There is a special metallic needle that Schmetz has - it has a groove in the front of the needle that the thread lays in which helps prevent shredding. I occasionally use metallic in the bobbin and quilt from the back. Wind the metallic thread on a bobbin and use whatever thread matches the back in the needle. You might have to tighten up the top tension a bit, so practice on a scrap quilt first. Looks beautiful!