The Skinny on Metallic Thread and Flosses

I specify several different kinds of metallic thread/flosses in my Christmas ornament patterns. Because of their shiny wrapping, metallic threads can be more challenging to work with, but very worth the trouble! It’s a snap if you use the right one for the right job:

1) DMC DIAMANT and DIAMANT GRANDE FOR DECORATIVE EMBROIDERY
(Do not use this to attach beads/sequins!)

This lovely metallic embroidery thread was a fairly recent discovery for me. Previously, I struggled with the six-strand DMC Light Effects for embroidery, separating it like I do the DMC six-strand cotton flosses. After I discovered Diamant, I never looked back! Oh my word. It’s superior to Light Effects because:

• It’s a single twisted strand (no stripping required)
• Comes in two thicknesses: Diamant (thinner) and Diamant Grande (thicker)
• So much easier to thread in your embroidery needle eye
• Doesn’t bunch, snarl or tangle like Light Effects

To substitute Diamant for cotton floss in my instructions, just ignore the number of strands I have specified. Instead, use a doubled strand of Diamant or a single strand of Diamant Grande. That formula should work well most of the time. If you want an especially thick looking metallic embroidery, try a doubled strand of the Grande.

NOTE: I also use Diamant Grande for some hanging loops, like on my beginner friendly LodeStar Ornaments.

WHERE TO GET IT: DMC.com of course, and Benzie Design also carries it. Check locally at sewing/craft big box stores, like Michaels.

2) DMC LIGHT EFFECTS FOR TASSELS (and in a pinch, for embroidery):

DMC Light Effects is the metallic/shiny polyester equivalent to DMC’s six-strand cotton flosses. I use it to make tiny tassels, like the ones shown above on Mr Scrooge. When it’s doubled, it makes the perfect tassel thickness.

I found Light Effects really frustrating to embroider with. (I always use Diamant instead, see above.) If you must Light Effects for embroidery, cut shorter lengths, like twelve inches or less. Once cut, the strands spring apart, which makes them challenging to thread together in an embroidery needle. I ended up threading the strands in stages.

WHERE TO GET IT: I have no problem finding a range of Light Effects at my local sewing/craft stores next to the cotton flosses. Buy online at DMC.com and Benzie Design.

3) METALLIC SEWING THREAD FOR ATTACHING BEADS AND SEQUINS

I use metallic sewing thread to sew on beads and sequins (not for embroidery). It’s very easy to thread in a small needle because the strand is so slender, and as a bonus it adds a tiny bit of sparkle (because more sparkle = better). It can be more temperamental to work with than regular sewing thread, so be sure to use short lengths.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can find metallic sewing thread in the thread spool displays at your local sewing/craft store. Brands I’ve used are Coats & Clark and Sulky. Both work great and come in gold, silver, copper, and iridescent finishes.

3) DMC METALLIC PEARL COTTON FOR HANGING LOOPS
(and sometimes DMC Diamant Grande)

Pardon that untidy shot above of my metallic pearl spaghetti. It actually comes in neat twisted skeins, but #studiolife. You might be saying, what can she possibly need yet another metallic floss for? Well, I’ll tell ya: I just like the way it looks. The twisted strands make a prettier hanging loop.

WHERE TO GET IT: I have no problem finding both silver and gold pearl floss at my local sewing/craft stores near the embroidery flosses, or online at major sewing stores. Benzie also stocks it.

NOTE: I also use Diamant Grande for some hanging loops, like on my beginner friendly LodeStar Ornaments.

And that’s the lowdown on the metallic threads I use. I hope this was helpful!