Anchor thread color chart — all 446 colors by number with names and DMC matches

Browse the complete Anchor color list below — the same 446 solid shades as Coats' official shade card (sometimes called a color chart), in an interactive form. Anchor stranded cotton is six-strand divisible cotton embroidery floss; each entry includes codes, names, and closest DMC equivalents. Search by number or name, filter by color family, track what you own. Click any color to copy its code.

Anchor color chart by number

Use the chart below to browse the full Anchor floss color list — filter by color family, search by number or name, and find DMC equivalents.

Need bulk conversion? Use the Anchor ↔ DMC conversion tool.

How many Anchor colors are there?

In the standard solid range, Anchor lists 446 six-strand stranded cotton colors — the full numbered solid line shown on Coats' published shade card. Specialty threads (variegated, metallic, and similar) are sold separately and are not included in this chart.

The chart below shows every current solid color with its official code, name, and closest DMC match.

Screen colors vary. For exact matching, compare real skeins.

Track your Anchor stash

Use "I own this" to mark colors you have. It saves in your browser — no account needed. Filter to "Not owned" when building your next order.

Anchor ↔ DMC conversion

Tap any color in the chart above to see its closest DMC match. Conversions are approximate — different dye formulas mean some colors don't have a true twin. Avoid mixing brands in the same stitched area if you care about a uniform look. For hand-dyed alternatives, Weeks Dye Works, Classic Colorworks, and The Gentle Art all publish Anchor and DMC equivalents for their colors.

For a deeper read, see our DMC vs Anchor guide.

Related tools

• DMC color chart — Browse all 489 DMC embroidery floss colors
• Cosmo color chart — Browse all 499 Cosmo embroidery floss colors
• Madeira color chart — Browse all 381 Madeira embroidery thread colors
• DMC ↔ Anchor conversion — Convert thread codes between brands
• Cross stitch fabric calculator — Calculate finished size and fabric requirements
• Photo to cross stitch converter — See exactly what you'll stitch before you buy thread
• Cross stitch pattern maker — Design original patterns from scratch

About Anchor stranded cotton

Anchor is one of the world's most popular embroidery floss brands, produced by Coats. Widely available in the UK, Europe, and much of the world, Anchor stranded cotton comes in 446 solid colors in the standard range — each designed for cross stitch, embroidery, and needlework.

Anchor vs DMC in practice

DMC and Anchor are the two dominant cotton floss brands, but they differ in availability and feel. DMC is the default in North American shops; Anchor is often easier to find in the UK, Europe, and Australia at competitive prices. Anchor stranded cotton is often described as slightly softer in hand than DMC six-strand, and the two numbering systems are unrelated — you match by color, never by code alone. For regional availability, conversion quality, and when to mix brands, see the full DMC vs Anchor comparison.

If you're switching between brands, use the DMC to Anchor conversion tool for the closest color matches.

Beyond DMC, stitchers converting Anchor codes can check matches against Cosmo (499 colors, popular in Japan and growing worldwide), Madeira (381 colors, known for smooth rayon-like sheen), or Presencia Finca (199 colors in our chart, prized for exceptional smoothness). Anchor is also the sibling brand to J&P Coats — both are produced by Coats plc, though they use different numbering and are manufactured in different facilities.

Anchor color codes run roughly from 1 to 1364 with gaps. Quick reference: White is 1, Ecru is 387, Black is 403. Colors cluster loosely by family but don't follow a strict spectrum.