How your photo's colours become DMC thread numbers

Updated 3 November 2026

Short answer: each colour in the photo is compared with the full DMC range and matched to the nearest thread by how the colour looks to the eye. Matches are close, not exact, so check the key against real thread before you buy.

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How the matching works

PatternMyPhoto compares colours in a space designed around human vision (CIE Lab), not raw screen values. That matches what looks similar to the eye, rather than what is numerically similar.

It first groups the photo into the number of colours you chose, then matches each group to the nearest DMC thread, so every colour in the pattern is a real thread you can buy.

Why it is not exact

Screens show colour with light; thread reflects it.
Published thread colour values are approximations.
Lighting changes how both the photo and the thread look.

Before you buy thread

The PDF lists every DMC number with its name and stitch count. Compare against a printed DMC colour card or real skeins in a shop if exact colour matters.

DMC is a trademark of its owner. PatternMyPhoto is not affiliated with DMC.

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Questions people ask

Are the DMC colours exact?

They are the nearest matches, not guaranteed exact. Check them against real thread if colour is critical.

Does the PDF list how much of each colour I need?

It lists the number of stitches for each colour, which you can use to estimate thread.