Embroidery Thread Converter
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Instantly convert between DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, and Sulky embroidery thread numbers.
Why You Need an Embroidery Thread Converter
Your cross stitch pattern lists DMC thread numbers, but your local needlework shop only carries Anchor. You need exact equivalents, not guesswork — one shade off on a skin tone or sky gradient and the whole piece looks wrong. Converting between thread brands should not require a wall chart and a magnifying glass.
Whether you are substituting brands by necessity or preference, accurate thread conversion preserves the designer's color intent. This converter maps between major embroidery floss brands so you can shop confidently and stitch without second-guessing every color choice.
What Is Embroidery Thread Conversion?
Embroidery thread conversion is the process of finding the closest color match between different floss brands. Each manufacturer uses its own numbering system — DMC 310 is black, but in Anchor that same black is number 403, and in Cosmo it is 600. The numbers are unrelated across brands.
Conversion databases map these numbers by comparing actual thread colors under standardized lighting conditions. The matches represent the closest available equivalent, not an identical dye formula. Two brands may both produce a medium blue, but subtle differences in hue, saturation, or sheen will always exist between manufacturers.
The most commonly converted brands are DMC, Anchor, and Cosmo for hand embroidery floss. DMC is the most widely referenced in published patterns, making it the de facto standard that other brands are mapped against.
How Thread Conversions Are Determined
Thread conversion is not math-based — it relies on systematic color matching methodology. Each thread brand's full color range is compared against every other brand's range under controlled, natural-spectrum lighting. The closest visual match becomes the recommended conversion.
For example, DMC 310 (Black) maps to Anchor 403 and Cosmo 600. DMC 321 (Christmas Red) maps to Anchor 9046 and Cosmo 241. These mappings are maintained by thread suppliers and independent cross-reference databases, updated when brands add or discontinue colors.
Because conversions are closest matches rather than identical dyes, always compare converted threads side by side in natural light before committing to a full project. Fluorescent and LED lighting can mask subtle color differences that become obvious in daylight.
A converter that translates between DMC, Anchor, and Cosmo embroidery thread numbers with palette building and bulk conversion for shopping lists.
Cross stitchers and embroiderers who need to substitute thread brands when their preferred brand is unavailable.
Enter any DMC, Anchor, or Cosmo number to find the closest match in the other brands instantly.
Embroidery Thread Converter Tool
How to Convert Thread Numbers
Thread Conversion Results Across Brands
How to Use the Embroidery Thread Converter
Enter a thread number from any supported brand — DMC, Anchor, Cosmo, or Sulky — and the converter returns the closest equivalent in all other systems. This converter is specifically for 6-strand embroidery floss, not perle cotton, sewing thread, or machine embroidery thread.
You can enter a single thread number for a quick lookup or enter a list of numbers separated by commas to convert an entire project palette at once. The results show the source color name (where available) and the nearest match in each target brand.
Understanding Your Results
Thread conversions represent the closest available color match between brands — they are not exact dye matches. Two brands may both make a "medium blue," but the DMC version and the Anchor version will differ in hue, saturation, or value when placed side by side. For small projects or scattered colors, these differences are invisible. For large projects with significant color areas, the difference may be noticeable.
The converter uses industry-standard cross-reference tables maintained by thread suppliers. Some colors have no close equivalent in another brand and are marked as approximate. For these colors, the converter shows the two nearest options so you can choose which direction to lean.
Pro Tips
From 30+ years of fiber arts experience
- ✓DMC is the most universally available brand and the most commonly referenced in patterns. Use it as your base system when planning projects, then convert to other brands if needed.
- ✓Anchor thread colors tend to run slightly different in saturation compared to their DMC equivalents. Anchor blues are often cooler, and Anchor reds may lean slightly more orange.
- ✓For Cosmo conversions, the nearest DMC match may not look identical in person. Buy a single skein of the Cosmo equivalent and compare it against your DMC thread under natural light before purchasing a full project's worth.
- ✓Thread aging affects color accuracy. A 10-year-old skein of DMC 310 may look slightly different from a new one. When converting brands for an ongoing project, buy all thread from the same production batch.
How to Read This Chart
This converter maps embroidery thread colors between the four major 6-strand floss brands — DMC (the industry standard), Anchor, Cosmo, and Sulky — by numerical codes unique to each brand. The converter displays the source thread number, its full color name (when available), and the closest-matching equivalent number in each target brand. For example, DMC 310 (Black) converts to Anchor 403. The converter accepts batch input — paste an entire project thread list separated by commas and receive full palette conversions in one pass. Toggle lets you convert from any brand to any other. Entries where no exact match exists show the two or three closest options so you can choose which direction to lean in hue, value, or saturation.
Industry Standards
The three major embroidery floss manufacturers — DMC, Anchor, and Cosmo — each maintain proprietary color palettes and numbering systems developed independently. DMC, a French manufacturer founded in 1746, is the market leader and reference standard against which other brands are compared; most commercial patterns use DMC numbers. Color conversion uses systematic measurement under controlled lighting — color samples are compared under standardized daylight illumination (typically D65 standard). Conversion databases are maintained by major thread retailers and craft organizations, updated when manufacturers discontinue colors or add new shades. No standard organization certifies conversions as 'official,' so slight variations between published conversion charts are normal.
Real-World Variations
Thread conversions represent 'closest visual matches' rather than identical dye formulas — two brands may both produce a medium blue, but the DMC and Anchor versions will differ in hue, saturation, value, or undertone when compared directly. Fluorescent and LED lighting can mask subtle differences obvious in natural daylight. Some colors have no reasonable equivalent in a target brand and are marked 'approximate.' Slight dye lot variations between production runs of the same color number can create visible differences in large color areas even within the same brand. Silk blends and specialty floss types (metallic, iridescent, variegated) have different conversion logic than standard 6-strand floss. Color conversion reliability is highest for neutrals and primaries, lower for pastels and complex blends.
References and Industry Standards
- Craft Yarn Council — Yarn Weight System — Industry-standard yarn weight categories and gauge ranges
- Craft Yarn Council — Needle & Hook Sizes — Standard sizing charts for knitting needles and crochet hooks
- Ravelry — Yarn database, pattern library, and community for fiber artists
Learn More About This Topic
Related Fiber Arts Tools
Cross Stitch Calc
Calculate finished dimensions for any fabric count and estimate thread amounts per color.
Needle Guide
Visual guide to needle types: tapestry, chenille, embroidery, sharps, beading, and more. Know which needle to use for every project.
Abbreviations
Searchable glossary of knitting and crochet abbreviations with US/UK toggle, stitch descriptions, and step-by-step diagrams.
Edge Cases & Exceptions
How do I convert DMC to Anchor thread numbers?
Type any DMC number into our search box and we’ll instantly show the Anchor and Cosmo equivalents. We currently cover 80 of the most popular colors with more being added.
Are thread conversions exact matches?
Most conversions are close matches, not identical. Different brands use different dye processes, so colors may vary slightly. Always compare threads in person for critical color matching.
What’s the most popular embroidery thread brand?
DMC is the most widely used brand worldwide, with 500 numbered colors. Anchor is popular in the UK and Europe. Cosmo is a Japanese brand known for excellent color saturation.
Can I search by color name?
Yes. Our search works with thread numbers (e.g., ‘310’) and color names (e.g., ‘red,’ ‘forest green’). You can filter by brand to narrow results.
How do I convert a whole shopping list at once?
Use our Bulk Convert tab. Paste a list of DMC numbers separated by commas or spaces, and we’ll convert all of them in one shot with a printable results table.
What is the palette builder?
Click the + button next to any search result to add it to your palette. The palette tab shows all your selected colors with every brand’s number, ready to copy or print as a shopping list.
Ready to start your project?
You've done the planning — now keep track while you craft. MyCrochetKit is a free voice-activated row counter that lets you say "next" to count rows hands-free. Track multiple projects, save your progress, and never lose count again.