DMC 3781 to Sullivans: Thread Conversion
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3781 (Dark Mocha Brown) is Sullivans 45393.
Close MatchHex #6B5743 · browns 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 45393 is rated close and serves as a workable substitute in most dark brown applications. Sullivans' characteristic sheen is essentially imperceptible at this dark value — deep, saturated darks absorb surface quality differences, and the sheen caution that applies to lighter Sullivans threads is not relevant here. For the backstitch and outline function that 3781 frequently fills in earth-toned, botanical, and animal designs, Sullivans 45393 provides a warm dark brown that integrates better than black or neutral dark alternatives without the exact mocha warmth of the DMC original. The close rating means some warmth drift toward neutral is possible in individual lots, but at this dark value the difference is less perceptible than it would be in mid-range browns where the undertone reads more clearly. Adequate for most practical uses including bark texture details, wood grain shadow lines, animal outline work, and backstitch in warm-palette botanical designs. The exact match from Anchor is the preferable option for the fine portrait and skin tone outline work where the precise warmth of the dark must be guaranteed.
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 3781, 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 3781 to Sullivans 45393
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 3781 is unavailable and Sullivans 45393 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 3781 and Sullivans 45393 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 3781 and Sullivans 45393: 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 3781 to Sullivans FAQ
These answers are the same statements published in this page's FAQ structured data.
What is the Sullivans equivalent of DMC 3781?+
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3781 (Dark Mocha Brown) is Sullivans 45393. This is a close match.
Is the DMC 3781 to Sullivans conversion exact?+
The conversion from DMC 3781 (Dark Mocha Brown) to Sullivans 45393 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 3781 and Sullivans 45393 in the same project?+
You can use DMC 3781 and Sullivans 45393 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 3781
Similar DMC Colors
Shades closest to DMC 3781 — handy if Sullivans 45393 isn't quite right:
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