DMC 3686 to Sullivans: Thread Conversion
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3686 (Dark Mauve) is Sullivans 45101.
Close MatchHex #B04070 · pinks family
Only the DMC swatch is rendered as stored color data here. Compare the physical target skein before you assume a visual match.
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Conversion Notes
Sullivans 45101 is a close match for DMC 3686. At this medium-dark saturation level, the characteristic Sullivans sheen is worth considering — unlike the very deepest values where color density absorbs surface reflectance, at the medium-dark level of 3686 the sheen can read as a noticeable brightness difference compared to matte DMC neighbors. In pieces that rely on the muted depth of Dark Mauve for shadow work, added surface sheen can slightly undercut the shadow's visual weight, making the shadow area appear slightly more luminous and less recessed than intended. For projects where DMC 3686 is used in a shadow context alongside matte DMC fill threads, the sheen difference between Sullivans and DMC may become visible under raking light or in photography if the two brands are mixed in nearby areas. For standalone Sullivans projects, or for applications where the shadow role is purely structural and the slight added brightness is acceptable, 45101 is a workable option. A swatch comparison under the lighting conditions you'll be stitching in confirms whether the sheen reads as acceptable or conspicuous in your specific design.
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 3686, 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.
Decision guide
When to trust DMC 3686 to Sullivans 45101
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 3686 is unavailable and Sullivans 45101 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 3686 and Sullivans 45101 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
- Compare DMC 3686 and Sullivans 45101: lay the physical skeins together in daylight before you mix brands in the same stitched area.
- Test on your project fabric: stitch a small sample so fabric color and stitch density reveal whether the match still holds at full coverage.
- 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 3686 to Sullivans FAQ
These answers are the same statements published in this page's FAQ structured data.
What is the Sullivans equivalent of DMC 3686?+
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3686 (Dark Mauve) is Sullivans 45101. This is a close match.
Is the DMC 3686 to Sullivans conversion exact?+
The conversion from DMC 3686 (Dark Mauve) to Sullivans 45101 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 3686 and Sullivans 45101 in the same project?+
You can use DMC 3686 and Sullivans 45101 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.
Other Conversions for DMC 3686
Similar DMC Colors
Shades closest to DMC 3686 — handy if Sullivans 45101 isn't quite right:
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