How do I use metallic effect threads without pulling my hair out? | Hand embroidery tutorial

[@mammabirdsworld137]

I love that you explain things so step by step. Fast enough not to bore the viewer but slow enough to actually understand it well. Thank you

[@xixi9166]

I literally just finished a goldwork embroidery piece today, without ever having to watch about metallic threads or goldwork embroidery techniques before..... but this video is just so timely and an eye-opener. I never considered the wearing of the thread on the fabric but it made so much sense when you did those tests.. I'm lazy to thread so I always use long strands at once, and no wonder I get so many knots. hahaha. thank you for this, Sarah! I love learning by myself but also learning from others.

[@Theperilsofbev]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you so much Sarah, I knew if I came to you, I'd find the answers from you 🌹

[@Miauwies]

I'm a beginner with thread and fabric and I used dmc metallic thread one time. Well I can say, it wasn't fun! Lol. Learning a lot from this video and I'm going to watch other video's from you as well, I'm all exited. 😀

[@TheHermette]

Sarah, you are such a delightful teacher. You were right. I have a drawer full of "sparkly" threads which I have avoided due to the frustrations of using it. This video has given me the courage to attempt to again give it a try to use them. I will be watching several of your other teaching videos to become more versatile in using different threads. Thank you.

[@carolentringer8836]

You are my favorite teacher! I always learn something new!

[@RobertJohnson-fp9jx]

I would like to add, letting your needle hang so that the twist that's added when you stitch can come out helps, as does not making sure you're not creating an 'angle' when you pull through the fabric. Pulling so the thread is going 'straight' through the fabric rather than changing direction in the fabric (angled) both cut down on wear. also using the off hand to control the thread as its pulled helps, as metallic like to tangle. I imagine the plastic wrapped ones do as well.

[@Julie-qq6nm]

I use metalic threads alot and this video was so helpful. I have started to collect many of your tutorials on my pinterest.

[@padmeskywalker1537]

I’ve been submerging myself in embroidery videos because I want to learn how to make my designs better and now I’m under pressure because my brother is letting me embroider his cap since he graduated university. I’m so nervous and have cheap materials so I’m seeing all of the different stitches and techniques to hide it and make it look nice. 🥺 Thank you for your help! 💕

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Hope my videos are helping Padme! The key is to do lots of samples so you can be confident at how you want to stitch it and what threads to use then when you are ready to do the actual thing all of the decisions will have been made and you will have done some practice!

[@judithhope8970]

That was so pretty and a good way of showing you can use a variety of stitches for the same flower. Really nice. Thank you.

[@TheTippytee]

Hi Sarah, thank goodness I found this video. I wished I had found it sooner. I’m working on a project now that I’m useing a lot of metallic threads. I have had a thousand nests on the back , too late to do anything about it now but from now on I’ll use your advice. Thank you so much.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Check out my video about the back of the embroidery Tippy Top, there might be a few tips on how you can tidy up the back after it's stitched!

[@lyndapadgett1575]

i love doing embroidery and have yet to use metalic threads even though I have a large collection of them. this video has given me the courage to try working with them. thank you so much

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Show them who's in charge Lynda!

[@manjiramitter496]

Thank you very much for posting this video .Earlier I asked you about metallic thread embroidery.I got my answer.Thanks a lot again.

[@elisebeaudoin208]

I was yesterday’s old when I discovered you. What a find! I’m learning so much. Thank you for sharing your vast expertise.

[@kellyfairbrother9978]

Thank you so much for making this video, I just started hand embroidery and learned this lesson with metallic thread the hard way: started by breaking the needle threader, then spent 10+ min. trying to thread a frayed cut end of the metallic thread without the threader lol!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Check out our 'how to thread your needle' video Kelly if you haven't seen it! That will help too!

[@marygreen1337]

Sarah I just found you from stitch group of ladies in Australia. I’m literally giggling with delight as I watch your videos. I’ve learned so much! Cannot wait to try some of your stitches and tips. Thank you!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Glad you are enjoying them Mary, welcome on board!

[@saintsaens1992]

i just wanted to include some metalic threads in my next project and i am SO GLAD youtube recommended this video to me because i can totally see myself having a mental breakdown because of knots in my thread :D thank you for this video!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

They can have that effect if you let them SLC-NL! Now you can show them who's boss!

[@pchabanowich]

Your presentations are perfectly clear and so easy to follow. Thank you for covering this subject as tension is everything when using these special and hugely effective threads.💐

[@Rosemary-go9wj]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I've had so much trouble stitching metallic threads that I just gave up on them. Now I think I will have another go, using all the tips you've given in this video.

[@kathryn653]

This was exciting for me because I do machine embroidery and I have TONS of thread.....I hadn't thought to use it with other threads but now I'm off to try using some of it as a blending filament in my daily stitching practice

[@Hms003]

I too am learning a lot from your videos.. Began embroidery a year ago.. Still very amateurish work.. But getting there.. Thanks to you.

[@jacquiphillips2462]

I am new to sewing and all your information on metallic threads will be most helpful to me. I do have a few of these types of threads and now look forward to using them! Xx 💕💕

[@gailmcdaniel6756]

Thank you Sarah for showing the needlepoint version with filament. I knew you would be able to help me stitch better so I better get a nice laying tool. I’m so thankful that you make all these easy-to-understand, educational videos. You’re the best👏👏😃

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You are so welcome Gail!

[@deliabottoms285]

Well, I just found my answer while reading other viewers' comments! The tool you used is a laying tool! I went online and discovered that they are made not only from metal but from wood, too. I saw simple designs and elegant ones. But I think the simple metal one you use does the trick. 😊

[@Angie_suv]

Thank you so much! I’m so drawn to these metallic treads bc they look so beautiful and I’ve bought some but they were such a pain to work with so this video is a god send! Will try your advice thank you so so much!

[@bgood6930]

Thank you Sarah. I have been struggling with shiny metallics.

[@evelynchomba5015]

I just bumped to your page & I am in awe of your work. I’d love to learn more embroidery techniques because currently I only do cross stitch.

[@patyalves1994]

Esse vídeo foi a explicação mais detalhada que achei no KZbin sobre linhas metalizadas!!!! Muitíssimo Obrigada Sarah por compartilhar seus conhecimentos com o mundo!!! Abraços do Brasil ❣

[@vijayagauri7988]

Thank you very much for uploading your expertise in this video. Never knew that there are these nuances to produce a fine piece of embroidery.

[@susancastagna4241]

TY for a wonderfully made tutorial. I’ve been embroidering on and off for over 50 years, wow I’m old! As of late I’m producing more work than ever. I’ve subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

That's great Susan, thank you for watching! We have over 200 videos so do check those out too!

[@dawnenright5014]

Thankyou so much for this. I e had heaps of trouble with these threads but I do love the impact they have. This is very helpful.

[@naowright9308]

I am looking to learn embroidery so your channel is just what I needed! :)

[@jacquiphillips2462]

Thank you for all your tips Sarah. Xx 💕💕

[@shroots88]

Great resource Sarah! I love all the samples you've shown too, the Egyptian piece is amazing!! 💌

[@sandramyer7081]

This was a new beginning using metallic threads and I now I OK OK OK know what happens with threads that you showed us. Thank you and I will learn more from too

[@craftdipper]

Wonderful tips for using these more difficult threads successfully. Thank you so much, Sarah. You are a great teacher 👌💞

[@d.b.4201]

Found yr tutorial for metallics! Oh how I wish I had thot to look instructions up BEFORE i took on the task of an extremely detailed 8x10 Royal Crown!!! I did most of it in gold & metallic threads of all colors! It is beautiful & many have seen it & complimented about it. However, Im seeing all the flaws in it & the knots on the back, YIKES!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wish I had found you first. Oh well, that was years ago. Now I know how to save myself some frustrations! 👍 Thanks to you! God bless! ☺️👍

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Never to later to learn D.B!

[@d.b.4201]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Yr Egyptian embroidery is absolutely stunning!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@inannashu689]

I absolutely love the DMC diamont threads,so easy to use and very beautiful in my tapestry embroideries.

[@rosalindhorton6410]

I have just found you and to say I am delighted is an understatement. To have all of this explained so well has been an eye opener. I am now off to my sewing room to experiment and especially check out the type of needles I have. Thank you so much. Looking forward to learning so much more from you.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Welcome onboard Rosalind! We have over 250 videos so do check out the channel to see if there is something else you might like!

[@ramonaspackman4384]

What a great way of teaching I just learned a lot stoping and starting your stitches and do want to try metallic thread now love shinny shinny stuff

[@magdastar2249]

Thank you for these stitching tips. They are greatly appreciated. Your work is beautiful. 👍

[@christinegest175]

Excellent review on metallic threads and how to incorporate them into surface embroidery! Very timely as I have been venturing forth adding metallic effects into my stitching. Thank you Sarah!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Show them you are in charge Christine!

[@donnahicks5295]

A laying tool! I’m one of those seat-of-the-pants “oh that looks fun, I’ll just do it” messes. lol I’ve just been using a tiny crochet hook to help settle threads/floss in place, but it’s so cool to learn all of the real tools and tips professionals use! So helpful!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Whatever works for you Donna!

[@sandramyer7081]

i found this very helpful- and enjoyed with interest your demo and how the threads fray- short threads does help and now the needles- its a wonder how the threads change after you do what you did- you got the experience and than you for showing us all! Well done, Sarah💕

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

I just love watching you stitch! Very helpful video instruction Thank you💕

[@christineheslin5702]

Thank you Professor Homfray

[@catzkeet4860]

I used to love using metallic threads, usually japanned on a cotton core, often on denim. I used to stitch with it , tho nowadays I have to admit, you’re right, couching should have been the way to go, but I liked doing chain stitch (cos I was hopeless at satin stitch....I could never get it the same length however hard I tried lol) as both the outline and fill. The one thing I would say thats most important is, use short lengths.....seriously, it just saves so much angst. Thank you for the tips

[@juniper4915]

I needed this video. I love my threads but they have definitely been a headache to work with.

[@fayneilly833]

I’m learning so much from your awesome tutorials thank you🙏

[@viperasssss1]

Thank you so much for these stitching tips, Sarah. So that the ends don't split, I dip them in transparent nail polish

[@kayrichardson6040]

Very nice demo, Sarah. I do feel less intimidated by metallics now.

[@buntingcreek1443]

Thank you so very much, Sarah.

[@cathyjones3403]

I just subscribed because of how well you taught this lesson. Marvelous young lady 👏👏👏👏👏

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Cathy! We have over 200 videos so do check out some of the others!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

Great video Sarah very helpful you are a great teacher, thank you very much! Liz..

[@erpha_ahdayani]

Thank you so much! Love how you show how it works, I've never succeeded when come to working with metallic threads. I should try again ❤

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

The main thing is nice short lengths and a bigger needle Erpha!

[@erpha_ahdayani]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery ❤ thank you again!

[@pattifeit4354]

This explains so much!! Thank you for your excellent presentation! I'll have to dig out the project I threw aside in exasperation and try again.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

We've all got one of those Patti!

[@carolinehonse35]

Incredibly excellent details, video quality, and instruction. I'm just starting out with sashiko and slow stitch embellishment of small scrappy quilted squares so it is quite a bonanza to discover you.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Caroline! We have loads and loads of videos so do check out our channel!

[@itslindyh]

Another fantastic, informative video. Thank you so much Sarah. I've learned so much.

[@rodyenriquez5751]

Thanks for so much knowledge, this is a master class ❤

[@marymary5494]

Most helpful, thank you Sarah.

[@JOLENE2008]

this was very helpful for me? yeah the Metallic thread is not my fav? but now I am going to try again with a better understanding? and hopefully I can work with Metallic in a better way? Thanks Sarah your awesome

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Show them who is boss Barbie! :)

[@alicia.mckenny]

Who else is watching this again as a refresher, just in case they win the DMC 24-carat golden skein giveaway? 😅

[@NannyOggins]

Such good advice. Thank you for this Sarah.

[@soniatriana9091]

Hello Sarah, Thank you for such a very well presented tutorial!! It was excellent!! Also, when I saw you box of metal threads, I was wondering if you have ever done a video on what ways you like to store & organize your variety of threads & supplies? Maybe you can do a future video on this? Did your Apprenticeship cover these topics? I’m sure they have amazing ideas on how to organize all the beautiful thread, supplies, etc.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

We have a video on that already Sonia

[@ArkadianDream]

Thank you for this Sarah, I really did learn a lot! I have a bit of a weird question, but I might as well try: have you ever come across fly tying thread? I found some amazing looking metallic thread on a fly tying website, but I have no idea if it's comparable to the metallic threads used for embroidery. It surely looks similar by what I can see in the pictures, and I know that fly tying folks sometimes use embroidery thread for their projects, but I didn't want to just jump in blind. Thanks again for the great video, I'm excited to try these out as soon as I get my hands on some

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Strangely it isn't a weird question s! Kreinik who make lots of these threads have a whole section on their website about fly fishing so do check it out it's fascinating! (Just Google them to find)

[@ruthmitchell2345]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery I used a fly fishing thread on a rock pool embroidery. The thread is really strong, tho with stitching some of the flashy bits fall off, but it's still ok.

[@misseygallawan4662]

Another excellent tutorial. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Johahenao4]

Thank you for the great tiiipps!! Amazing canal! 🥁

[@francesschireson-dody1516]

WOW! THANK YOU...I LEARNED A LOT!

[@hepsibahkirubakaran8215]

Nice ajrak duppatta at the background 😍

[@donnahicks5295]

So helpful. Thank you!! Your work is so inspirational!

[@AprilRoseNW]

You do such beautiful work !

[@debiweiss8448]

This video is a gem! Thank you for sharing your skills with such clarity.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandramyer7081]

I love those interesting tutorials with metal and other threads- i think they were pearl cotton with metal but so interesting watch this upclose. The variety is more interesting with frays when they occur and use small thread instead of long is so much useful. im surprised the French knots worked but i ll have the try with the gold separstely. So many ways to use the thread on your linen. lot ofideas! Thank you!

[@gwendolyneglinton1704]

Your information is really helpful. Thanks

[@veronicaevans9438]

oh that figure is beautiful I get excited watching your videos I watch more than I embroider but, still learning, I'll be learning as long as I can pick up a needle 😊 And nice flower thanks. I tried using the glitter threads on my sewing machine freehand embroidery didn't work for me kept snapping or tangled like you said.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Using those threads on a sewing machine is another skill altogether, but I do have a video on how to use them in hand embroidery Veronica, if you haven't seen that!

[@ElizabethCarterMedia]

This is so helpful, thank you so much.

[@christineandrews1510]

Really useful and informative Sarah, learned something new, as always ! Thankyou x

[@JuaniqueVerde]

Suuuccchhhh a good, helpful video!!!! Thank you so much Sarah! I’m excited to try my gold metallic thread now. 😇

[@marwaqoura7804]

Excellent tutorial ,thanks a lot ♥🙏

[@seyhanpaca3133]

It was very helpfull. Thank you so much

[@EklectikaAaynne]

Wonderful video and information . . . thank you! QUESTION: @ the 9.43 minute mark you're using a nice thick Kreinik braided thread - but what size is it? I'm interested in learning what is the largest thread size I can use for hand sewing (realizing the fabric choice is important also). Please & thank you!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

See my video on sampling Ann! Try some threads out and see what happens!

[@lindahoffman5794]

Hi Sarah, thank you very much for your generosity by sharing your knowledge and expertise. Do you use a different pair of scissors to cut the metallic thread? I'm using DMC Diamant.

[@judica8873]

Wow! That was helpful. I feel confident enough to finish several projects I'd put on the back-burner because I didn't know how to win the battles against the "metallicas".

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Show them who is boss Judica!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

I'm so glad I found you and I'm new to your channel. Thank you for sharing your expertise. I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Welcome on board Brenda! We are trying to upload every Friday but we have over 200 videos so you won't run out, do check them out...

[@CANALPARACONOCERADIOS]

Muchas gracias por compartir tus conocimientos. Están hermosos.!!!

[@syewhy8070]

Well done this is amazing!! Xxxx you are very talented 😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Sye!

[@jenniferschmitzkatze1244]

Very informative thank you

[@janl8683]

Mmmm adore lace, so really looking forward to doing this one xx

[@MrParacletus]

beautiful explanations, thank you somuch

[@Paeoniarosa]

Thank you, very helpful

[@heden1460]

This was a very timely and informative video for me. I just bought Colorful Eagle by Pamela Kellogg to do. I've never worked with metallic thread before and wasn't sure what it would be like. It has a Kreinik #8 braid to use.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Is that on a needlepoint design heden 1? Are you stitching with it or stitching over it?

[@heden1460]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery It's a counted cross stitch on 14 count aida cloth.

[@ritabrandow1318]

Hi what kind of materials are you using please. Should I use that to learn and should I practice before I start, I am a newbie 🤔 😌 😏 😅 ☺

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

See my video on Embroidery materials Rita!

[@ardicesaugar5475]

Thank you I will try again to use my special threads:)

[@saritshull3909]

I haven’t been able to find any yet but apparently au ver a soie’s silk Metallics are the gold standard. Apparently the barely fray and is a pleasure

[@susanwood6509]

Theses hints will help.

[@jeanwragg]

Thank you for such a useful video I have to say that in my opinion this is the best channel around, I am learning so much. I do have a question......would waxing the metallic thread work or would it fray as you pulled it through the wax, I’ve never tried this but wondered if you had. Thanks again 😊

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Someone else has asked this Jean and I think it would change the effect/look of the thread but waxing the ends would probably work!

[@jeanwragg]

Thank you Sarah 😊

[@janebudde6220]

I’ve just begun this as a hobby and one of my main concerns in maintaining the integrity of the fabric while I pepper it with holes. You said a looser weave material will put less stress on your thread but how do choose whether to prioritize your thread or your fabric? I hope what I’m asking makes sense

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

There are so many possible combinations Jane there is no simple answer to your question so I suggest trying out some samples first with different threads and fabric to see what works best for you. Use a natural fabric such as cotton or linen or a blend of both of them which is much more forgiving than a synthetic material. Work towards using more tightly woven fabrics such as silk once you have built up a bit of experience and knowledge

[@gailmcdaniel6756]

Hi Sarah. I’m using a filament with a cotton Perl #5 in a needlepoint background. Would beeswax help keep the two threads together? I’m having a difficult time keeping the together. I’m using the Parisian stitch.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Have you tried using a laying tool Gail? I would do this first...

[@MadeleineHenderson]

Excellent thank you

[@embroiderystitchart408]

I love to used metallic thread 👍

[@elsagarcia3658]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.