What Is DMC Coloris?

DMC Coloris is a 6-strand, 8 m cotton floss in which four complementary colours change at short intervals along one thread; the colour codes are the 4500 series (4500–4523) and there are 24 combinations. Unlike Color Variations these are not tones of one colour but distinct colours, such as pink-yellow-green-blue, arriving in turn every few centimetres; areas that look stitched in a single thread become colourful on their own. This page gathers every Coloris colour at Hobianna; the Coloris categories in the cross stitch and All Products branches link here.

What to Make with Coloris

Embroidery: a multicolour effect with one thread in flower bouquets, wildflowers, lavender, confetti and lettering in stem stitch, chain and French knots; green-yellow combinations look natural in leaves and stems. Cross stitch: alphabet, border, heart and mandala motifs with 2 strands on 14 ct; the colour change shows in every stitch. Punch needle and crochet: small accent areas and tiny flowers. Cards and ornaments: fast, colourful gift pieces.

Stitching Tips

For a clear colour change in cross stitch complete each cross one at a time (do not stitch all bottom legs first and then the tops). When separating strands pull from the same end to keep the colour order of both strands the same; combine them reversed if you want contrast. Blunt size 24 or size 7 embroidery needle, 40–45 cm lengths. One 8 m skein works about 250 stitches on 14 ct or a medium motif in embroidery. Wash at 40°C, iron from the back.

Coloris, Color Variations and Variegated

Coloris is four different colours at short intervals; Color Variations a soft tone transition within one colour family; DMC Variegated the classic two-to-three tone 48–125 series. The codes and colour card of all three are explained on the DMC Floss page; for a glossy option see DMC Satin.