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just threaded metallic thread-light effects by DMC, God it was difficult. I've never used it before and was wondering whether to use one or 2 strands?

the last time I used light effects, I used it just for backstitch, and that was pain enough. I would highly suggest you use short lengths of floss, no more than 12 inches, and thread heaven (a thread conditioner) or beeswax. I used beeswax, just have to be careful not to get too much on the floss. Also, I've found krenik #4 braid to be easier to use than light effects for full crosses.

What you use depends on what you are stitching. I am currently working on a project and am using white DMC Metallic. Just to get rid of it so the crosses I am using 2 threads. It is a pain but it looks great with the project. I use thread heaven also or else it would be a terrible nightmare.

You might want to try using Kreinik brand metallics instead of DMC. I find them to be softer, not wiry, and easier to control.

I used 2 strands the last time I used them so that i could loop the thread round needle to to stop thread comming out of needle I hated using them & find Krienik easier to use

Good luck with them

DMC Light Effects are a well-known nightmare, I'm afraid. If you manage them correctly -- and all the suggestions so far are exactly spot on -- then the effects can be wonderful. Patience and persistence, and it'll all be alright on the night.

For me what helps is to start with both ends threaded under some stitches, so there is no lose end to fray. I don't use thread heaven and I find it quite OK, although I also use shorter lengths.

The best advice anyone ever gave me for working with metallics is to attach the thread to the needle. Put a loop of thread through the eye of the needle and feed the thread into it.

I also use short strands but if you are mixing it with cotton or something else cut your metallic thread 1 to 2 inches longer than the other because the metallic will fray.

what everyone else suggested but I find thread heaven to be just that...i cant use DMC metallics without it. I dont use much metallic stuff so have not tried the other brands, i try and use what i have but have made a note about the Krenick being better.

Krenik threads and blending filiment are wonderful and I enjoy using them but Glissen Gloss Thread is very good also.

http://www.glissengloss.com/" target="_blank

unfortunatly I already have it in 4 different colours but I won't buy it again.
I've never used thread heaven, and I probably won't. I've based much of my Christmas stocking design around metallic thread . I have, as suggested, doubled one thread on the needle and used really short lengths, I must admit, a pain as it is to use it looks great!

Thanks for all the great advice.....thats why I love this forum!!!

Something I do, seeing as I love DMC metallic threads. Is that when I go to thread the needle, I twist the end of the thread and then fold it over a bit, then you have this little loop that I find far easier to get through the eye of the needle because you don't have strands going every which way and throwing you off. Let me know if that helps.

And the only other thing I suggest is to take it slow and be patient. When you try to rush DMC metallics I find they just won't want to do it. But I love them. I think they're worth it in the end.