DMC 3688 to Sullivans: Thread Conversion
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3688 (Medium Mauve) is Sullivans 45357.
Close MatchHex #E7A9AC · pinks family
Only the DMC swatch is rendered as stored color data here. Compare the physical target skein before you assume a visual match.
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Conversion Notes
Sullivans 45357 is rated close for DMC 3688, with the characteristic slight sheen that Sullivans threads carry. At this light-medium saturation level, the sheen difference is more visible than in darker colors — a pale-to-medium pink thread with added surface sheen reads as perceptibly brighter and more luminous than a matte equivalent at the same hue and value level, because there's less color depth to absorb the extra reflectance. In practical terms, this means Sullivans 45357 may appear slightly more vivid and bright in the first-highlight position than DMC 3688 would in the same position, potentially exaggerating the gradient jump between this step and the mid-tone below it. This is worth considering if you're mixing Sullivans 45357 with matte DMC neighbors in adjacent shading areas — the surface texture difference can be visible in the finished piece, particularly under direct or raking light. For projects using Sullivans exclusively throughout the palette, this isn't a concern; for the light-medium highlight role, the added luminosity can actually be welcome in designs that want maximum light-catching quality at this petal position.
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 3688, 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 3688 to Sullivans 45357
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 3688 is unavailable and Sullivans 45357 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 3688 and Sullivans 45357 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 3688 and Sullivans 45357: 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 3688 to Sullivans FAQ
These answers are the same statements published in this page's FAQ structured data.
What is the Sullivans equivalent of DMC 3688?+
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3688 (Medium Mauve) is Sullivans 45357. This is a close match.
Is the DMC 3688 to Sullivans conversion exact?+
The conversion from DMC 3688 (Medium Mauve) to Sullivans 45357 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 3688 and Sullivans 45357 in the same project?+
You can use DMC 3688 and Sullivans 45357 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 3688
Similar DMC Colors
Shades closest to DMC 3688 — handy if Sullivans 45357 isn't quite right:
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.
Thanks! Here's your free chart:
Download Your ChartOpens in a new tab. Use your browser's Print → Save as PDF.
No spam. Your email is stored securely and never shared.