Metallic Floss can be your Friend!

I’m sure you have heard some rumors in the stitchy-verse that metallic floss is the spawn of satan. 

Why? Because it can be finicky to work with – and if you do it wrong, you will want to rip it out (and your hair).

This floss is so pretty when stitched up, the extra effort is totally worth it.

Today we will learn how to stitch with metallic floss, without the stress!

You will learn:

• What is metallic floss? What are the most popular brands available?
• Tips to make stitching with metallic easier.
• An alternative if you find it too much work, or too much money.
• Secret weapon for metallic floss.
• Frogging with metallic floss.

Let’s get to it!

What is Metallic Floss?

First and foremost, let’s start with what exactly is metallic floss??

This is a floss that is made with “metallic” thread that is made to sparkly when stitched. I use the term metallic loosely as they are usually made with polyester to appear metallic – as it is much less costly than using REAL metals. 

Where Can I get Metallic Floss?

The main two brands you want to go to for their metallic floss are DMC (of course) and Kreinik. 

DMC has a Light Effects collection as well as a Diamant collection – both are so pretty when stitched! 

Kreinik has a metallic line, I’ve heard it is a bit better to work with than DMC’s. 

Pricing wise these two are similar in range. Each skein costing around $3-5. 

Here’s a few links on Etsy and Amazon to a some metallic floss: 
*Reminder, these links do get me a little “reward” when you shop through them and it costs you NOTHING! 

MagicHour Needlecraft – Donna is one of my favorite shops to deal with. You can get bundles of metallics, among MANY things from her. Check out MagicHour

Don’t Stress! Working with Metallics Can be Fun!

Metallics can be a bit more difficult to work with, because they are stiffer and will fray if moved around too much.

But the end result is so pretty!

There’s a few key tips to remember when using metallic floss:

•  Always stitch a bit slower than you normally would. And be sure to untwist the length often.
  • Metallic floss can be a bit unruly at times and the more it tangles, the more it frays. When it frays the “metallic” comes off first leaving you with a polyster looking line of thread. 
  • If you notice less metallic, cut your losses rather than continuing to use that piece. Finish your stitch, secure it and grab a new piece. 
• Cut your lengths of floss about HALF the size you normally would. I prefer around 12 inch lengths.
  • If you are using counts requiring two strands it is easier to double your length and fold it in half.
• Using the loop method if great way to secure these. Not sure how to loop start? Check out the Loop Start Training (coming soon)
  • There is another option where you do a “reverse” loop start of sorts. So rather than loop it on the fabric, you would secure the loop ON the needle giving you more security when stitching with the metallic (as they can sometimes take a little extra force) – See below for a how to.
• The less back and forth through the fabric, the less likelihood that the floss will fray. 
• Be careful when separating the individual strands – each strand is two smaller strands twisted together so you don’t want to separate those two. 

Reverse Loop Start

This is a great trick to secure your metallic floss to your needle. 

When working with metallic, you sometimes need a little extra “force” when pulling through the fabric. This method also helps the floss from moving as much in your needle, so it will fray less at the needle end. 

For this you will:

• Cut your length of floss (twice as long as you want).
• Fold it in half.
• Thread your needle on the folded end of the floss – creating your loop.
• Take the other end and loop it into the “loop” you created.
• Pull slowly until the loop cinches onto the needle. 

*Video coming soon

Sparkly Alternative to Metallic Floss

If metallic floss is just not for you, or maybe it is just too costly. 

I have a sparkly alternative you can also use. Bonus points that it is much easier to work with than metallic floss. 

Etoile floss is a hybrid of sorts – it is part cotton floss, and part metallic. Giving a sparkly effect with less effort. 

Check out Training on Etoile Floss (Coming Soon)

Frogging with Metallic Floss

This is pretty simple. DON’T! You will not be able to pull out metallics to reuse it.

Your frogging options are:

•  Seam rip it out
• Make it work as is. 

Do You Have a Great Tips?

I want to hear how YOU work with metallic floss in the comments below! If you have specific examples with pictures to share, send them to me and I’ll add them into the training.