collections according to DMC color numbers rather than by color family.
Are There Really 500 DMC Colors?
The exact number depends on how you count them.
A complete solid-color collection generally includes:
l Current solid colors
l White
l Blanc
l Ecru
l B5200
Many serious collectors also keep discontinued colors or replacement colors that appear in older charts and vintage patterns.
This is why many embroidery storage systems are designed around approximately 500 color positions.
Build Your 500-Color Storage System
What About Discontinued Colors?
Over the years, DMC has retired or replaced several color numbers.
Some older patterns may reference colors that are no longer produced.
Common replacements include:
Many stitchers keep records of these changes when organizing their collections.
How Do Serious Stitchers Organize 500 Colors?
Once a collection grows beyond a few hundred colors, organization becomes important.
Popular methods include:
Acrylic Bobbins
Acrylic bobbins allow each color to be stored individually while displaying the color number for easy identification.
Drawer Organizers
Drawer cabinets provide excellent visibility and make it easy to browse large collections.
File Box Systems
Many stitchers use letter-size file boxes to organize complete collections while saving space.
Number Stickers
Color-number labels help maintain consistency across bobbins, floss drops, storage bags, and project organizers.
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What Is the Best Way to Arrange DMC Colors?
Most experienced stitchers recommend sorting colors by number.
For example:
White
Blanc
Ecru
B5200
1–3895
This matches the numbering system used in patterns and allows colors to be located quickly.
Sorting by shade can look attractive, but numerical organization is usually more practical for everyday stitching.
Related Article
10 Embroidery Floss Storage Ideas for Cross Stitch Lovers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all 500 DMC colors?
No. Many stitchers purchase colors as needed for projects.
However, dedicated cross stitch enthusiasts often enjoy building a complete collection over time.
What is the rarest DMC color?
Some discontinued colors are harder to find because they are no longer produced.
How long does it take to collect all DMC colors?
Many stitchers build their collection gradually over several years, adding colors as they complete new projects.
What is the easiest way to organize a complete collection?
Acrylic bobbins, storage organizers, and numerical sorting are among the most popular solutions for managing large thread collections.
Final Thoughts
While the exact count can vary slightly depending on discontinued colors and specialty threads, most stitchers consider approximately 500 colors to represent a complete DMC embroidery floss collection.
As your collection grows, having a dedicated organization system becomes increasingly important. Whether you use acrylic bobbins, storage organizers, file boxes, or number stickers, keeping colors organized by number makes every project faster and more enjoyable.
Building a complete collection takes time, but with the right storage system, every color can be easy to find and ready for your next stitching project.
Build Your Complete 500-Color Thread Collection
Whether you currently own 50 colors or all 500 DMC solid colors, the right organization system makes every project easier.