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
-
DMC (500+ colours) and Anchor (444 colours) are both premium, colourfast cross stitch thread brands.
-
Most published cross stitch patterns worldwide use DMC colour codes — making it the default for most stitchers.
-
Anchor is the leading brand in the UK, known for a softer hand and rich warm tones.
-
Colour conversions between the two brands are always approximate — never an exact match.
-
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 stitch, hand embroidery, needlepoint, and other needlecraft. Each skein separates into individual strands, giving you full control over thread weight and coverage. DMC and Anchor are the two dominant cross stitch thread brands in this category, each with over 250 years of heritage.
A Brief History of Both Brands
DMC (Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie) was founded in France in 1746. It is the most widely distributed embroidery floss brand in the world and added 35 new shades in 2017, bringing its solid colour total to 500. If a pattern doesn't name a brand, it almost certainly references DMC colour codes.
Anchor, produced by Coats, has over 250 years of heritage and leads the market across the UK, Europe, and Australia. It uses a completely separate numbering system from DMCl, so colour conversions require a dedicated chart, not a simple number swap. Its Mouliné Spécial stranded cotton spans 444 solid colours.
Colour Range: How Do They Compare?
Colour range is one of the most practical differences in any embroidery floss comparison.
DMC stranded cotton offers 500 solid colours plus specialty lines, Étoile (shimmer), Light Effects (metallic), Color Variations (variegated), and Colorism. In total, counting all DMC six-strand thread types, there are 667 options available — the broadest palette of any mainstream floss brand.
Anchor stranded cotton offers 444 solid Mouliné Spécial colours, 16 ombré shades, and 24 multicolour shades, 484 options across its standard embroidery floss colours range, alongside Pearl Cotton and metallic lines.
DMC leads on cool blues, grey-greens, and muted contemporary tones. Anchor is widely favoured for its reds, oranges, and warm earth tones, many stitchers find these richer and more saturated than their DMC equivalents.
Real-world example: A stitcher working on a terracotta floral design may find Anchor's warm palette a stronger fit. Someone stitching a coastal seascape in layered blues will likely reach for DMC.
Thread Quality and Feel
Both brands produce six-strand mercerised cotton thread of comparable thread quality for standard cross stitch and embroidery. The key difference is texture: DMC has a tighter twist, making strand separation slightly cleaner with a silkier thread sheen. Anchor is softer in the hand, with a subtle lustre many stitchers prefer for long sessions.
Both brands deliver on the essentials:
-
Colour fastness — safe to wash when laundered with care
-
Dye lot consistency — a skein bought today matches one from years ago
-
Clean strand separation — minimal fraying on both brands
The difference in feel is real but subtle. Many stitchers keep both in their stash without issue.
Pattern Compatibility: The Deciding Factor
This is the most practical consideration when comparing DMC vs Anchor thread for cross stitch.
The vast majority of English-language patterns, whether on Aida fabric, evenweave, or linen, use DMC colour codes. Kit manufacturers, independent designers, and magazines all default to DMC. If a chart doesn't name a brand, it means DMC.
Anchor's numbering system is entirely unrelated. Converting a DMC-coded pattern to Anchor requires a DMC vs Anchor colour conversion chart, and those matches are always approximate. The free DMC to Anchor conversion chart at Willow Fabrics is the easiest place to start.
For a broader look at how thread choice affects your project, the Willow Fabrics blog post on different types of embroidery threads for cross stitch is well worth reading alongside this guide.
Can You Mix Both Brands?
Yes, but with one firm rule: never switch brands mid-colour within the same section of a design. Conversions are never a perfect match, so a tonal shift will be visible. Mixing works well across clearly separate areas, Anchor for warm tones, DMC for specialty metallics or cool shades not in Anchor's range.
If you are unsure which fabric to pair with your chosen thread, the Willow Fabrics guide to Aida, evenweave, and linen fabrics explains how fabric count affects thread choice.
Conclusion
Both DMC and Anchor are excellent embroidery floss choices made from quality mercerised cotton. DMC is the practical default for most stitchers due to pattern compatibility and its broader colour range. Anchor holds its own with a softer feel and vibrant warm palette, especially among UK needlecraft enthusiasts. Browse both ranges at Willow Fabrics and find the right thread for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMC or Anchor thread better quality?
Both produce comparable, colourfast, six-strand mercerised cotton thread. DMC separates more cleanly with a silkier finish; Anchor is softer with a gentle sheen. Thread quality is strong in both, the difference is texture and personal preference.
What is the best embroidery thread brand for beginners?
DMC is the most practical starting point, most beginner kits and patterns use DMC colour codes, so no conversion is needed. Anchor is equally valid, particularly for UK stitchers, and stitches well on 14-count Aida fabric.
How do I convert DMC colours to Anchor?
Use the free conversion chart at Willow Fabrics. Find your DMC number and note the nearest Anchor equivalent. Always treat conversions as approximate, dye formulations differ and no shade is a perfect match.
Why do most cross stitch patterns use DMC codes?
DMC became the global default due to its early widespread distribution, particularly in North America. Most designers write in DMC codes for accessibility. If a chart doesn't name a brand, it means DMC.
Does Anchor thread fade or bleed when washed?
Anchor stranded cotton is double mercerised and colourfast. Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Both brands are engineered for colour fastness and will not bleed or fade with proper care.
Is DMC or Anchor more popular in the UK?
Anchor leads in UK craft shops and is the preferred thread brand for many British stitchers. DMC dominates globally and online. Both are fully stocked at Willow Fabrics for UK and international delivery.
