286 is a brown from the Stafil Profilo 6 Mouliné range, a 100% cotton thread supplied in 8 metre skeins of 6 divisible strands. The strands separate easily, so you can stitch with the thickness that suits your fabric: usually 2 strands for cross stitch on 14-count Aida, 1 strand for outlines and backstitch, 3 or more on coarser fabrics. It also works for traditional embroidery, Hardanger and needlepoint.
The product details list the equivalent DMC and Venus colours, useful when your chart gives numbers from another brand. Below you will find the closest shades, handy for blending or for replacing a colour.