Anchor
About Anchor
Anchor's story begins in Paisley, Scotland in 1866, when British weavers James and Patrick Clark developed a fine, smooth thread strong enough to replace silk for weaving. Their thread quickly became prized for its quality, and in 1896 the Clark family joined forces with fellow Paisley thread manufacturers J&P Coats, forming what would become the biggest thread manufacturer and exporter in the world. That Scottish heritage — built on precision, consistency, and craft — remains at the heart of Anchor to this day.
Paisley is just a short drive from The Orry Mill in Eaglesham, which makes stocking Anchor feel like a natural fit. We've always believed in supporting craft traditions with real roots, and few brands have deeper ones.
Today Anchor operates as a division of DMC SAS and manufactures its threads in Europe, maintaining a commitment to quality without compromise. Products are fully compliant with EU REACH chemical standards, and many cotton threads carry Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification — meaning they are tested and certified free from harmful substances, making them safe for use in clothing and baby items.
What Anchor Makes
Anchor is best known for its embroidery and cross stitch threads, particularly Anchor Stranded Cotton — a staple in needlework baskets around the world, available in an extensive colour palette. Beyond embroidery, the range extends into crochet threads, knitting yarns, and a broad accessories range covering hoops, needles, fabric, and kits for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
The yarn range includes cotton and wool blends, organic cotton, and a selection of Patons yarns covering DK and Aran weights — practical, accessible choices for both knitters and crocheters.
Why Knitters and Crafters Choose Anchor
- A heritage brand with over 150 years of manufacturing expertise
- Exceptional colour consistency across dye lots
- Oeko-Tex and REACH certified for safety and quality
- A complete range from embroidery thread to knitting yarn and kits
- Widely used in published patterns and internationally recognised