DMC 413 — Dark Pewter Gray

Quick Conversion Table

Brand	Equivalent	Match	Buy links
Anchor	236	exact	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Madeira	1714	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Cosmo ⚠	155	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Sullivans	45089	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
J&P Coats	8514	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Dimensions	6079	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Bucilla	3413	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →
Candamar	6079	close	Amazon → LoveCrafts →

DMC 413: The Kinder, Gentler Alternative to Black Outlining

Every cross-stitcher eventually faces the backstitching dilemma: black outlines give crisp definition, but sometimes they overpower delicate designs. DMC 413, Dark Pewter Gray, is the compromise that experienced stitchers swear by. It provides clear definition without the stark contrast of DMC 310, allowing your colored stitching to remain the star of the piece.

The color itself has depth. At hex #565656, it's a dark, cool gray with a subtle blue-violet undertone — that's the "pewter" quality. This cool cast makes it particularly effective alongside blues, purples, and cool greens, where it harmonizes rather than competes. Next to warm colors like oranges and reds, it provides contrast without the heaviness of pure black.

Where DMC 413 really proves its worth:

Floral designs: Outlining petals in 413 instead of 310 keeps flowers looking soft and natural. Black outlines on flowers can give them a cartoon-like appearance that works for some styles but ruins realistic botanicals.
Skin tones and portraits: Facial features outlined in 413 look more lifelike than those in 310. Many pattern designers specify 413 for eyelids, nose contours, and jawlines.
Animals and wildlife: Fur, feathers, and scales benefit from the softer definition. 413 suggests shadow rather than hard edges.
Watercolor-style designs: These rely on subtle transitions, and 413 provides just enough structure without breaking the painterly illusion.

DMC 413 is part of a useful gray gradient in the DMC range. From darkest to lightest: 310 (Black), 413 (Dark Pewter Gray), 414 (Dark Steel Gray), 317 (Pewter Gray), 415 (Pearl Gray), 318 (Light Steel Gray), 762 (Very Light Pearl Gray). Keeping several of these in your stash gives you tremendous flexibility for shading and outlining.

Matching DMC 413 in Other Brands

Dark gray matching is relatively straightforward, but pay attention to undertones — they matter more than you'd think in a gray this dark.

Anchor 236 is an exact match and captures the same cool pewter undertone. This is a reliable substitution for any project. Note that Anchor 236 is also listed as a close match for DMC 535 (Very Light Ash Gray), which is a different shade entirely — always double-check the DMC number your pattern calls for.

Madeira 1714 is exact and mirrors the blue-cool quality of DMC 413 closely. Madeira's version has a comparable darkness level and should be interchangeable in most contexts.

Cosmo 155 is a close match. Cosmo's dark grays can lean slightly warmer than DMC's, so if you're using 413 specifically for its cool undertone, compare the threads in daylight before committing.

If you're considering using 413 as a black substitute, here's how it compares to other popular dark-outline options:

DMC 413 vs. 310: 413 is noticeably lighter and cooler. Best for delicate or realistic designs.
DMC 413 vs. 3371: 3371 (Black Brown) is equally dark but warm-toned. Choose based on your palette's temperature.
DMC 413 vs. 414: 414 is a full shade lighter — a mid-gray rather than a dark gray. Use 414 for secondary outlines or shadow work.

Reference quality

How We Validate This Color Record

Use this page as a reference card for DMC 413: the structured data, quick conversions, and long-form copy are all tied back to the same stored color record.

Methodology: This page renders DMC 413, its hex value, and every brand equivalent from the site's source-of-truth color record, then checks long-form body copy against those same stored fields.
Verification status: Source-field checked. The page content is audited against the stored DMC number, brand equivalents, and match-quality labels before publishing.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-20
Approximation warning: Screen hex values, thread photos, and cross-brand conversions are reference aids. Dye lots, thread sheen, and fabric color can still shift the result in hand.

Read the Stitchies methodology

Decision guide

When to use the DMC 413 reference page

This page should help you decide faster between palette planning, brand substitution, and shade comparison without turning the color record into a thin lookup page.

Best for

+ Palette planning when you want the stored DMC 413 Dark Pewter Gray record, hex value #565656, and linked brand equivalents in one place.
+ Checking the quickest cross-brand shortlist before you buy floss, compare stash substitutes, or route into a more specific conversion page.
+ Finding nearby shades in the neutrals family before you commit to accents, shading, or background blends.

Watch for

! Screen previews are only reference aids. Dark Pewter Gray can shift on real fabric because thread sheen, stitch coverage, and room lighting change how the color reads.
! A stored equivalent is still a shortlist, not a guarantee that two brands will disappear into each other in the same stitched motif.
! Older charts, discontinued kit floss, and dye-lot variation can all introduce small but visible differences that the page cannot detect for you.

Before you commit

Confirm the role of DMC 413 Dark Pewter Gray: decide whether you need an exact hero shade, a forgiving background, or a rough stash substitute.
Compare on project fabric: view the skein or stitched sample on the same fabric count and color you will actually use.
Use the linked conversion pages next: open the brand-specific pages when you need match-quality caveats before substituting away from the DMC reference.