AUD [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/ "The Craftshops Mall") crosstitch patchwork embroidery craft 0 - $0.00 Your shopping cart is empty! [](https://www.craftshop.com.au/front-page/long-stitch/uluru-cockatoo-long-stitch-kit) ### [ see our Long Stitch range ](https://craftshop.com.au/index.php/front-page/long-stitch) Country Threads & Helene Wild long stitch kits depicting Australian birds, animals and wildflowers. [ Read More ](https://craftshop.com.au/index.php/front-page/long-stitch/uluru-cockatoo-long-stitch-kit) [](https://www.craftshop.com.au/designer-shops/maureen-maguire-design/rainbow-lorikeet-on-banksia-a-maureen-maguire-counted-cross-stitch-chart-or-kit) ### [ See our cross stitch range ](https://craftshop.com.au/index.php/front-page/cross-stitch) kits, charts, supplies. [ Read More ](https://craftshop.com.au/index.php/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits/rainbow-lorikeet-on-banksia-a-maureen-maguire-counted-cross-stitch-kit) [ Previous ](#favsliderpro-carousel-16436) [ Next ](#favsliderpro-carousel-16436) 1. 2. ## DMC Light Effects expert stitching tips from Maureen Maguire.  DMC Light Effects thread adds a beautiful shimmer to any stitching project, but it does require some skill and patience. I hope these suggestions help make working with DMC Light Effects trouble free for you. ## **Handling tips for DMC Light Effects thread:** - This metallic thread frays easily and tends to kink if not handled correctly. Winding it onto bobbins or other thread keepers will encourage kinks which can be difficult to remove. Keep it in the skein. - Work in Short Lengths as these are less likely to tangle or fray. - Turn your work over often to check the back for kinks and knots. - Use thread conditioner or beeswax on the thread ends. This will prevent fraying. - Apply a small amount of Fray Check to the thread end which will be passed through the needle to prevent fraying. Also apply it to the end that will stay on the skein so that it’s ready to use when you next cut a length. - When two strands of thread are used in a pattern try folding a single strand of light effects in half, and threading the folded end through the needle. Lift the looped end of the thread over the point of the needle. This will secure the thread and prevent it slipping out of the needle while you stitch. This will also help reduce fraying because there will be no loose ends being pulled through the fabric. These practices will take some of the fray and the kink out of stitching with this beautiful thread, and allow you to enjoy adding sparkle to your projects. Details [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/author/MaureenMac "Maureen Maguire") By [Maureen Maguire](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/author/MaureenMac) Maureen Maguire Category: [How to use our products](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/category/12-how-to-use-our-products?Itemid=111) # Cross Stitch Favorites Our range of [counted cross stitch kits](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits), and [charts](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/cross-stitch-charts-printed) includes designs from brands like [DMC](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/dmc), [Country Threads](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/country-threads), [Caronie](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/caronie-publishing), and [Make It](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/make-it) . You will find Australian animal and bird designs, floral cross stitch designs, Australian cross stitched landscapes, and childhood or birth celebration designs. Some of our [cross stitch charts](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/cross-stitch-charts-downloads) can be [downloaded](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/cross-stitch-charts-downloads) after purchase [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/fabric/fabric-precuts/precut-aida-fine-14ct-colour-3279-54-rustico-48-x-36-cm) #### [ Precut Aida Fine 14CT, colour 3279.54, Rustico 48 x 36 cm ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/fabric/fabric-precuts/precut-aida-fine-14ct-colour-3279-54-rustico-48-x-36-cm " Precut Aida Fine 14CT, colour 3279.54, Rustico 48 x 36 cm") [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits/abc-bears-cross-stitch-kit-or-chart-from-country-threads) #### [ ABC Bears cross stitch kit or chart from Country Threads ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits/abc-bears-cross-stitch-kit-or-chart-from-country-threads "ABC Bears cross stitch kit or chart from Country Threads ") [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/fabric/fabric-bands/aida-band-14ct-8cm-wide-zweigart-sold-by-the-metre) [View Details](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/fabric/fabric-bands/aida-band-14ct-8cm-wide-zweigart-sold-by-the-metre "Aida Band 14ct 8cm wide Zweigart sold by the metre ") #### [ Aida Band 14ct 8cm wide Zweigart sold by the metre ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/fabric/fabric-bands/aida-band-14ct-8cm-wide-zweigart-sold-by-the-metre "Aida Band 14ct 8cm wide Zweigart sold by the metre ") [  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits/air-mail-galahs-cross-stitch-chart-or-kit-by-fiona-jude) #### [ Air Mail Galahs cross stitch chart or kit by Fiona Jude ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/front-page/cross-stitch/counted-cross-stitch-kits/air-mail-galahs-cross-stitch-chart-or-kit-by-fiona-jude "Air Mail Galahs cross stitch chart or kit by Fiona Jude") # Shop by Category - 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[  ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/sulky "Sulky") ### How to use our products - [ DMC Light Effects expert stitching tips from Maureen Maguire. ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/33-dmc-light-effects-expert-stitching-tips-from-maureen-maguire?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ DMC stranded cotton thread ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/21-dmc-stranded-cotton-thread?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ DMC water soluble canvas ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/4-dmc-water-soluble-canvas?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Fredrix Inkjet Printable Canvas ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/27-fredrix-inkjet-printable-canvas?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Inkjet Printable Fabric ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/6-information?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Matilda's Own patchwork quilting templates ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/26-matildas-own-patchwork-quilting-templates?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Sulky Paper Solvy ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/1-sulky-paper-solvy?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Sulky Stick-n-Stitch ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/2-sulky-stick-n-stitch?catid=12&Itemid=111) - [ Using Freezer Paper ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/3-using-freezer-paper?catid=12&Itemid=111) # Selecting the right product - [ Zweigart or generic? Which is best for cross stitch? ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/32-zweigart-or-generic-which-is-best-for-cross-stitch?catid=22&Itemid=111) - [ Which Aida thread count is best? ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/31-which-aida-thread-count-is-best?catid=22&Itemid=111) - [ Which size tapestry needle? ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/30-which-size-tapestry-needle?catid=22&Itemid=111) - [ Selecting Batting or Wadding for Quilting ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/19-selecting-batting-or-wadding-for-quilting?catid=22&Itemid=111) ### Difficulty levels for kits - [ Difficulty Levels for Cross Stitch kits and patterns ](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/25-difficulty-levels-for-cross-stitch-kits-and-patterns?catid=20&Itemid=111) ### Techniques To Try - #### [Cross Stitch](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/23-cross-stitch?catid=21&Itemid=111) - #### [Sashiko](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/component/content/article/7-sashiko?catid=21&Itemid=111) # We offer ... **Weight calculated postage.** **Safe shopping with PayPal or Stripe.** **10% everyday discount for registered customers.** ### Newsletter # About us ### My account Copyright The Craftshops Mall 2025 [Quality Business Award best craft store in Kuringai 2026](https://qualitybusinessawards.com.au/2026/the-best-Craft-Store-in-Ku-ring-gai-Council-NSW/The-Craftshops-Mall "Quality Business Awards for The Craftshops Mall 2026") Payments, including credit cards, processed by OR **Paypal** [](https://mail.craftshop.com.au/javascript:)