DMC vs Anchor embroidery thread: how do they differ?

DMC Mouliné Spécial and Anchor Stranded Cotton Mouliné are the two most widely used six-strand stranded cotton embroidery threads in the world. Both are established, trusted brands that produce excellent quality thread — so which one should you use? In practice, the differences that matter most are colour range size, numbering system, regional availability, and how the thread feels in your hand. For most projects the real question is which brand your pattern was designed for and whether your local suppliers stock it. If you need to switch between brands, the Thread Converter can help you find the closest match.

At a glance

The table below summarises the key specifications of each brand side by side.

Colour ranges and numbering

DMC’s Mouliné Spécial line lists approximately 500 solid shades. The Stitchers Suite database currently indexes 456 DMC solid colours. Anchor manufactures 444 shades of stranded cotton, of which 420 Anchor colours appear in our database. Together that gives us 876 indexed threads to search and compare.

Crucially, the two numbering systems are completely unrelated. DMC 321 is a classic bright red; Anchor 321 is an orange-brown. The numbers do not correspond between brands in any systematic way, so you should never assume a code from one brand means the same colour in the other. Always use a conversion tool or chart before buying.

Feel, sheen, and handling

Physical comparisons of thread feel, sheen, and twist require handling real skeins. The observations below are commonly reported by stitchers but can vary between individual skeins, dye lots, and specific shades.

• Twist and sheen: Anchor is often described as having a slightly tighter twist and a smoother, more lustrous sheen when stitched. Some stitchers find this gives a crisper finish on evenweave and linen fabrics.
• Separation: DMC is sometimes described as slightly fluffier when the six strands are separated, which can make individual strands a little easier to handle for some stitchers but may produce a marginally softer surface texture.
• Overall quality: Both brands produce excellent, colourfast, double-mercerised cotton. Neither is inherently superior — the differences are subtle and largely come down to personal preference.

The best way to decide which you prefer is to buy a few skeins of each and stitch a small sampler. Your own hands and eyes are a far better judge than any written comparison.

Pattern compatibility and numbering

Most commercially published cross-stitch patterns and modern digital designs specify DMC codes. UK and European kits, as well as many older patterns, frequently specify Anchor instead. Some patterns helpfully include conversion notes for both brands.

Regardless of which brand a pattern uses, remember that codes belong exclusively to one brand. If you need to switch from DMC to Anchor (or vice versa), convert the entire colour list before you start buying thread. Swapping individual codes without conversion will give you the wrong colours. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to convert a pattern from DMC to Anchor.

Can you mix DMC and Anchor in one project?

Yes, you can — with a little care. Using both brands within the same piece is perfectly fine when each colour occupies a clearly separate area of the design. The threads are the same weight and work identically on the same fabric, so there is no structural reason to avoid mixing.

Where you need to be more cautious is gradients and blended areas. If two adjacent shades in a gradient come from different brands, subtle differences in undertone or sheen can break the smooth transition. Always swatch blended sections before committing to mixed-brand gradients.

For more detail on when swapping is safe and when it needs extra checking, see our DMC & Anchor substitution guide.

Which should a beginner choose?

If you are just getting started with cross-stitch or embroidery, the answer is simpler than you might expect. Ask yourself four questions:

• What does the pattern specify? If you have a specific pattern in mind, buy whichever brand it lists. This avoids any conversion steps and ensures your finished piece matches the designer’s intent.
• What is available nearby? Check your local craft shop or preferred online supplier. Availability varies by region — DMC dominates in North America and much of Europe, while Anchor is well stocked in the UK, parts of Asia, and Australasia.
• What did you inherit? If you have been given a stash of thread by a friend or relative, start with what you have. Both brands are excellent, and free thread is hard to beat.
• Are you designing your own project? If you are choosing colours from scratch, either brand will serve you well. Pick whichever palette appeals to you, and use the Thread Converter if you ever need to find equivalents in the other brand.

Neither brand is inherently better than the other. The best embroidery thread is the one that is right for your project, available to you, and enjoyable to stitch with.

Frequently Asked Questions