I did it on a denm quilt made for my son. I drew large designs with chalk like a foot print, star etc. Then used red yarn and red thread zigzagged over the designs. This was probably 25 years ago and the quilt is now in the possession of our grandson at college. The designs are still there and look good. Try laying the thread on the quilt in the design that you are thinking of and step back and look at it.