Exploring DMC’s Shades of White Threads For Cross Stitch

White may seem like a straightforward colour. Yet, within DMC’s renowned collection of threads, white appears with some subtle variations. Let’s take a look at DMC’s shades of white. (Above photo shows a comparison of B5200, BLANC, 3865, 3866 and ECRU, I took this photo indoors, you can see some photos of the threads in natural light below)

Blanc: The Classic White

Blanc (White) is the quintessential white, it’s just pure and simply white – like a blank canvas. It is devoid of any undertones. I find this shade is good used as a backdrop or a highlight. It’s also good for creating stark contrasts.

B5200: Radiant Brilliance

This is a brighter white, B5200 Pearlescent White Light (sometimes called Snow White) is luminous. It has cool undertones and I find it’s good for creating crisp contrasts and intricate details in my cross stitch patterns.

Ecru: A Warm Embrace

Is it even white? In my personal opinion, no! It’s more of an off-white/cream with a subtle warmth. But I’m adding it here because it can be used in place of white in some instances (read more below).

DMC 3865: A Soft Serenity

DMC 3865 Edelweiss (sometimes called Winter White) is perfect for capturing winter scenes or adding subtle depth to floral motifs. It is slightly off white and has a subtle warmth to it. It’s also good for vintage/antique look patterns. (I guess this one gets it’s name from the Edelweiss flower, that is a white flower that grows in the Alps.)

Garlic White

DMC 3866 is listed as “Garlic White” on their website but it’s actually more of a really light brown or dark cream shade, I wouldn’t personally consider it an actual white. They also have other threads that contain the word “white” but are also not really white threads, for example DMC 27 Ash White and DMC 24 Heather White… you get the drift, these are NOT white. (I’ve included DMC 27 in the below image for comparison)

Here’s another photo of the threads, both photos here are in natural lighting.

History Of The Threads

In the DMC thread range, Blanc (White) is one of the foundational colours and has been available since the earliest days of the company.

Ecru has also been part of the DMC thread collection for a long time too. It has likely been available for a similar duration as Blanc.

B5200 was introduced later in the DMC thread range.

DMC 3865 Edelweiss is a relatively newer addition to the DMC thread collection.

Can I mix and match these colours in the same project, or should I stick to using just one shade of white?

Yes. Using a variety of white tones can actually add some depth and dimension to your cross stitch or embroidery design. The image just above shows B5200 and blanc right next to each other close up for comparison.

Here’s some ways you can mix and match these white shades:

1. Creating Depth: Use brighter whites like Blanc or B5200 for highlights and focal points in your design. Then, layer softer shades like DMC 3865 Edelweiss or Ecru around these highlights to add depth and dimension.
2. Adding Texture: Experiment with different white shades to create texture and variation in your embroidery. For example, you could use Blanc or B5200 for crisp, defined stitches, while incorporating DMC 3865 Edelweiss or Ecru for softer, more textured areas.
3. Enhancing Contrast: Combine bright whites with softer shades to enhance contrast and create visual impact. This can be particularly effective when working on designs with intricate details or intricate patterns.
4. Creating Visual Interest: Mixing white shades can also add visual interest and complexity to your embroidery. Try blending different shades together in gradient effects or using them in alternating rows or patterns to create a dynamic look.

Above photo is a closer up look at the shades together, this one I took indoors.

Can I substitute one of these white shades for another if I don’t have it available, or will it noticeably affect the final result?

Substituting Blanc for B5200 or vice versa won’t produce noticeable differences in most cases, as both are bright, crisp whites. However, substituting Ecru for Blanc or B5200 could significantly alter the overall look, as Ecru has a warm, creamy undertone that differs from the cooler tones of Blanc and B5200, this should be avoided.

Similarly, substituting DMC 3865 Edelweiss for any of the other shades may introduce a softer, more subtle tone to your embroidery, which could be desirable depending on the aesthetic you’re aiming for.

If you’re just starting out with your thread collection, I’d recommend to buy Blanc, so that it’s always available, but you needn’t worry about buying Blanc and B5200 if you’re just buying your first threads.

How to use ECRU as a white shade

Ecru is a warm, creamy off-white shade that adds a touch of vintage charm to embroidery projects. Here are some tips on how to use ecru effectively in your stitching:

1. Subtle Highlights: Use ecru to add subtle highlights and accents to your embroidery designs. Its soft, creamy hue can enhance delicate details without overpowering the overall composition.
2. Blending and Shading: Ecru is ideal for blending and shading in embroidery. It can be mixed with other colours to create smooth transitions and gradients, particularly in designs with natural elements like flowers or landscapes.
3. Vintage and Antique Effects: Harness the vintage appeal of ecru by incorporating it into designs with a nostalgic or antique aesthetic. It works well for projects inspired by vintage textiles, heirloom embroidery, or historical motifs.
4. Contrast with Bright Whites: Pair ecru with brighter white shades like Blanc or B5200 to create contrast and depth in your embroidery. Experiment with alternating stitches or using ecru for textured areas against a backdrop of crisp white.
5. Textured Stitching: Ecru adds texture and dimension to embroidery projects, making it perfect for creating intricate stitch patterns or raised surfaces. Try using ecru for techniques like satin stitching, French knots, or raised embroidery to highlight details and add visual interest.
6. Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with ecru in your stitching! Whether you’re working on traditional designs or contemporary pieces, ecru offers versatility and charm that can elevate your embroidery to new heights.

That’s all folks

Thank you for reading my article all about DMC’s white threads! Now get out there and continue to explore, experiment, and create.