Pantone recently revealed the 2023 color of the year – it’s Viva Magenta! It’s a cheerful, optimistic hue deeply rooted in nature. In this article, we will explore what Viva Magenta means for hand embroidery, and how to translate the magenta color codes into embroidery floss.
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What color is Viva Magenta?
Before we dive into the magenta color codes, let’s take a peek at the origins of this vibrant color. The source of Viva Magenta is the cochineal beetle, a tiny insect that produces carmine dye.
In other words, Viva Magenta is actually a crimson red tone that strikes the perfect balance between warm and cool tones. It’s not too bold or overpowering, but instead offers a great way to add a subtle statement to your project.
Magenta Colors in Embroidery
Now that we know what it is, let’s dive into the magenta color codes for embroidery.
Viva magenta is a hybrid color, so it can be tricky to translate it into embroidery floss color codes. After studying Pantone’s description of the color, I went back to my DMC color card and did some exploration.
I found four color families that I think match Pantone’s new color perfectly.
Cranberry Color Family
The Cranberry Color Family is an excellent choice if you’re looking to incorporate the color of the year in your projects. It features six vibrant shades, ranging from Cranberry Very Light (DMC 605) to a dark shade – Cranberry Very Dark (DMC 600).
| Color | Floss Name | DMC | Anchor | RGB |
 | Cranberry Very Light | 605 | 1094 | #FFC0CD |
 | Cranberry Light | 604 | 55 | #FFB0BE |
 | Cranberry | 603 | 33 | #FFA4BE |
 | Cranberry Medium | 602 | 57 | #E24874 |
 | Cranberry Dark | 601 | 63 | #D1286A |
 | Cranberry Very Dark | 600 | 59 | #CD2F63 |
Dusty Rose Color Family
Another fantastic selection is the Dusty Rose Color Family. As its name suggests, this is a dusty rose shade, a toned-down version of the Cranberry family. It features ten shades, ranging from Dusty Rose Ultra Very Light (DMC 963) to Dusty Rose Ultra Very Dark (DMC 150).
| Color | Floss Name | DMC | Anchor | RGB |
 | Dusty Rose Ultra Very Light | 963 | 73 | #FFD7D7 |
 | Dusty Rose Medium Very Light | 3716 | 25 | #FFBDBD |
 | Dusty Rose Medium | 962 | 75 | #E68A8A |
 | Dusty Rose Dark | 961 | 76 | #CF7373 |
 | Dusty Rose Very Light | 151 | 73 | #F0CED4 |
 | Dusty Rose Light | 3354 | 74 | #E4A6AC |
 | Dusty Rose | 3733 | 75 | #E8879B |
 | Dusty Rose Very Dark | 3731 | 76 | #DA6783 |
 | Dusty Rose Ultra Dark | 3350 | 59 | #BC4365 |
 | Dusty Rose Ultra Very Dark | 150 | 89 | #AB0249 |
Rose Color Family
Moving forward to our next choice – the Rose Color Family. These shades are very similar to the Dusty Rose family, but a bit more vibrant, ranging from Rose Light (DMC 3326) to Rose Very Dark (DMC 326).
| Color | Floss Name | DMC | Anchor | RGB |
 | Rose Light | 3326 | 36 | #FBADB4 |
 | Rose Medium | 899 | 52 | #F27688 |
 | Rose | 335 | 38 | #EE546E |
 | Rose Very Dark | 326 | 59 | #B33B4B |
Raspberry Color Family
Last, but certainly not least, the Raspberry Color Family is an excellent choice and my personal favorite. Its vibrant tone can add a splash of warmth to your projects. It features four shades, ranging from Raspberry Light (DMC 3833) to Raspberry Very Dark (DMC 777).
| Color | Floss Name | DMC | Anchor | RGB |
 | Raspberry Light | 3833 | 26 | #EA8699 |
 | Raspberry Medium | 3832 | 28 | #DB556E |
 | Raspberry Dark | 3831 | 29 | #B32F48 |
 | Raspberry Very Dark | 777 | 897 | #913546 |
Additional Tools You Can Use
Though these thread color families may seem similar, in truth, there are delicate differences between them. Some shades are warmer, others are cooler, and this might not always be obvious when looking at pictures of the shades.
That’s why a DMC Color Card with real thread can make a massive difference if you’re looking for a perfect color match.
DMC Color Card
• Perfect match when choosing colors
• Shade card containing real threads
• Stranded Cotton, Light Effects, Colour Variations, Metallic Pearl, and Cotton Pearl
This was all for today. We have a powerful and elegant shade to enjoy in 2023. You can add a touch of magenta to your home interior by stitching an embroidery hoop, wear it as a total fashion statement, or combine it with light grays, blues, or pastels from your closet.
Happy stitching!
MORE EMBROIDERY TECHNIQUES
- Magenta Rose Color Palette
- How to Create a Stitch Color Palette from a Photo
- Colour Confident Stitching Book by Karen Barbé
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