PinDIY.com

Title: How to get the best from metallic threads [Print this page]

Author: Hamsteren09 Time: 2009-5-26 01:17
Title: How to get the best from metallic threads
Metallic thread can add sparkly embellishment to any design -- and can be especially appropriate for festive occasions, outshining everything else with that extra shimmering touch.

Metallic threads can present certain challenges. Here are some tips that will help to keep your stitching trouble-free.

Needle Threading
One task that causes the most fraying when using metallic thread is when you have to thread the needle.  You should choose a needle with a larger eye so that it is easier to thread.  Also, you can try folding the thread over so it forms a loop and putting the end of the loop through the eye of the needle.

Use a Larger Needle
One type of thread known for unravelling is the chainette.  When the thread unravels it can leave unsightly threads dangling from the project.  Therefore, it is helpful to use a larger needle and a straight up and down motion with this type of metallic thread.  The up and down motion keeps the thread from being dragged across the fabric.  The larger needle creates a bigger hole so that there is less friction on the thread.  Less friction means less fraying.

Smoother Stitching
Consider buying Thread Heaven to keep the metallic thread smooth and prevent fraying.  If you cannot find the product at your local craft store you can also use a clear fingernail polish at the ends of the thread.

Stitch with Care
When you use metallic threads, stitch more slowly and more attentively, and use a needle big enough to open the hole in the fabric enough, so as to allow the thread to go through the hole easily. Stitch, using the 'stab' method -- working your stitches in two movements -- up vertically, and then down, vertically through the fabric.

Prevent Twisting Threads
Allow the needle to hang frequently from the fabric, so that the thread can untwist. Consider turning the needle to half-twist as you bring the needle out of the fabric, to prevent the thread from curling.

Save the Best for Last
Metallic threads add that special touch to any project.  If you want certain areas of your project to really stand out, metallic thread draws the eye to that area.  Yet the thread tends to be more challenging to work with, so you will want to save it for the last part of your cross stitch project.  This way all of your other work is done and you can minimize the friction on your metallic thread.  It will minimise fraying and add a polished finish to your project.

You can vary the amount of shine, too, by varying the amount of strands of metallic thread that you use. More strands produce more sheen.

Author: liz0222 Time: 2009-5-26 09:36
I am really annoyed with the stitch of metallic threads and beads., but they make my work look more beautiful. Thanks for your tips! I can do with that.

Author: nadinex Time: 2009-6-18 00:25
it is true. it is more difficult to work with metallics. thanks for the tips :)

Author: MACA Time: 2009-9-30 21:24
I've never stitch with metallics, but many thanks for the tips

Author: StitchAndi Time: 2010-1-7 02:57
I love using anything shiny in my stitching, sil, metallics, and beads all add so much to a finished piece.

Thanks for the great information

Author: 242133 Time: 2010-7-18 15:11
I do stitch with metallic threads, I agree with all your recommendations.

Author: krystalina Time: 2010-7-18 16:04
I like stitching with metallic threads and I use smaller thread length.
I did'nt know for the larger needle. Thank you very much for this advise, I'll try next time

Author: Nekostitch Time: 2010-11-8 12:13
Good tips. I also agree with the posters who said use shorter lengths of thread. That and making sure to let the thread untwist are the things that have always helped me. I will try your other tips next time I stitch with metallics

Author: angel-666 Time: 2011-1-22 18:55
thank you for the tips

Author: sam121 Time: 2011-1-23 20:58
thanks for the tips

Author: apxstitch Time: 2011-3-3 08:52
Great tips but I have learned to just avoid metallics wherever I can. They are a nuisance but do look nice if you have the patience.

Author: Alexis Time: 2011-3-10 22:20
Thread heaven works wonders on metallic thread! I use it on all my threads, actually. :)

Author: mafalda123 Time: 2011-3-16 19:17
Thanks for your tips!

Author: scaredy-cat Time: 2011-3-27 17:20
I use "Thread Heaven", not only for metallic but sometimes also for the normal floss.

http://www.threadheaven.com/howtouse.html

Author: sweetpea Time: 2011-3-27 22:25
thanks for the tips, very useful :)

Author: matchbox Time: 2011-6-5 13:34
very nice, i love using metalic threads and i find thread heaven is really great too

Author: koorkoor Time: 2011-6-9 13:42
this is very informative,
thanks for the tips

Author: mumof3boys Time: 2011-6-27 18:39
I also find Thread Heaven helps with Metallics.

Author: chrisnz44 Time: 2011-7-3 10:41
Will keep this tips in my mind when i do metallic threads next time. Thanks.

Author: guineapigjane Time: 2012-2-6 21:29
Thanks for the v helpful tips!

Author: AnnikaGBG Time: 2012-2-10 07:51
Thanks! I'm going to try the needle with the larger head tips. Maybe that will make easier the metallic thread to go through the fabric too.

Author: lekaruxe Time: 2012-2-18 23:51
I'll try a bigger needle. Thank for your advice

Author: avoci Time: 2012-2-20 22:44
Thanks for the tip. Very useful

Author: mamie Time: 2012-2-21 23:48
:loveliness: merci pour les bons conseils, j'aime ajouter des fils métalliques dans certain
design.

Author: pwaddles Time: 2012-2-24 09:23
I too like the look of metallic thread, you all have given alot of great advice

Author: Lief Time: 2012-2-26 00:29
Gracias por los tips. Yo suelo utilizarjunto con la hebra del hilo metalico una hebra de hilo pluma del mismo tono, se me hace mas facil para trabajar.

Author: Lovelace Time: 2012-3-12 11:40
Thanks for the tips there is one thing i do that really helps that is threading just one strand in the needle and then double it and start by tucking down the end that way my needle is in a loop an does not fray the thread, when i finish I tuck down the end and cut the needle loose

Author: Xonaxi13 Time: 2012-3-12 13:58
Excellent post I love metallic floss but its very difficult to work with it

Author: Dunja Time: 2012-8-21 21:42
:loveliness::loveliness:

Author: lostmind03 Time: 2012-11-22 02:26
I find it helpful to pull the metallic thread itself, and not solely use the needle to pull it up once the needle is fully threw the fabric. I find this prevents the fraying of the metallic thread at the point where it touches the eye of the needle.

Author: trajilina Time: 2012-11-25 20:11
Interesting. Now I'm stitching for Christmas with metallic thread

Author: rteixeira63 Time: 2013-4-24 23:47
Great tips. Thanks I will try them.

Author: geordiesmom Time: 2013-4-26 03:49
Great tips & pointers, I will certainly try it when I get to the metallics on the xs I'm doing now. Thanks for sharing with us.

Author: rteixeira63 Time: 2013-4-26 08:54
Well explained. Thanks for the tips

Author: anew Time: 2013-4-28 17:32
Even though its a pain I still enjoy using metallics to add sparkle

Author: Mary.Jane Time: 2013-5-28 23:19
Good tips - thanks!

Author: Jazzi Time: 2013-6-30 01:07
Thank you for another very helpful post. Great idea about the clear nail polish at the end of thread to prevent unraveling.

Author: huey1023 Time: 2013-11-12 22:23
Thanks for sharing :)

Author: Veronik Time: 2015-3-25 02:56
I use Dmc perle N°12 The best

Author: bibiangka Time: 2016-4-12 23:40
i'm currently working on a project using metallic and satin flosses from DMC, and the loop method in threading really makes a great difference. It helps me work on it faster. Thanks for these tips. :)

Author: lizgo6x Time: 2016-4-14 01:34
I'm going to try thread heaven, thanks for the tips

Author: AnonMouse Time: 2017-8-12 08:09
Good ideas, thank you. I'll be trying them for the first time soon.

Author: JoBaby79 Time: 2017-8-14 14:15
Thank you for the tips. I am contemplating doing a project using these threads and will put these tips to good use!!!:)

Author: Natty Time: 2017-8-29 13:23
Thanks for information

Author: orionjes12 Time: 2018-2-8 21:36
I am really having trouble when it comes ti

Author: Purplenymph Time: 2018-5-28 15:27
Thankyou very helpful

Author: OVO18 Time: 2018-6-26 18:37
Thank you for information

Author: beckysbiz Time: 2018-7-5 12:46

Login/Register to enlarge
scaredy-cat

Login/Register to enlarge
2011-3-27 21:20
I use "Thread Heaven", not only for metallic but sometimes also for the normal floss.

http://www. ...

thank you for the link, I had no idea what thread heaven was. Hopefully I can find some where I live.

Author: beckysbiz Time: 2018-7-5 12:48

Login/Register to enlarge
lostmind03

Login/Register to enlarge
2012-11-22 06:26
I find it helpful to pull the metallic thread itself, and not solely use the needle to pull it up on ...

Thats a good idea, I never thought to pull on just the thread. Thank you

Author: isabelle Time: 2018-7-7 00:42
Thank you for your explanations

Author: tuanbao2012 Time: 2019-2-26 19:58
Thank you very much for sharing.

Author: tuanbao2012 Time: 2019-2-27 10:59
nice~~~`............

Author: Lane Time: 2019-3-16 08:04
when pattern says blend together dmc+kreinik its better to do dmc 1st & then add a sparkle. Blend tends to reduce sparkle by half

Author: subukenai Time: 2019-3-19 01:27
I learned it. Thank you.

Author: barsof Time: 2019-3-25 04:39
Muy buenos tip gracias

Author: mergin Time: 2019-4-19 10:25
Paylaşım için teşekkürler

Author: svetlan-ta Time: 2019-5-19 20:21
Thank you for sharing!

Author: pinky66 Time: 2020-1-1 01:49
use shorter pieces, the long the length the more knotting and tangling

Author: Pata Time: 2020-1-3 08:09
Thank you so much for all the tips! I use the result from metallic threads but stitching with them can be so annoying!

Author: kijiy Time: 2020-1-12 02:16
thanks for the tips, I've always had issues with the thread just not looking right in combination with the others, and now it's clear I wasn't taking extra care!

Author: mardy Time: 2020-2-4 05:18
I also use short lengths, shorter than I would use with just plain floss

Author: u1sunny Time: 2021-3-15 16:23
Very Nice!!

Author: htsear13 Time: 2022-2-10 23:26
Following this thread

Author: viky Time: 2023-12-10 09:05
Thank you so much for all the tips! Very helpful.

Author: Knitpurlsm Time: 2024-4-9 01:29
Thanks for the info!

Author: inmastitcher Time: 2024-4-20 17:16
Gracias por la información

Author: cross.stitch. Time: 2024-4-20 20:17
Thanks for the tips. Very useful.

Author: queenvi617 Time: 2024-4-22 08:30
Thank you very much for sharing.

Author: tatsumi696 Time: 2024-4-22 16:55
Thank you!

Welcome to PinDIY.com (//www.pindiy.com/)