DMC vs Anchor Threads: Complete Comparison Guide
Choosing between DMC and Anchor embroidery threads? This comprehensive guide compares quality, colors, availability, and helps you decide which brand is right for your cross stitch projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | DMC | Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1746 (France) | 1880s (UK) |
| Color Range | 500+ colors | 450+ colors |
| Numbering System | 1-5200 range | 1-9575 range |
| Thread Finish | Slightly more sheen | Slightly more matte |
| Thread Feel | Smoother, silkier | Slightly softer |
| Price (typical) | $0.50-0.70 per skein | $0.45-0.65 per skein |
| Best Availability | Americas, Asia | Europe, UK, Australia |
| Pattern Support | Most patterns use DMC | Often listed as alternative |
| Colorfast | Yes | Yes |
| Material | 100% cotton | 100% cotton |
About Each Brand
DMC Threads
Est. 1746 in Mulhouse, France
DMC (Dollfus-Mieg et Compagnie) is the world's most recognized embroidery thread brand. With nearly three centuries of experience, they've become the industry standard that most cross stitch patterns reference.
Their threads are known for exceptional consistency, vibrant colors, and a subtle sheen that gives finished pieces a polished look. DMC uses a proprietary double-mercerization process that enhances strength and colorfastness.
Pros
- Industry standard
- Widest color range
- Most patterns use DMC
- Excellent consistency
- Easy to find worldwide
Cons
- Slightly higher price
- Some find it too shiny
- Can be slippery
Anchor Threads
Est. 1880s in Paisley, Scotland
Anchor (now owned by Coats) has a rich heritage in the UK textile industry. Popular throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, Anchor offers a beloved alternative with its own loyal following.
Known for a slightly softer hand and more matte finish, many stitchers prefer Anchor for projects where they want less shine. Their color palette includes some unique shades not found in the DMC range.
Pros
- Often less expensive
- Softer, matte finish
- Unique color options
- Popular in UK/Europe
- Easier to handle
Cons
- Harder to find in US
- Fewer patterns list it
- Smaller color range
Key Differences Explained
Color Range & Numbering
DMC uses a numbering system from roughly 1 to 5200, with 500+ solid colors plus variegated, metallic, and specialty threads. Numbers don't follow a logical color progression - they were assigned as colors were developed over centuries.
Anchor uses numbers from 1 to 9575 with 450+ colors. Like DMC, the numbering doesn't follow color families. The two systems are completely different - Anchor 1 is not the same as DMC 1!
While there's significant overlap, each brand has unique colors the other doesn't match perfectly. Experienced stitchers often prefer specific colors from each brand.
Thread Texture & Sheen
DMC threads have a noticeable sheen from their double-mercerization process. The thread feels smooth and slightly slippery, which some find easier to pull through fabric while others find it harder to control.
Anchor threads have a more matte, subdued finish with a softer feel. Many stitchers find them easier to handle, especially beginners who may struggle with thread tension.
The difference is subtle but visible in finished pieces - DMC tends to look slightly more lustrous while Anchor appears more fabric-like.
Price Comparison
Prices vary by region and retailer, but generally:
- DMC: $0.50-0.70 USD per 8m skein
- Anchor: $0.45-0.65 USD per 8m skein
Anchor is typically 10-15% cheaper, though bulk purchases and sales can change this. In the UK and Europe, Anchor is often more competitively priced due to local availability.
Regional Availability
DMC dominates in North America, South America, and much of Asia. Most US craft stores stock primarily DMC. Online retailers like Amazon, Joann, and Michael's carry extensive DMC selections.
Anchor is more prevalent in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. UK shops like Hobbycraft and Lakeside Needlecraft stock primarily Anchor. In the US, you may need to order online or visit specialty needlework shops.
Color Matching Between Brands
While conversion charts exist, no colors are exact 1:1 matches. Conversions are "closest approximations" - some are very close while others differ noticeably.
Critical projects (like matching an existing piece or corporate colors) should stick to one brand throughout. For general stitching, conversions work well enough for most purposes.
Quality Comparison
Both DMC and Anchor are professional-grade threads with excellent quality. Here's how they compare:
Colorfastness
Both brands are fully colorfast when washed properly in cool water with mild detergent. Neither should bleed or fade with normal care. However, always wash finished pieces gently and avoid hot water or harsh chemicals.
Consistency
DMC has a slight edge in batch-to-batch consistency - colors purchased years apart typically match perfectly. Anchor is also consistent but occasional very slight variations have been reported between older and newer skeins.
Durability
Both threads wear well and stand up to years of use. The 6-strand divisible construction is identical, and both can be split for finer work on higher-count fabrics.
Tangling & Knotting
Anchor's slightly rougher texture can mean less tangling for some stitchers. DMC's smoothness can cause it to slip and tangle more easily, though this varies by individual technique.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
The "best" thread depends on your location, preferences, and project needs. Here's our guidance:
Choose DMC if...
You're in the US/Canada, following patterns that list DMC, want the widest color selection, or prefer a slight sheen in your finished work.
Choose Anchor if...
You're in the UK/Europe/Australia, prefer a softer matte finish, find DMC too slippery, or want to save a bit on thread costs.
Use Both if...
You're an experienced stitcher who knows specific colors you prefer from each brand, or you're having trouble finding a specific color in one brand.
Can You Mix Brands in One Project?
Yes, you can mix DMC and Anchor threads in the same project, but keep these considerations in mind:
- Texture difference: The slight sheen difference between brands may be visible where colors meet, especially in large blocks of color.
- Consistent technique: Using the same tension and number of strands helps minimize visible differences.
- Strategic mixing: Mix brands in areas where they won't be directly adjacent, or where texture differences add to the design.
- Test first: Stitch a small sample with both brands to see how they look together before committing to a large project.
Pro Tip
Many experienced stitchers keep both brands on hand and choose specific colors from each. For example, some prefer DMC's reds but Anchor's greens. Building familiarity with both gives you the widest possible palette to work with.
Need to Convert Thread Colors?
Use our free thread conversion tools to find equivalent colors between DMC, Anchor, and other brands.
Other Thread Brands to Consider
While DMC and Anchor dominate the market, several other quality brands are worth knowing:
Cosmo
Japanese brand known for beautiful, subtle colorways and excellent quality. Popular for samplers and heirloom pieces. Growing availability in the West.
Weeks Dye Works
Hand-overdyed threads with beautiful color variations. Perfect for adding depth and interest to designs. Premium pricing but stunning results.
Gentle Art
Another hand-overdyed option with softer, more muted colorways. Excellent for primitive and sampler-style designs.
Classic Colorworks
Hand-overdyed threads with consistent quality. Good middle ground between solid colors and heavily variegated threads.
We offer converters for specialty threads too: Weeks Dye Works to DMC | Gentle Art to DMC
Thread Storage & Organization Tips
Proper storage keeps your threads tangle-free and organized, regardless of brand:
Plastic Bobbins
Wind threads onto plastic bobbins and store in compartmentalized boxes. Label with color numbers. Great for large collections.
Thread Drops
Punch holes in cardstock "drops" and loop threads through. Compact and portable, perfect for project-specific kits.
Original Skeins
Keep threads in original skeins stored in ziplock bags by color family. Works well for smaller collections.
Avoid Sunlight
Store threads away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. A closed drawer or box is ideal for long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both are standard 6-strand embroidery floss with the same thickness. You can use the same number of strands for either brand on any fabric count. Both can be separated into individual strands for finer work.
DMC has become the de facto standard, especially for patterns from US designers. It's simply the most widely available brand globally. However, most quality patterns also include Anchor conversions, or you can use a conversion chart to find equivalent colors.
Many beginners find Anchor slightly easier to work with due to its less slippery texture. However, both brands are suitable for beginners. The best choice is often whatever's most readily available in your area.
Both brands are equally colorfast and should not fade with proper care. Vintage pieces from both brands (some over 50 years old) show excellent color retention when stored away from direct sunlight.
Yes, but try to avoid placing converted colors directly next to each other where slight differences might be noticeable. For best results, finish any block of color with the same brand you started with.
Yes, some colors have no close equivalent. Certain unique shades in each brand's palette simply don't exist in the other. This is most common with specialty colors, unusual pastels, or very specific mid-tones. When a conversion chart shows multiple options, it means there's no perfect match.
Anchor is less common in US retail stores but available online through Amazon, 123Stitch, Nordic Needle, and other specialty needlework retailers. Some local needlework shops also carry Anchor.
Purchase from authorized retailers. Genuine DMC has specific label formatting and comes in branded packaging. Anchor skeins have the distinctive Anchor logo. Avoid bulk unbranded threads sold significantly below retail price, as these may be lower quality imitations.