About Us

About us
We believe in creative expression through needlecraft for everyone whatever technique, level or style. That's why we offer threads and yarns in the widest colour ranges and work with designers around the world to develop inspirational products to suit every taste.

Anchor is built on generations of expertise in high-quality craft products and a passion for helping everyone experience crafts they love. We are well known for our embroidery threads, traditional crochet threads and an extensive cross-craft portfolio that covers all the major needlecraft techniques.

Originally from Paisley in Scotland, Anchor has a strong heritage of manufacturing threads for a wide range of crafts. We trace our history back to 1866 when British weavers James and Patrick Clark developed a fine thread that was smooth and strong enough to replace silk for weaving.

In 1896 Coats, another local Paisley-based family who specialised in sewing threads, joined forces with the Clark family to operate as J&P Coats, thus becoming the biggest thread manufacturer and exporter in the world. They went on to create sewing and embroidery threads that became renowned around the globe.

Today, we sell our much-loved threads and expansive range of craft products worldwide. We continue to manufacture our iconic threads in Europe and maintain our commitment to “Quality without Compromise” so, wherever you live, you can enjoy creating with Anchor.

Quality
Our mission is to make reliable, high-quality products accessible for everyone.

Anchor threads and yarns are manufactured to rigorous standards using the latest technology and dyeing methods. We are fully compliant with EU chemical regulation standards REACH and many of our cotton threads are produced in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

This certification ensures they are free from banned azo dyes, and carcinogenic and allergenic dyestuffs. PH values are regularly tested to ensure products will not irritate the skin and all articles are tested for friction, perspiration, saliva and wash fastness levels to ensure that every dye lot adheres to Global fastness standards. This means they can be used for clothing, including items for babies and children.

We strive to make the most economical use of dyes and chemicals, achieve high energy efficiency production and reduce water consumption and CO2 emissions, thereby continuously building and improving our ecological footprint.