DMC 3802 to Sullivans: Thread Conversion
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3802 (Very Dark Antique Mauve) is Sullivans 45399.
Close MatchHex #714149 · purples 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 45399 is rated close and provides a workable substitute in most shadow and depth applications for this color. Sullivans' characteristic sheen, which can be a concern for antique and matte-aesthetic colors at lighter values, is more of a neutral or even positive factor at this dark saturated value: a deep, rich plum-mauve with surface luminosity can read as luxurious and jewel-like rather than incongruously shiny, which suits the Victorian velvet and aged-ribbon associations that 3802 typically evokes. In dark floral shadow shading, wisteria cluster depth positions, and gothic accent work where the dark plum-mauve is doing its visual work within a richly toned design, Sullivans 45399 covers the general color territory of Very Dark Antique Mauve adequately for most practical stitching purposes. For period-reproduction and authentic Victorian needlework aesthetics where the specific dusty, desaturated antique character of 3802 is the design's primary requirement, the two exact matches from Anchor and Madeira are the more reliable options.
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 3802, 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 3802 to Sullivans 45399
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 3802 is unavailable and Sullivans 45399 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 3802 and Sullivans 45399 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 3802 and Sullivans 45399: 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 3802 to Sullivans FAQ
These answers are the same statements published in this page's FAQ structured data.
What is the Sullivans equivalent of DMC 3802?+
The closest Sullivans equivalent to DMC 3802 (Very Dark Antique Mauve) is Sullivans 45399. This is a close match.
Is the DMC 3802 to Sullivans conversion exact?+
The conversion from DMC 3802 (Very Dark Antique Mauve) to Sullivans 45399 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 3802 and Sullivans 45399 in the same project?+
You can use DMC 3802 and Sullivans 45399 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 3802
Similar DMC Colors
Shades closest to DMC 3802 — handy if Sullivans 45399 isn't quite right:
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