Why we checked our DMC and Anchor matches a third time
A handmade thread stand, a colorimeter, and a third manual check. Here’s why we’re taking another close look at DMC, Anchor, and Miyuki before the website goes live.
Why we checked our DMC and Anchor matches a third time
We built a handmade stand for our embroidery threads to help check color matches. It worked, but also revealed there was more to verify.
This is our third attempt at matching threads in Match & Stitch. We’d like to think it’s the final one, but we’re still at the comparison stage—better not to tempt fate.
The threads needed face-to-face comparison
We wanted to confirm that the colorimeter results aligning DMC and Anchor threads were accurate. The next step was to place the actual threads side by side and examine them.
Some suggested pairs didn’t match perfectly. The colorimeter provided a starting point, but physical comparison showed that not every suggestion was ready for the final decision.
This matters because each match will eventually be added to a database and used in embroidery projects. We want to ensure accuracy before it reaches that stage.
A handmade stand and a manual check
We gathered nearly all DMC and Anchor threads and set up a display stand for manual comparison. Having the threads physically available allowed us to revisit the pairs and reconsider them.
We combined the colorimeter data with a manual review for the third attempt. By now, we’ve become quite familiar with the thread collection.
The return to physical comparison helped us identify the closest DMC–Anchor pairs. It wasn’t about perfecting previous work but about improving it.
Then Miyuki beads joined the process
With the thread pairs identified, we extended the manual comparison to Miyuki beads. The beads are now being compared with the matched DMC and Anchor threads to find the closest matches.
The photos here give a glimpse of this process: pale neutrals, pinks, and blues beside bead containers. They show our working table, not finalized matches.
The embroidered flowers next to the stand serve as a reminder of where these choices lead—materials meant to work together in final projects.
What we mean by accuracy
We aim for each match to be perfect, though achieving identical appearance across threads and beads isn't guaranteed. Our process involves checking colorimeter suggestions against physical threads, revisiting unsatisfactory pairs, and extending this to Miyuki beads.
Our goal is to help future Match & Stitch users make more confident choices within the three brands, saving time and uncertainty.
The comparison work is ongoing
The website is still in development, and this round of matching is incomplete. We hope to finish soon and will share the results when ready.
We believe that third time’s the charm. For now, the stand remains in place.
Follow Match & Stitch on Instagram for updates from the comparison table.