Convert DMC to Anchor and Anchor to DMC threads

How to use the Thread Converter

1. Choose your direction. Select DMC → Anchor or Anchor → DMC at the top of the tool.
2. Pick single or list mode. Use “Just one thread” for a quick check, or “A whole list” to convert an entire pattern key in one go. Enter the code exactly as it appears on the label — for example 310, 3746, or Blanc.
3. Read the results. Press Find equivalent (single) or Convert all (batch). For each code the tool returns the nearest thread in the other brand, its colour name, a visual swatch, the match type, and a set of close alternatives.

What the match type tells you

Every result carries one of two labels:

• Cross-referenced match — the two codes are linked in published manufacturer or community conversion tables. This is the strongest kind of match and the one most stitchers will use without hesitation.
• Calculated alternative — no cross-reference exists, so the tool finds the closest shade by comparing colour values. The result is usually a good starting point, but you should review the alternatives as a group and pick the one that best suits your project.

Converting a complete pattern key

The batch converter is designed for full pattern lists. Switch to “A whole list,” paste your codes — one per line or comma-separated — and press Convert all. The tool works through every code and returns a result for each one.

Pay special attention to any calculated alternatives in the output. Where a code is used in a smooth gradient, a skin-tone blend, or a large solid block, even a small colour shift can be noticeable. Compare those alternatives side by side before committing. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on converting a full pattern from DMC to Anchor.

When to verify a match in person

On-screen swatches are helpful, but there are four situations where you should compare real threads under natural daylight before stitching:

• Shaded gradients and flesh tones — a single off-step can break the progression and draw the eye.
• Large continuous colour areas — subtle differences in undertone become obvious across a wide block.
• Repairs or continuation work — matching an existing piece requires thread that blends with what is already stitched, not just what looks right on a chart.
• Competition or archival pieces — where colour accuracy is critical and no approximation is acceptable.

DMC–Anchor conversion chart: most common shades

A quick reference for the shades stitchers convert most often. Use the tool above to look up any code not listed here.

All codes verified against the live Stitchers Suite database. Verify all conversions in the tool before purchasing.

Thread Converter or Colour Matcher?

Use the Thread Converter when you already have a thread code and need the equivalent in the other brand — it is a direct code-to-code translation. Use the Colour Matcher when you are starting from a photo, a fabric swatch, or a thread with no label. The Matcher analyses the colour in your image and suggests the closest threads from both brands, no code required.

Why DMC and Anchor conversions are approximate

DMC produces around 500 stranded-cotton shades (456 are in our database); Anchor produces 420. The two ranges were developed independently, with different dye formulas and entirely separate numbering systems. DMC 321 is Red; Anchor 321 is an unrelated shade entirely.

Because the colour grids do not overlap neatly, a one-to-one match is not always possible. When no close cross-referenced equivalent exists, the converter returns the nearest calculated colour so you still have a workable starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Thread Converter is free to use and runs entirely in your browser. Your codes are not sent to a server.