Embroidery Thread Converter – DMC / Anchor / Madeira | Awesome Toolkit

Embroidery Thread Converter

Convert embroidery thread numbers between DMC, Anchor, and Madeira brands with color swatches.

By Marshkalk

Embroidery Thread Converter

Convert embroidery floss references between the three major brands: DMC, Anchor, and Madeira. Conversions are approximate, exact color matches do not always exist.

About the brands

  • DMC: the most widely used reference worldwide. Most patterns are written with DMC numbers. DMC floss has good colorfastness and wide availability.
  • Anchor: popular in the UK and Europe. Uses a different numbering system. Anchor colors can vary slightly from DMC equivalents.
  • Madeira: known for colorfastness and specialty ranges (silk, metallic). Used by some European patterns.

How to find a match

  • Search by color name (e.g. "Christmas red"), DMC number (e.g. "304"), or brand (e.g. "Anchor 47")
  • When no exact match exists, the closest available color is shown
  • For critical projects, compare threads physically before substituting

Cross-stitch and embroidery tips

  • Most cross-stitch patterns use 2 strands of 6-strand floss on 14-count Aida fabric
  • Separate strands before stitching, this improves coverage and reduces tangling
  • Work with 45-50 cm lengths to reduce wear on the thread
  • Wash finished pieces by hand in cool water with mild soap; lay flat to dry

Brand origins and UK context

Understanding the brands helps explain why UK and European patterns sometimes list different reference numbers for the same project:

  • Anchor: originally produced by J. & P. Coats in Paisley, Scotland. Anchor is the traditional UK embroidery floss brand and is the default in older British patterns, cross-stitch kits, and magazines like Cross Stitcher and The World of Cross Stitching. Now part of the global Coats Group.
  • DMC: founded in Mulhouse, Alsace (France) in 1746. DMC is the global standard for patterns published internationally , most online patterns and modern kits use DMC numbers. Widely stocked in UK craft shops.
  • Madeira: German brand (Freiburg im Breisgau) known for colorfastness and specialist ranges (silk, metallic, glow-in-the-dark). Less common in UK high street shops but available online and in specialist stores.
  • Zweigart: German manufacturer (Sindelfingen, Baden-Württemberg) , the dominant brand for Aida fabric and evenweave in Europe. Most European embroidery canvas is Zweigart, even when not labelled as such.