3-Minute Guide to the Diamond Painting DMC Color Chart

If you’ve ever opened a diamond painting kit and noticed a long list of numbers next to the colors, you’re not alone in wondering what they actually mean. At first glance, those little codes can feel a bit random—but once you understand them, they’ll quickly become one of the most useful tools in your diamond painting routine.

Let’s break it down in a simple, no-fuss way.

So, What Are DMC Codes?

In short, DMC codes are a standardized way to label colors.

Instead of saying “light blue” or “dark green” (which can be subjective), each shade is assigned a specific number. For example, DMC 310 always refers to black, while DMC 666 is a bright red. No matter where you buy your drills, those numbers generally stay consistent.

That consistency is what makes the system so useful—especially when you start collecting extra drills or working on multiple projects.

Where Did the DMC System Come From?

Interestingly, the DMC system didn’t start with diamond painting at all.

DMC stands for Dollfus-Mieg & Company, a French textile manufacturer founded back in 1746. They originally created this color coding system for embroidery threads and yarns. Over time, it became widely adopted across different crafting communities because it provided a reliable way to match colors.

Diamond painting brands later picked up the same system, which is why you’ll see those familiar codes included in most kits today.

Why DMC Codes Matter for Diamond Painting

Once you get into the habit of using them, DMC codes make everything easier.

First, they help you stay organized. Instead of guessing shades, you can sort your drills by number and always know exactly what you’re working with.

They’re also incredibly practical when you run out of a color. Rather than trying to visually match it, you can simply reorder the same DMC number and get a very close match. (Keep in mind, there can still be slight variations between manufacturers—but it’s usually minimal.)

Another big advantage is flexibility. Since the DMC system is used across different crafts, you can match your diamond painting colors with embroidery threads, yarn, or even digital color codes if needed.

Making Your Own DMC Color Chart (Highly Recommended)

If you plan to stick with diamond painting for a while, creating your own DMC color chart is absolutely worth it.

Printed charts can be helpful, but they’re not always 100% accurate. Colors can look different depending on your screen settings or printer quality. What looks like a soft pink on screen might actually be closer to coral in real life.

That’s why a physical chart made from your own drills works best.

All you need is a sturdy piece of paper—cardstock or a small notebook works great. Whenever you get new drills, stick one sample of each color onto your chart and label it with the corresponding DMC number.

Over time, you’ll build a personalized reference that’s far more reliable than anything you can download.

A Small Tool That Makes a Big Difference

At first, DMC codes might seem like just another detail to keep track of. But once you start using them, you’ll notice how much smoother your workflow becomes—from organizing drills to reordering colors and even fixing mix-ups.

It’s one of those small things that quietly makes the entire hobby more enjoyable.

And honestly, once you’ve used a proper color chart, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.