Try running your thread on a candle.... I usually keep a short part of a candle in my sewing box. Then I just "glide" the piece of thread/string on it...using the lightest touch so it wouldnt snag. And voila! Once I start sewing, it glides through well :)
Use a light touch...and do it SLOWly. :) Slow is good for metallic threads.
I have used the dmc light effects and they are horrible to work with, I have been usuing the rainbow one for a passione ricamo fairy and I simply love it..since I did not have any thread conditioner with me I worked the dmc in short lenghts and wet it with water before sitiching...
Also, try different threads. I swore off Metallics because all I used was DMC. Horrible stuff. Then I got some Silver Needle Secret Needle Night kits at Goodwill and tried other brands. Wonderful stuff. Frye Werks is my favorite right now.
Knot the end and leave it knotted until you are done with the thread. And lock your thread onto your needle so it doe not move through the eye which can cause it to fray.
After reading all the great tips, I think I will give metallics another try.
I like the tips suggested in replies #18 and 19.
Have not tried Thread Heaven but after so many recommendations I will be buying some.
As a previous poster commented, make a small knot at the end of each piece of the metallic. You will get more usable thread that way and the knots arent noticable. Also, I personally like the Rainbow blending filament better.
short lengths, thread heaven (or similar) and use a larger needle than you are using for the cottons, the larger needle stretches the hole so it frays/rubs the thread less and the material will shrink back when it is washed... or just with time, also try to stitch the metallics first before the cottons/floss :)
chekccard