DMC vs Anchor Thread: Which Should You Use?

Here's what most stitchers discover the hard way: DMC 310 and Anchor 403 are both labeled "black," but they're not the same black. One pattern, two thread brands, subtly different results—and if you're mixing them mid-project, you'll see the difference under certain lighting.

The DMC vs Anchor question isn't about which brand is "better." Both produce high-quality six-strand cotton floss that serious stitchers have used for decades. The real question is which one makes sense for your situation—your location, your patterns, your existing stash, and whether you're stitching for yourself or selling finished pieces.

Why the brand choice matters more than you'd think

Thread brand affects three things most stitchers underestimate:

Color matching across a project. DMC and Anchor use different dye formulas. Even when conversion charts suggest two colors are "equivalent," they're approximations. DMC 321 (Christmas Red) and Anchor 9046 (its supposed match) look noticeably different side by side. For small motifs, this rarely matters. For a 200-hour project with 40 colors, consistency matters a lot.

Availability and cost over time. If you start a large project with one brand and can't find a specific color six months later, you're in trouble. Regional availability varies dramatically—DMC dominates in North America, while Anchor is often easier to find in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Pattern compatibility. Most commercial patterns specify DMC codes. If you prefer Anchor, you'll need conversion charts—and conversions aren't perfect. Some DMC colors have no good Anchor equivalent, and vice versa.

DMC: the global standard

DMC (Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie) has been making embroidery thread in Mulhouse, France since 1746. They're the default brand for most pattern designers, which makes them the path of least resistance for stitchers worldwide.

The DMC catalog:

• 489 solid colors in the standard 6-strand cotton floss range
• Specialty lines: Étoile (sparkle), Light Effects (metallic), Color Variations (variegated)
• Consistent dye lots: DMC is known for exceptional batch-to-batch consistency—a skein of DMC 815 bought in 2015 should match one bought today

Where DMC shines

Pattern availability. The vast majority of cross-stitch patterns—whether from indie designers on Etsy or major publishers—use DMC color codes. You won't need conversion charts, and your finished piece will match the designer's original vision.

Color organization. DMC's numbering system groups colors by family (300s are browns, 600s are pinks/magentas, 700s are greens). Once you learn the system, you can often guess approximately what a color looks like from its number.

Global availability. In North America, DMC is stocked at every major craft store—Joann, Michaels, Hobby Lobby—and countless independent shops. Online, you'll find every color in stock from dozens of suppliers.

Where DMC falls short

Texture. Some stitchers find DMC slightly stiffer than Anchor, particularly noticeable in satin stitch or other techniques where drape matters. This is subjective—many stitchers prefer the crispness.

Price in some regions. In the UK and Europe, DMC is often imported and priced higher than locally-available Anchor.

Limited variegated range. DMC's Color Variations line has fewer options than Anchor's Multicolor range.

Anchor: the European favorite

Anchor thread is now owned by DMC (acquired in August 2023), with production primarily in Hungary. Despite the common ownership, the brands maintain distinct color ranges and formulas. Anchor has been a staple of European stitching for generations and has devoted fans who swear by its handling properties.

The Anchor catalog:

• 444 solid colors in standard 6-strand cotton (Stranded Cotton)
• Specialty lines: Multicolor (variegated), Lamé (metallic)
• Soft hand: Known for a slightly silkier, more pliable feel than DMC

Where Anchor shines

Thread feel. Many stitchers describe Anchor as softer and more "buttery" than DMC. It lays flatter, separates more easily, and some find it less prone to tangling. For techniques requiring smooth coverage—like long stitches or tent stitch on needlepoint canvas—this can matter.

UK and European availability. In Britain, Australia, and much of Europe, Anchor is the default brand in local shops. Prices are competitive, and finding all 444 colors is straightforward.

Variegated options. Anchor's Multicolor range offers color combinations you won't find in DMC's variegated lines. If you love working with color-shifting threads, Anchor gives you more choices.

Where Anchor falls short

Pattern compatibility. You'll need conversion charts for most patterns, and conversions are imperfect. Approximately 15-20% of DMC colors have no exact Anchor equivalent—only "close enough" matches.

Numbering system. Anchor's numbers don't follow any obvious color logic. Anchor 403 is black, 2 is white, 275 is off-white. You'll learn your most-used colors, but the system isn't intuitive.

North American availability. Finding Anchor in US craft stores is hit-or-miss. Online ordering is usually required, and some colors go out of stock with suppliers.

The conversion problem: why 310 ≠ 403

Every stitcher eventually encounters a conversion chart claiming DMC X equals Anchor Y. Here's the catch: these are approximations, not equivalents.

Thread companies develop their dye formulas independently. When someone creates a conversion chart, they're making judgment calls—"this blue is close enough to that blue." But:

• Undertones differ. DMC 318 (steel gray) leans slightly blue; its Anchor "equivalent" 399 leans slightly warmer.
• Some colors have no match. DMC 3866 (an ultra-light mocha) has no close Anchor equivalent. Charts might suggest Anchor 926, but they're visibly different.
• Lighting changes everything. Two threads that look identical under fluorescent light may diverge under natural light or LED.

Practical guidance:

For small projects (under 5,000 stitches), mixing brands with converted colors usually works fine. Most people won't notice.

For large projects or anything you're selling, pick one brand and stick with it. The subtle inconsistencies compound across thousands of stitches.

If you must convert mid-project, test first. Stitch a small sample with both threads side by side before committing.

Regional availability: what you can actually buy

Your location largely determines which brand makes practical sense.

North America:

• DMC: Available everywhere, including same-day pickup at major chains
• Anchor: Online ordering required in most areas; limited colors at some independents

United Kingdom:

• Anchor: Widely stocked at Hobbycraft, John Lewis, and independents
• DMC: Available but often pricier; better selection online

Australia and New Zealand:

• Anchor: The traditional choice, good availability
• DMC: Increasingly available, especially in cities and online

Continental Europe:

• Both widely available, with regional preferences varying by country
• Germany and Eastern Europe lean toward Anchor; France (unsurprisingly) favors DMC

Online anywhere: Both brands ship worldwide from multiple suppliers. If availability isn't driving your decision, you have complete freedom to choose based on preference.

Price comparison: what you'll actually pay

Thread prices vary by retailer and region, but here's a realistic comparison (as of 2025):

United States (per skein):

• DMC: $0.50-0.70 at chain stores, often cheaper in multi-packs
• Anchor: $0.80-1.20 online, limited discount opportunities

United Kingdom (per skein):

• Anchor: £0.80-1.00 at craft stores
• DMC: £1.00-1.50, sometimes higher

The real cost consideration:

For most stitchers, the per-skein difference is negligible. A 20,000-stitch project might use 30 skeins total. At $0.30 per skein difference, that's $9 across a project you'll spend 100+ hours on.

The more significant cost is finding out mid-project that you can't source a color you need, forcing a conversion or a substitution, or ordering from overseas with long shipping times.

How to decide: a practical framework

Choose DMC if:

• You're in North America or want maximum pattern compatibility
• You prefer working from patterns without converting colors
• You're building a stash and want the most versatile collection
• Color consistency across decades matters (archives, heirloom projects)

Choose Anchor if:

• You're in the UK, Europe, or Australia where it's readily available
• You prefer a softer hand and silkier thread feel
• You're working from vintage British patterns (many specify Anchor)
• You love variegated threads and want the widest selection

Choose "both, strategically" if:

• You stitch from patterns using both systems
• You're experienced enough to manage conversion with confidence
• You have specific color needs that one brand meets better than the other

Mixing brands: when it works and when it doesn't

Safe to mix:

• Different projects entirely (obviously)
• Specialty threads (metallic, variegated) with solid colors from the other brand
• Small accent areas isolated from the main stitching
• Backstitching in a different brand from the cross stitches

Risky to mix:

• Adjacent areas of "the same" color from different brands
• Large blocks where subtle shade differences accumulate
• Projects you plan to sell or gift (inconsistency suggests carelessness)

A practical rule: Use one brand for all your solid floss on a single project. Mix in specialty threads from either brand as needed.

How StitchMate handles both brands

StitchMate's thread library includes both DMC and Anchor catalogs with full color data. When you convert a photo to a pattern, you can match to either brand—or switch between them to see which gives you colors closer to your original image.

The pattern palette panel shows thread codes for your selected brand. If you're designing for sale, you can output DMC codes (what most customers expect) while keeping an Anchor version for your own stitching if that's your preference.

Color matching uses perceptual color distance (CIEDE2000), not just simple RGB values—so suggested threads actually look similar to your source colors, not just mathematically close.

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting with whatever's on sale. Buying 50 skeins of random Anchor colors because they were discounted doesn't help if every pattern you want to stitch uses DMC. Build your stash around your actual needs.

Assuming conversion charts are precise. They're not. "DMC 310 = Anchor 403" means "these are reasonably similar," not "these are identical." Always verify critical colors yourself.

Switching brands mid-project without testing. That "equivalent" color might be close enough, or it might not be. A two-minute test swatch can save hours of regret.

Ignoring regional availability. Choosing DMC in the UK means higher prices and more online ordering. Choosing Anchor in the US means the same. Let geography inform your default choice.

Overthinking it. For casual stitching of small projects, this entire discussion barely matters. Both brands make beautiful, high-quality thread. The nuances matter most for large projects, commercial work, or building a long-term stash.