[Update 2018: My review of the 35 new DMC floss colors released in 2017 is now live!]
For the first time in nearly 15 years, there are new DMC floss colors! The company has released other products in recent years – variegated flosses, metallic solids and medleys, fluorescents, and a glow in the dark floss (that works great), but these are the first solids in a long time.
At this time, these new flosses can only be purchased in a pack with all 16 colors. I’m hoping that they start selling the individual flosses soon! DMC has a press release with a link to a color card about these new colors that you can read. However, here’s my take (and you can click on the photos below to take a closer look):
First, I think the best additions are the purples. DMC 3886 is called Very Dark Plum, and it comes after 915 (top of photo). It is absolutely gorgeous and a very welcome newcomer.
I’ll say the same for DMC 3887, called Ultra Very Dark Lavender (first from top). These two purples fill some real gaps in the DMC pallette.
DMC 3880 is called Medium Very Dark Shell Pink. According to DMC, the color falls between 3721 and 221 (first from top in photo). I find this color to be nearly identical to 3722 (third from top)
and I’m wondering if this color would work better as in this photo, between 3859 and 3858.
DMC 3881 is Pale Avocado Green, and it is supposed to fill a gap between 471 and 470 (second from bottom)
but I’m wondering if it may look better in this green color family, between 3348 and 3347.
I’m going to sound picky again, but I’m thinking that DMC 3882, Medium Light Cocoa, might go in another spot. According to the color chart, this color should go between 3861 and 3860 (second from top). I find the color to be nearly indistinguishable from 839,
and may actually look better between 3862 and 3031.
DMC 3883, Medium Light Copper (second from bottom) is a nice addition to this orange family, although it’s only a very slight variation from it’s neighbors 922 and 921.
DMC 3884 , Medium Light Pewter, falls between 169 and 317, (second from bottom) which is part of a realm of subtle differences in grays. I find it’s also very close to 535.
DMC 3885 is called Medium Very Dark Blue. While I welcome new blues, I find this one to be nearly the same as it’s neighbor 824. Fortunately, they’re both really lovely royal dark blues.
DMC 3888 is Medium Dark Antique Violet. According to DMC, it falls between 3041 and 3740 (first from top). Like the blue 3885 above, it’s a lovely color, but it is incredibly close to it’s neighbor 3041.
DMC 3889, Medium Light Lemon, (first from bottom) is a good addition to this series of yellows.
Beside the purples at the top of this post, the two turquoises DMC 3890 and DMC 3891 (at top and fourth from top) are my favorite new colors. They expand these sets of incredibly bright and vibrant blues that I love.
DMC 3892 (second from top) is called Medium Light Orange Spice and it fills a gap in this family of orange. However, it is very, very close to the two colors 971 and 970.
DMC 3893, Very Light Mocha Beige, is a subtle step between it’s neighbors 543 and 3864.
I’m happy to see this new green, DMC 3894, A.K.A. Very Light Parrot Green (at bottom). This is a perfect newcomer to this nice bright set of greens.
Last, but not least, is DMC 3895, Medium Dark Beaver Gray. It’s a good addition to this range of subtle grays.
I have a couple footnotes on this post. First, in order to get the full effect of the differences and similarities of the flosses, you really need to see them for yourself in different types of lighting. I’ve tried my best to capture the subtleties of the color differences, but cameras can’t always do the same job as the human eye.
Second, you have to account for some differences between the color of skeins. DMC has incredible quality control and they produce amazingly consistent colors. However, I may have skeins that are slightly different in color than DMC’s laboratory conditions or the lighting in your house or workplace. So when you look at 3892 and think “That’s not even close to 971 or 970! Is she on drugs or something?” The answer is “well, maybe a glass of wine,” and please remember that colors will look different in various locations and lighting.
All that being said, what do you think of the new colors? Have you been able to see them in person? Has my review above helped you? Let me know in the comments!
Update February 2015: I now have a project that uses all of the 16 new colors in a fun geometric pattern. Take a look!
[Update 2018: My review of the 35 new DMC floss colors released in 2017 is now live!]
Thanks for the reviews. From what I can see, you’re right on point with your comments. Your suggestions (when you feel the new color is a better fit elsewhere than DMC suggests) are really helpful, and I agree with you on every one of them (and I haven’t had any wine tonight!) I would have noticed the color didn’t quite fit where it was on the list but probably wouldn’t have been able to figure out the right spot on my own. Thanks to you I don’t have to worry about it!
I’m so happy I was able to help you, Lauren! I was really hoping that I could provide some insight, so your comment really made my day…
T hank you for your review. It is very helpful!!
Thanks for leaving your kind comment! I’m glad to help…
What a great review! I’ve held off buying these new colors, but I think maybe I’ll bite the bullet. Love the new bright blues and greens….oh, well……..all of them! It’s DMC, after all:-)
The blues, the greens, the plum, and the purple – all definitely worth the look – they’re gorgeous! Thanks so much for your kind comment – I’m happy you enjoyed my review…
what a helpful review! I am so bad at colors and their families…………I will keep this and use it when I buy the new threads…thank you again…….
Thanks to you! Glad I could give you some good information. Hope you enjoy the new colors!
Where did you find a DMC color chart with the new colors included? I lost my old one, and had been hoping to find a new one with the new colors included.
Would love to be able to print your analysis, and store it in my floss boxes so I have it when I want to alter the colors in the designs I stitch.
Ah! They haven’t incorporated the new colors into their color chart yet. You can find the existing chart here: http://dmc-usa.com/Products/Needlework-Threads/Embroidery-Threads/Cotton-Embroidery-Floss.aspx
Click on “Colors” and you can download the .pdf file with the chart.
You can find the color chart of the 16 new colors here: http://dmc-usa.com/News-Item/2013/October/16-New-DMC-Floss-Colors.aspx
About halfway down the release, it says “Please click here to download a pdf of the color card.” That will take you to a .pdf that says where these 16 new colors fall into their existing lineup. And that’s where this post begins!
You can print this post – On a PC, I just right clicked on the post, clicked print, and went from there. I imagine it would be similar if you’re on an Apple.
Hope this helps! Thanks for your kind comment!
Thank you so much for your help!
You are spot on!! DMC needs you to work for them!
Thanks for the compliment, Jo! Working for DMC is un idée exceptionnelle…
Thank you very much for this review on new DMC colours, it was very helpful. Especially grouping the families!
Thanks for your kind comment! I’m so glad you found my review useful.