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June 19, 2026
Both DMC and Anchor produce colourfast, six-strand mercerised cotton thread of comparable quality. DMC offers 500+ colours and is the default for most published patterns. Anchor offers 444 solid colours with a softer feel and vibrant warm tones. Neither brand is objectively better, the right choice depends on your pattern, location, and preference.
Key Takeaways
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DMC (500+ colours) and Anchor (444 colours) are both premium, colourfast cross stitch thread brands.
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Most published cross stitch patterns worldwide use DMC colour codes — making it the default for most stitchers.
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Anchor is the leading brand in the UK, known for a softer hand and rich warm tones.
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Colour conversions between the two brands are always approximate — never an exact match.
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Both brands are stocked at Willow Fabrics, browse and compare before you buy.
What Is Embroidery Floss?
Embroidery floss — also called stranded embroidery cotton, is a loosely twisted, six-strand floss made from mercerised cotton, used for cross
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