OVER TO YOU…

We asked our fans on Facebook “Beads or metallics? How do you like to add sparkle to your stitching?”

RACHEL JAMES Both... but I think I use metallics more. I’ve used Kreinik metallic blending filament to add sparkle to a mermaid’s tail, and only last week I used silver to add a diamond to the forehead of a unicorn. My favourite way at the moment is to use pretty sparkly fabric in the first place.

NATALIE TRENNER Metallics just purely because I hate beads with a passion. I can’t stop the beads pinging all over the room! I detest beads so much I’ll replace them with French knots.

EMMA WARD Metallics but only using one thread at a time and doubling it up. That way there’s only one set of fraying ends to work with, which ideally you work into the fabric first. Then you have no fraying ends at all and you can just get on with your stitching (Thread Heaven or similar still helps stops bits fray off though). I like beads too but they don’t sparkle in the same way.

TRACY DAVEY I use both. And both can be a pain. Metallics can split/fray as you stitch unless you use a thread conditioner and beads can be very fiddly and a pain if you drop them LOL.

ANNIE MACHELL I love sparkle, when stitching fairies I always add blending filament into their wings, I also love beads, I’ve sometimes added Swarovski crystals to make more twinkle.

SIÂN-MAY PALMER I prefer to add beads. I find it to be a lot easier and quicker than using metallic thread. Although, I always catch my finger with a beading needle – ouch!