The embroidery floss brand converter lets you look up DMC, Anchor, and J&P Coats equivalents interactively — with color swatches. Search by DMC number, Anchor number, or color name. Works both directions.
Search Floss Colors
Enter a DMC number, Anchor number, or color name to search
100 Most Popular DMC Colors
Scroll to browse| Swatch | DMC | Name | Anchor | J&P Coats |
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How to Use the Embroidery Floss Brand Converter
Embroidery patterns almost always specify DMC floss numbers. But if your local craft store only carries Anchor, or you have J&P Coats thread from a kit, you need to know the equivalent. This embroidery floss converter makes that lookup instant — with color swatches so you can visually verify the match.
Step 1: Search by DMC number
Most embroidery patterns list DMC numbers. Type the DMC number (e.g., "321") in the search box to see the Anchor equivalent (9046) and J&P Coats equivalent (3500). The color swatch shows the approximate color so you can confirm before purchasing.
Step 2: Search by Anchor number
If you have Anchor thread and need to find the DMC equivalent, type the Anchor number (e.g., "403" for black). The converter searches both directions — DMC-to-Anchor and Anchor-to-DMC.
Step 3: Check for "No Direct Match"
Not every DMC color has an exact Anchor or J&P Coats equivalent. When no match exists, the converter shows "No Direct Match" with the nearest available alternative. For critical color work, test threads side by side before starting your project — dye lots between brands always vary slightly even for "equivalent" numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this embroidery floss converter free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Search by DMC or Anchor number, or by color name, for instant cross-reference results.
Is my data safe and private?
Yes. All lookups happen locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Are DMC and Anchor floss colors exact matches?
Most DMC and Anchor numbers are close equivalents, not exact matches. Dye lots, fiber type, and brand-specific color mixing mean that even 'equivalent' numbers look slightly different side by side. For critical color matching, test threads together on your fabric before starting a project.
What does 'No Direct Match' mean in the converter?
Some DMC colors have no close Anchor or J&P Coats equivalent — the brand simply doesn't make a similar shade. In these cases, the converter shows 'No Direct Match' and suggests the nearest available color. You may need to blend threads or accept a close substitution.
Does J&P Coats still make embroidery floss?
J&P Coats (also sold as Coats & Clark) floss is still available in the US, but the range is smaller than DMC or Anchor and can be harder to find in specialty stores. Many crafters use DMC or Anchor as primary and the J&P Coats chart only for finding substitutes for colors they already own.
How many DMC colors are there?
DMC makes over 500 colors in their standard 6-strand embroidery floss range, plus specialty threads (metallic, linen, pearl cotton). This converter includes the 100 most popular colors — those most commonly used in cross stitch and embroidery patterns. Less common DMC colors may show limited equivalent data.