Add a little shine to everything you stitch.
Metallic Thread
Madeira Metallic #40 is built from a polyamide core wrapped in metalized polyester for brilliant, reflective shine that still glides smoothly through your machine. Durable, fray-resistant, and heat- and wash-safe, it adds a dazzling, eye-catching accent to quilts, garments, and décor.
Shop Metallic
Which Metallic is Right for You?
Sparkling
Maximum shimmer and lively sparkle — for details meant to catch the light and truly stand out.
Brilliant
High-shine, polished metallic brilliance — for bold, luminous accents with serious impact.
Smooth
An even, refined sheen that runs clean — for a sleek, consistent shine across your stitching.
Soft
A gentler, understated shimmer — for subtle sparkle and delicate, refined detail work.
Decorative Quilting
Metallic
"I love using Madeira Metallic threads because they add an eye-catching sparkle and luxurious finish that takes my embroidery to the next level. These threads are not only beautiful, but also engineered to run smoothly through high-speed machines with minimal breakage. Whether I'm adding a subtle shimmer or bold metallic accents, Madeira's Metallic threads deliver rich color and long-lasting brilliance every time."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Metallic thread?
Madeira Metallic #40 is a decorative shine thread made from a polyamide core wrapped in metalized polyester. It delivers brilliant, reflective sparkle while gliding smoothly through fabric and multiple layers — durable enough to resist fraying and breakage on home machines, and safe through ironing and laundering.
Which finish should I choose?
- Sparkling — the most shimmer and sparkle
- Brilliant — bold, high-shine brilliance
- Smooth — sleek, even, consistent sheen
- Soft — subtle, understated shimmer
Features & benefits
- Smooth stitching — glides easily through fabrics and multiple layers
- Reflective shine — a dazzling effect on quilts, garments, and décor
- High durability — resistant to fraying and breakage on domestic machines
- Heat & wash safe — holds up to ironing, laundering, and long-term use
- Versatile — works with cotton, polyester, blends, and batiks
Specifications
- Fiber: Polyamide core wrapped with metalized polyester
- Weight: Approx. 40 wt (varies slightly by finish)
- Spool size: 220 yd
- Recommended needles: Metallic 90/14 or Topstitch 90/14
- Machine compatibility: Domestic and longarm
What is Metallic best used for?
- Quilting accents — highlight borders, sashing, and motifs
- Decorative topstitching — add contrast and shine to seams and hems
- Garment embellishment — eye-catching outlines and surface stitching
- Craft & textile art — dimensional thread for mixed-media pieces
- Note: not recommended for structural seams or high-stress, high-friction areas.
Tips for sewing with metallic thread
- Use a Metallic or Topstitch 90/14 needle for better thread flow.
- Reduce sewing speed slightly to minimize friction and twisting.
- Use a thread stand or vertical spool pin to prevent kinking.
- Pair with a soft polyester bobbin thread to ease tension.
- Test your tension on scrap fabric before starting your project.
Shipping & returns
- Continental US flat rates: $5.95 (orders under $34.99), $12.95 (under $64.99), FREE over $64.99.
- Shipping, taxes, and discount codes are calculated at checkout.
- See our Refund Policy and Shipping Policy for returns.
Have Questions?
We're Here To Help
Unsure which thread is right for your project or need expert advice, don't hesitate to reach out.
Email us anytime or start a live chat — our team of sewing and quilting specialists is ready to assist.