Which DMC Floss Number Is Which Symbol for My Pattern?
If you’ve ever asked, “Which DMC floss number is which symbol for my pattern?” you’re not alone! It seems like a simple question, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope.
Unlike some crafting systems, cross-stitch symbols aren’t universal—every designer chooses their own set of symbols to match their colour choices. That means the same DMC colour can have different symbols in different patterns, even if they come from the same designer!
So, if you’re struggling to find a universal symbol-to-colour chart, don’t worry—you haven’t missed anything! Instead, let’s break down how to read and organise floss symbols so you can stitch with confidence.
Floss Symbol Guide – Save for Later!
I’ve put together a visual guide that breaks down common floss symbols and how to read them in a cross-stitch pattern. You can swipe through it on my social media or check it out below! Feel free to save it for future reference whenever you need a quick refresher.
What Are Floss Symbols?
Every cross-stitch pattern uses a key, or legend, to tell you which colours of floss correspond to which symbols on the chart. These symbols are used in place of actual colour blocks so that patterns can be printed in black and white or easily read on a screen without needing full-colour printing.
In a pattern’s key, you’ll typically find:
- The symbol used on the chart
- The floss brand and colour number (e.g., DMC-310 for black)
- Sometimes, additional details like blended threads or specialty stitches
Why Are Symbols Important?
Using symbols instead of colour blocks helps prevent confusion, especially when shades are very similar. Imagine trying to distinguish between three slightly different blues in a colour-only chart—it would be a nightmare! Symbols offer a clear and precise way to differentiate each colour.
However, not all designers use the same symbols. That’s why it’s always a good idea to cross-check your pattern’s key before you start stitching. If you ever find a symbol unclear, highlighting your printed pattern or making a quick reference chart on a sticky note can be a big help!
Tips for Reading and Organising Your Floss Symbols
Here are some of my favourite tips to make working with trickier patterns easier:
- Highlight tricky symbols: If two symbols look similar (like a star and an asterisk), use different coloured highlighters to make them stand out.
- Use a needle minder as a floss key holder: Clip a small copy of your legend to a magnetic needle minder so you can check it at a glance.
- Pre-sort your floss: Before you start stitching, lay out your floss in order and label each colour with its corresponding symbol.
- Mark as you go: If you’re using a printed pattern, lightly mark off stitches you’ve completed with a pencil or highlighter to avoid losing your place.
Final Thoughts
While it would be nice if floss symbols were universal, they’re actually designed for clarity rather than consistency. By understanding how to read and organise them, you’ll make stitching much easier on yourself. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember—your pattern’s key is your best friend!
Have any questions about reading cross-stitch patterns? Drop them in the comments, and I’d be happy to help!
Happy stitching!
Leading image: Photo by JESHOOTS.COM via Unsplash.
