When it comes to cross-stitching, the choices of thread colors can seem endless, yet there’s one debate that has puzzled stitchers for years; BLANC or B5200. Both are white DMC threads and while they may appear identical at first glance, there are subtle differences that can impact your projects. So we look to ask the question; whats the difference between BLANC and B5200?
 

Are They The Same?

BLANC and B5200 are two of the whitest threads in the DMC range, and they’re the closest in color of any two DMC threads. At first glance, you might struggle to tell them apart. But upon closer inspection, you’ll discover the unique characteristics that set them apart. However slightly…
 
I can recall that when I first started cross stitching, I exclusively used BLANC for my projects. It was only when I later switched to B5200 (a specific pattern called for both BLANC and B5200), did I discover the cost-effective option of purchasing DMC threads in cones. Not only did this save me about 50% on all white (which let’s face it; is the second most used color after black), but I didn’t see any impact in my cross stitch.
Surprisingly, I find it challenging to differentiate between projects stitched with BLANC and those with B5200 now. However, one project, my Snow At A Guest House On Ponds Edge cross stitch, led me back to BLANC after six years of using B5200. The ink-on-paper effect I was aiming for meant that while the snow was white, it needed a little warmth, and I knew BLANC was the color for me.
It was thanks to this that I truly realized the versatility of achieving different artistic effects by picking one or the other thread!
 

How Are They Different?

While BLANC and B5200 share a simple whiteness, the devil is in the details.
B5200 boasts a more vibrant white, which can be visually striking but may not always deliver a realistic outcome. For projects aiming to depict items that aren’t super bright white, BLANC might be the better choice.
On the other hand, many stitchers lean towards B5200 for its brightness and clarity in specific applications.
 
However many people forget to think about the implications of the white. Look around you, if you see something white, is it BRILLIANT white? Or a little dirty white?
In most cases, despite being a B5200 lover, I think BLANC might be the better choice…
 

Preferences Among Stitchers?

For many of us, we have a favorite. It could be the bright freshness of B5200 or the simple nature of BLANC. But…why?
 
The preference for BLANC or B5200 often depends on the generation of the stitcher and the patterns they work on. Older patterns frequently recommend BLANC, leading traditional stitchers to favor it. Meanwhile, modern patterns, tend to use B5200 as the default “true white.”
 
This doesn’t really have much to do with a preferred color, but most modern patterns are typically generated with computer-based software, and there is nothing whiter than white, so B5200 is the default white color. This means that most cross stitch pattern software force our hand, even if we don’t realize it!
 

Is It All In A Name?

The naming of these two threads also has some interesting history. BLANC, being a French word, aligns with DMC’s origins. However, there were instances where it was referred to simply as “WHITE”. It super rare to find one of these now, but they were mostly the threads printed by the US factory when they also launched their fated US-only threads.
 
As for B5200, it’s officially known as “White Light” (following the accidental release of official threads names by DMC) but is more commonly recognized as “Bright White” among the cross-stitching community. This reflects the idea that B5200 is almost a MORE white white.
 

Is It Worth Switching?

When choosing between BLANC and B5200, the decision often comes down to artistic and aesthetic considerations. Both threads have their merits, and each can bring a unique touch to your projects. Experimenting with both will help you discover which works best for your preferred style and designs.
But also every pattern is different. If you want snow; the bright white of B5200 is probably best. If you want a white cup; BLANC is likely to be a better choice.
 
However, there’s only one real rule; never mix them. Whilst you can see mostly no difference, if they’re stitched next to each other in a pattern; one looks a lot more washed out than the other.
 

Tip:

One essential tip for stitching with white threads on dark or black aida fabric is to use three strands instead of the usual two. This ensures better coverage and you’ll see a big difference! There are other ways to make stitching on black aida easier too.
 
Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the artistic effect you wish to achieve. So, whether you’re team BLANC or team B5200, embrace the uniqueness of each and let your creativity guide you in your stitching journey.
What thread do you prefer, and why?
 
Happy stitching!
Lord Libidan