Working With Metallic Embroidery Threads

Working with metallic embroidery threads adds a sparkle to your embroidery, but many people (myself included!) find using these threads frustrating and challenging and end up missing out on the opportunity they offer.

Below, I share some of the tips that I've learned over the years to reduce the frustration and hopefully encourage you to give them another try.

Colourful trees crafted with simple metallic embroidery threads

1. Thread Conditioners and Beeswax

Both of these products work by coating your thread and making it easier for them to slip through your fabric, therefore reducing the chance of your thread fraying and getting tangled.

There are a number of silicon based thread conditioners available on the market, and some of them include a fagrance added by using perfumes or essential oils in the product. These work in a similar way to using conditioner when you wash your hair and create a smooth thread when you stitch. There are some fears that silicon based thread conditioners may ultimately have a negative effect on threads, especially natural threads, and speed up the 'rot' of your thread. This is probably only of concern if you are making a heritage piece that you hope to last for many years, but is something to consider when choosing a thread conditioner.

A more natural option is to use beeswax to condition your thread. Simply run your thread across a block of beeswax two or three times before you start your stitching. You can even try the end of a beeswax candle if you don't have any thread conditioner.

2. Use Short Lengths Of Metallic Embroidery Thread

Typically I like to cut my thread to about the length of my arm to start stitching. I know this is probably longer than many people recommend, but I find it saves me have to keep rethreading my needle.

Each time you take your thread through the fabric it will gray a little, so you want to minimise the number of times you take your thread through the your fabric, so, when I use metalic threads I cut my thread to half of this length or even shorter.

As soon as your thread start to fray you need to be willing to fasten it off and cut a new piece as once the thread starts fraying, it will rapidly become completely unusable. So using shorter pieces of thread saves you from wasting so much.

Dazzling display of DMC metallic embroidery threads, featuring a range of shimmering colors perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any craft project.

3. Use A Needle With A Larger Eye

I like to use a fine needle when I do my embroidery (size 8 is may favourite), but when I am stitching with metallic thread I will often use a larger needle - a size 5 or 6 (with embroidery needles, the smaller the number, the larger the needle)

Not only does this make it easier to thread the needle, and therefore reduce the potential to start fraying the thread before you've even started stitching, but it also menas that you needle is pushing a slightly larger hole in your fabric and therefore this also reduces the chance of fraying the thread.

4. Use Fewer Strands

Similar to using a needle with a larger eye, if you use fewer strands of your metallic thread, it will be asier to thread your needles and pull the thread through your fabric, and this will reduce the amount that the thread frays as you work.

5. Experiment With Different Stitches

   
   

Each time your thread passes through your fabric, it will fray a little. Therefore you want to think about using stitches that don't pass thrugh the fabric so many times.

Stitches that can work well with metallic include couching stitch. Lay down a line of your metallic thread and then consider catching it (or couching it) using a matching or complementary non metallic thread.

Another good stitch to try is whipped back stitch or whipped running stitch. Try working the back stitch or running stitch using regular thread and then work the whipping using the metallic thread.

Metallic threads do not work well for very small or fine stitches and I would always avoid using them for stitches such as long and short stitch or any knotted stitches such as French knots or bullion knots.

6. Experiment With Different Threads

DMC produces a number of different metallic embroidery threads, which produce different results, but some are easier to work with than others.

The main type is their 'light effects' thread. This is a 6 stranded thread and comes in a range of colours. I have used this with some success, but it is quite difficult to work with.

DMC also produce a range called 'etoile'. This is also a 6 stranded thread, and comes in a good range of colours. But unlike the light effects this is a mainly cotton thread with just a few added 'sparkles'. It is easier to work with than some metallic threads, but won;t give the same level of shine.

Another range from DMC is called Diamant. This is a non-divisible smooth thread that comes on a reel. It is smoother to work with, however this range of threads only comes in truely metallic shades like gold and silver, but it is still a good option if you are looking for true metallics on your work.

Lastly, DMC produce some machine embroidery threads, which include few metallic colours. I haven;t tried using these, but typically machine threads will be smoother and more robust, so they could be a good option to try.

These days I tend to avoid the DMC threads when it comes to stitching with metallic threads and instead I use Gutermann metallic thread. This is a non-divisible thread that has been designed for use in machine embroidery, but I find that it works really well for hand embroidery too. It still has some of the problems of fraying and tangling, but I don't find it as difficult as some other threads I have tried.

Gutermann Metallic Embroidery Threads

In Summary

Yes. metallic threads are difficult to work with, and definitely not something I would suggest for beginners. But with patience they can be mastered and you will definitely be happy that you have taken the time to add this new aspect to your embroidery projuects.