Exploring the DMC color cards in diamond painting : Where do those numbers come from?

When you first open a Diamond Painting set, aren’t you captivated by the bags of vibrantly colored diamonds? They’re packaged in small bags, each numbered. What secrets lie behind these numbers? Are they simply randomly chosen? Don’t worry, the answer will surprise you—these numbers are actually based on a color standard with over 200 years of history called the DMC color chart.

What exactly is DMC and why is it so important to diamond painting ?

DMC, or Dollfus-Mieg and Company, is a long-established French textile company founded in 1746. Hundreds of years ago , its most famous product was embroidery thread, particularly its iconic cross-stitch staple. DMC was virtually universally known. You’d even encounter fans who could recite their favorite DMC color codes. Just as music fans memorize lyrics, craftspeople also memorize these codes .

This is no accident. DMC embroidery thread has maintained extremely high quality and color standards for decades, becoming the industry’s recognized “color dictionary.” It can be said that DMC is the definitive color name.

What exactly is the DMC color card?

Imagine a chart neatly arranged with various colors, each with a unique numerical code and a name. This is the DMC color chart. While the name may change, the numerical code remains fixed, as reliable as an ID card. Originally designed for DMC’s own embroidery threads, this color chart has since been adopted by countless brands.

This means that no matter which brand of embroidery thread you buy, or the popular diamond painting , you can use the same set of numerical codes to find the corresponding color. This unified standard makes the entire handicraft community more orderly and more convenient for us enthusiasts.

Why not make your own numbering system?

You might be wondering, since diamond painting is so popular, why not develop your own color code? Actually, using DMC is more than enough . DMC color charts cover hundreds of colors, detailed enough to include nearly every hue imaginable. Furthermore, many diamond painting enthusiasts also engage in cross-stitch or other textile crafts. Having two different color codes is tedious . A single standard reduces confusion and learning time. It’s a win-win situation.

How accurate are DMC codes?

Have you ever been confused by vague descriptions like “light pink” or “pink”? It’s true, it can be difficult to pinpoint a color simply by hearing the name. But DMC codes don’t make that difficult. For example, DMC-605 represents a specific shade of pink. No matter where you buy diamonds or diamonds, seeing this code will help you identify the color.

Of course, there are always minor variations between production batches and dyes, but generally speaking, the consistency is very high. For people like us who pay attention to details, being able to maintain color stability is really important.

What is the difference between the two color cards ?

The two are actually very similar, except that the Diamond Painting color charts feature high-definition close-up images of the diamonds. This allows you to more intuitively judge the color of the diamonds when you receive the set, preventing you from making the wrong purchase. You can also download these color charts or create your own. The process is simple: tape your diamonds to a piece of paper and write the corresponding DMC number.

DIY your own DMC color card, it’s really practical!

Honestly, if you’re into diamond painting , I highly recommend making a color palette. I’ve done it myself before, and it feels like I have a color inventory. Every time I receive a new set with new diamond colors, I’ll stick them in, take a picture, and save it on my phone. When I’m at a craft store, I pull them out and compare them, and the colors become instantly clear, saving me the trouble of buying the wrong ones.

Also, if you accidentally spill a diamond or mix up the bags, this color swatch is a real lifesaver!

Faced with various brands, DMC color cards help you easily compare colors

There are a plethora of brands on the market today, some using their own color codes, while others continue to use DMC color codes. When you encounter diamonds from different brands, you can almost always find the closest alternative by comparing the colors using a DMC color chart.

Although manufacturing processes and dye batches will cause slight differences, with the help of color cards, you can always find suitable color substitutes, which makes replenishing materials more convenient and creation smoother.

Summary: DMC color card is the secret weapon of our handmade enthusiasts

Using DMC color card numbers makes diamond painting color management easy and professional. More than just a color “identity card,” it’s like a universal language in the world of crafts, connecting diverse creative approaches. Every time I open a diamond painting set and see that familiar number, I can’t help but feel a surge of joy—behind these numbers are centuries of heritage and expertise, and they serve as my ultimate companion on my creative journey.

Come and purchase our diamond painting set , use professional DMC color cards to accurately match colors, and let your artwork shine with unparalleled brilliance!