Pantone Color 2020: Classic Blue as a DMC Palette

Which color of embroidery thread matches the Pantone color of 2020? For this translation to embroidery thread, we compared the digital color approach with the DMC colors from the Embroidery Library. Then we built a complete palette around it.

What is PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue?

Classic Blue is a deep, calm shade of blue that radiates confidence and stability. The color feels familiar like an evening sky, but has enough saturation to be clearly present in embroidery.

Read the Pantone Color of the Year 2020.

Which DMC color comes closest?

DMC 797 Royal Blue comes closest to Classic Blue in the digital color comparison. DMC 796 is a good darker alternative if you want more shade.

Important: this is a practical digital approach, not an official conversion from Pantone or DMC. Screen color, dye bath, gloss, fabric color and light change how a hue is perceived. Therefore, compare the real yarn in daylight before starting a large project.

Digital color comparison; Real yarn colors may vary due to light, material and dye bath.

A DMC color palette for Classic Blue

The blue gets a classic maritime look next to sky blue and ivory. Terracotta warms the palette, while old gold adds a small but vibrant contrast.

DMC 797 – Royal blue: main color.
DMC 519 – Sky blue: airy light shade.
DMC 3778 – Terracotta Light: warm contrast.
DMC 729 – Old Gold Middle: gold accent color.
DMC 543 – Beige Brown Ultimate Very Light: soft base.

Deep blue embroidery thread with a rich, textural appearance — **DMC 797**
Royal blue

Sky blue embroidery thread with light and dark nuances in a silk texture — **DMC 519**
Sky blue

Peachy embroidery thread with fine, structured thread structure and subtle shine — **DMC 3778**
Terracotta Light

Golden yellow embroidery thread with tight, even thread structure and shiny finish — **DMC 729**
Old Gold Middle

Soft pink embroidery thread with a light sheen, great for delicate cross stitch patterns — **DMC 543**
Beige Brown Ultimate Very Light

View the full Pantone 2020 Color Palette in the Embroidery Library.

For a calm result, you can use about sixty percent of the main color, divide thirty percent among the supporting shades and save the last ten percent for the strongest accent.

Embroidery ideas with this color palette

Use Classic Blue for constellations, Delft blue motifs, abstract evening skies, monograms or a botanical design on natural linen.

Use multiple threads for full color areas and one or two threads for soft transitions. By placing colors next to each other in small stitches, the eye blends the shades without the need for new thread colors.

Source and staining method

The color name and Pantone number have been checked at Pantone. For the thread selection, the screen approach used was converted to the CIELAB color space and compared with the RGB and hex data of the DMC colors in the Embroidery Library. The DMC color mentioned is the smallest calculated color distance; the complementary colors are selected for harmony, contrast and practicality in embroidery.

Also check out the Pantone to DMC palettes for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.