DMC 3021 to Sullivans: Thread Conversion

DMC 3021 Very Dark Brown Gray embroidery floss

The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3021 (Very Dark Brown Gray) is Sullivans 45428.

Close Match

Hex #4F4B41 · browns family

DMC 3021 #4F4B41
92% match
Stored match for Sullivans 45428 Sullivans 45428 Sullivans 45428 does not have an official hex preview stored on this site. Treat the page as a physical skein shortlist, then verify the real thread in person before you rely on the match.

Only the DMC swatch is rendered as stored color data here. Compare the physical target skein before you assume a visual match.

Amazon: DMC 3021 → LoveCrafts: DMC 3021 → Amazon: Sullivans 45428 →

Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Conversion Notes

Sullivans 45428 is a close match that covers the very dark brown-grey territory at the correct deep value. The complex character of DMC 3021 — that specific neither-brown-nor-grey quality — is what's most at risk in any substitution, and the close rating indicates some potential variation from the DMC original. The grey-brown duality is the quality to verify in person: compare Sullivans 45428 against a neutral dark brown on one side and a cool dark grey on the other, and the Sullivans version should read as clearly distinct from both. Sullivans' thread construction differs from DMC in twist density, which at this very dark value affects how opaque the coverage is — confirm two strands provide solid coverage on your project fabric without fabric showing through as white flecks in dark fill areas. For backstitch outlining applications where 3021 appears in small quantities, the close match is generally adequate if the temperature test passes. For large fill areas in sepia palettes or monochromatic work, the exact-match Anchor 905 and Madeira 1904 alternatives give more reliable and consistent results across extended use.

Reference quality

How We Validate This Match

This Sullivans page is meant to help you shortlist a replacement quickly, then verify the physical skein before you mix brands in the same stitched area.

Methodology
This comparison uses the site's source-of-truth record for DMC 3021, the stored Sullivans equivalent, and the saved close rating before rendering the page copy.
Verification status
Close cross-brand match. Treat it as a shortlist, not proof that the physical threads will be visually identical under every fabric and light condition.
Source basis
Published cross-brand floss chart mapping. Use it as a shortlist, then confirm with physical thread because sheen and dye lots still matter.
Last reviewed
2026-04-20
Best use
Close and approximate matches work best for replacements, backups, or whole-project brand swaps after you stitch a small sample on the target fabric.

Read the Stitchies methodology

Decision guide

When to trust DMC 3021 to Sullivans 45428

This page is strongest as a decision aid, not as a guarantee that two branded skeins will vanish into each other without testing.

Best for

  • + Replacing missing floss when DMC 3021 is unavailable and Sullivans 45428 is good enough after a stitched sample check.
  • + Shortlisting a Sullivans substitute before you buy skeins, especially if your project can tolerate small differences in sheen or dye lot.
  • + Comparing this Sullivans candidate against the other conversions and nearby DMC shades linked from the page before you commit to a full swap.

Watch for

  • ! Close matches are not safe to assume interchangeable in focal areas without a physical test on your fabric.
  • ! Brand sheen, strand thickness, and project lighting can make DMC 3021 and Sullivans 45428 look further apart than the stored match rating suggests.
  • ! If the design depends on smooth gradients or skin-tone transitions, compare this swap against the neighboring DMC shades before you substitute a large block.

Before you commit

  1. Compare DMC 3021 and Sullivans 45428: lay the physical skeins together in daylight before you mix brands in the same stitched area.
  2. Test on your project fabric: stitch a small sample so fabric color and stitch density reveal whether the match still holds at full coverage.
  3. Keep a fallback ready: if the swap feels off, use the linked related DMC shades or another brand conversion instead of forcing the closest stored match.

DMC 3021 to Sullivans FAQ

These answers are the same statements published in this page's FAQ structured data.

What is the Sullivans equivalent of DMC 3021?+

The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3021 (Very Dark Brown Gray) is Sullivans 45428. This is a close match.

Is the DMC 3021 to Sullivans conversion exact?+

The conversion from DMC 3021 (Very Dark Brown Gray) to Sullivans 45428 is rated as a close match. Thread colors vary slightly between brands, so compare physical thread in daylight before stitching a large area.

Can I mix DMC 3021 and Sullivans 45428 in the same project?+

You can use DMC 3021 and Sullivans 45428 together when the close match is acceptable for your project, but always test them side by side on your fabric first because sheen and dye lots can create visible differences.

← All conversions for DMC 3021 Browse browns colors

Other Conversions for DMC 3021

DMC 3021 → Anchor 905 DMC 3021 → Madeira 1904 DMC 3021 → Cosmo 477 DMC 3021 → J&P Coats 5381 DMC 3021 → Dimensions 15395

Similar DMC Colors

Shades closest to DMC 3021 — handy if Sullivans 45428 isn't quite right:

DMC 844

Ultra Dark Beaver Gray

DMC 3787

Dark Brown Gray

DMC 3799

Very Dark Pewter Gray

DMC 838

Very Dark Beige Brown
Free Download

Free Printable Thread Conversion Chart

Pick a brand, enter your email, and we'll send you a printable chart mapping all 552 DMC colors to that brand's equivalents. Zero spam, one chart.

No spam. Your email is stored securely and never shared.