Finding the right skin tone threads can be VERY hard, normally resulting in a super pink face, or a washed out face. However, with the sheer volume of threads out there, its not actually that hard to create really realistic skin tones.
We’ve created the above table so you can look up the skin tone you want to stitch and see both highlight and shadow thread colors for DMC to go with it. Equally, you can go down the table to see darker skin tones progressively.
With this, you can edit existing patterns to match skin tones you want, or you can make your own patterns with quality skin colors.
Happy stitching,
Lord Libidan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there DMC colors for all skin tones?
There are no specific DMC embroidery thread colors for skin tones, however, you can create a palette of colors for any skin tone using a combination of their thread library.
How do I choose realistic skin colors?
To pick your own cross stitch threads to get a realistic skin tone, you should pick three colors; shadow, highlight, and normal color. These three colors should work well together and match the tone of the skin color you intend to stitch.
Can I blend threads to get a custom tone?
Yes, you can combine two cross stitch threads together to blend a new tone.
Can anyone suggest a good alternative to DMC 948? I need this in size 3 but unable to find it. I purchased a vintage needlepoint that was started and to take all of what is done out would be quite a project in itself!
We wouldn’t really suggest replacing any of the colors in this table, but it sounds like you have no other option! I would suggest 951.
The next closest color is already used within the skin shades (739).
Thank you for this. The skintones on my current chart are very orange. I appreciate your expertise in choosing another one.
Thank you for this guide! We think the skintone on my current project is too dark, and I’ll be able to put together a better color combination with this!