Do You Really Know About DMC Colors? My Studio's Secret Is Here

Hey, my fellow crafters!

It's us—the sisters @ Diamond Painting Studio!As someone who's totally obsessed with diamond painting, I get it. You're curious, you love it, and you're always wondering about the little things.
 If you're new to this, you've probably noticed those numbers on your canvas, like "number 310" or "number 804," right? If you've been around for a while, you definitely know those numbers on the little diamond bags.  

Well, let's be real—those little numbers are the soul of our diamond paintings: DMC color codes.

What Exactly Is DMC and Where Did It Come From?

Simply put, DMC is like a unique ID card for a color.

It all started with this French company, Dollfus-Mieg and Company, that’s been around for over 270 years! They got famous for making super high-quality embroidery floss. They're a huge deal with cross-stitch lovers and other fiber artists. If you mention DMC floss to anyone who's into embroidery, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about. They might even be able to tell you their favorite floss code right on the spot!

Today, DMC is a leader in the crafting world. Their products are seriously the best and have totally stood the test of time. That history proves they know what they’re doing and are fully committed to quality. And that little DMC code doesn't just show up on their own stuff; it proves their spot in the crafting world. It’s this small number that connects crafters everywhere. And it's the standard our studio is absolutely committed to.

What's a DMC Color Chart?

So, on the official DMC website, you’ll find 489 numbers for pretty much every color you can think of. While some special kits might have regional codes, our diamond painting DMC codes are always the standard ones.

When you buy a Diamond Painting Studio kit, each color of resin diamond comes in its own bag with a number on it. That number is also on the symbol chart. One color, one number—that’s it. And no matter how many kits you buy from us, you’ll notice those numbers are always the same.

Here's a cool fact for you: At our studio, we make sure our diamond drills match the DMC codes for all those embroidery floss colors. Seriously! Imagine you get two different kits from us. One has a deep black background, and the other has a character with deep black hair. If both are labeled "DMC 310," you can be 100% sure they are the exact same color. You could even go to any craft store and buy DMC embroidery floss with code 310, and it would be the exact same color as your drills. How awesome is that?

Browse our collection of diamond art kits here

What’s the Difference Between a Symbol Chart and a DMC Color Chart?

If you look closely, you'll see a symbol chart in your kit, too. The symbol chart is there to make things easier for you. When a color's DMC number is something long like 3508, it would be a total pain to print that on the canvas. I mean, who can see "3508" in a tiny 2.5mm square?

That's why the symbol chart was created. It uses simple symbols, letters, or numbers like A, B, C, or 1, 2, 3, or shapes like triangles and squares. Just match the right symbol to the right diamond, and you're good to go.

Why We Use Only DMC Colors: No Exceptions!

I know there are a ton of cheap diamond painting kits out there, but my studio will always stick to the DMC color system. It's not just about being different; it's about giving you the best creative experience possible.

We use DMC codes because it just makes sense. There are hundreds of colors already mapped to a DMC number. Instead of making up our own system, it's just smarter to use this standardized one. And a lot of crafters do more than one kind of project. Diamond painting is a lot like cross-stitch, and there's a big overlap between the two. Many diamond painters also love embroidery, sewing, and other crafts that use floss or yarn. By using the same color codes, we save you the trouble of having to learn two different systems.

Have you ever been bummed out because one brand's "dark blue" looks different from another's? It's a total perfectionist’s nightmare! But with DMC, that problem is gone. Whether you bought a piece from us this year or last year, the "DMC 939" blue is always the same shade.

Or what about when a mischievous cat knocks over a tray of drills? Or your kid hides your diamonds? Don't even sweat it! Just remember the DMC number, like "DMC 3371," and you can find it at any craft store. You can even use leftover "DMC 823" diamonds from a previous project to finish a new one, so you'll never feel that sense of waste again.

Browse our collection of diamond art kits here

How to Get and Use Your Own Exclusive DMC Color Chart？

Making your own DMC color chart is a super fun project!

Just grab a blank card, write down the DMC number, and stick a matching diamond drill next to each number. Using drills from your own collection means you don't have to worry about color differences from different printers. Every time you get a kit with a new color, just add it to your chart.

Eventually, you'll have a one-of-a-kind physical DMC color chart. It's more than just a reference tool; it's a beautiful record of your crafting journey.

Once you have your chart, take a picture of it with your phone in good light. With a digital version on your phone, you can quickly check which colors you have and which you need while you're out shopping.

When you finish a diamond painting, you usually have some drills left over. You can save them by their DMC number. Drills with the same code are the same color across all our kits. We always recommend saving your leftover drills and marking them with a sticker that shows the code. That way, if you need a drill for a future project or want to try designing your own piece, you've got them ready to go.

You can also use your DMC color chart to check against drills from other companies that don't use DMC numbers. While many brands have adopted this system, some have their own. With your own chart, you can compare their drills and figure out which DMC number they're closest to.

DMC Colors: A Warm "Universal Language"

What really moves me about the DMC color system is that it’s so much more than just a number. It connects crafters all over the world.

• Why DMC Connects Creators Everywhere

  I have friends from different countries, and we share our diamond paintings online all the time. We don't need a translator; we just say "DMC 939," and we both know exactly what color the other is talking about. This simple code lets us communicate and share our passion in the same language.

• Sharing and Gifting Keeps Love Alive

  I get so emotional when I see my diamond painting friends organize their leftover drills and give them to someone who's new to the craft. Thanks to the DMC standard, these thoughtful gifts won't go to waste. They'll perfectly help someone who needs them, which just shows that our community is built on kindness and a shared love for what we do.