You've got your pattern, your fabric, and your shopping list — but the craft store is out of DMC 3799. Or maybe you have a stash of Anchor threads and want to use those instead. Thread substitution is a normal part of cross stitch, and with the right approach, your finished piece won't show the difference.

When to Substitute

Common situations that call for substitution:

• A DMC color is out of stock at your local or online store
• You already own a similar color in a different brand and want to avoid buying a duplicate
• You're using a vintage or discontinued thread and need a current equivalent
• Cost savings — generic brand threads are significantly cheaper than DMC

DMC to Anchor Conversion

DMC and Anchor are the two most widely used embroidery thread brands. Their numbering systems are completely different, but well-established conversion charts exist. For example, DMC 310 (black) converts to Anchor 403.

Tips for using conversion charts:

• Use a trusted, up-to-date chart — colors occasionally get discontinued or renumbered
• Conversions are approximate, not exact — always compare the actual threads side by side
• Some DMC colors have no perfect Anchor equivalent and vice versa

Color Matching Tips

When an exact conversion isn't available, match by eye using these steps:

1. Compare in natural daylight — artificial light distorts color perception
2. Hold threads against your fabric — colors look different on white Aida than in your hand
3. Check the value (lightness/darkness) first, then the hue — value matters more than exact hue in cross stitch
4. Stitch a small test swatch if you're unsure — a few stitches on scrap fabric show how the color reads at stitch scale

StitchCraft App

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• Accurate DMC color matching
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Generic vs. Brand Threads

Generic embroidery threads (store brands, budget brands) cost a fraction of DMC or Anchor. They can work well, but be aware of differences:

• Color consistency — DMC maintains very tight color standards across dye lots; generic brands vary more
• Thread texture — DMC has a consistent smooth feel; some generics are rougher or more prone to tangling
• Colorfastness — quality brands are tested for colorfastness; generics may bleed when washed

For important or gift pieces, brand-name thread is worth the cost. For practice projects or large background areas, generic thread is a reasonable choice.

Testing Substitutions

Before committing a substitution to your full project:

• Stitch a 10x10 block using the substitute thread alongside the original colors
• View it from a normal viewing distance — minor shade differences disappear at arm's length
• Check that the thread weight and coverage are similar to the original

StitchCraft's Color Flexibility

StitchCraft lets you swap any DMC color in your pattern's palette with a few taps. The live preview updates instantly, so you can see how a substitution affects the overall look before you buy thread. If a specific DMC number isn't available, browse nearby shades directly in the app's palette editor and choose the best match visually.

Download StitchCraft from the App Store to manage your thread palette and make substitutions with confidence.