Find and use a metallic needle in the size appropriate for the thread weight- use short lengths (12"-18") to reduce fraying/breakage. I have found rayon thread is (OK) for embroidery where there is a lot of stitching, but generally not very strong- breaks easily. Rayon metallic is OK for decorative stitching, embellishing but does not hold up to laundering or pressing. There are some choices now better suited for a quilt that may be *used*. If your Christmas quilt is a wall hanging it should be OK. If you are making a quilt you plan to use you might want to check out other options. The Glide thread has some metallic looking golds,silvers also Sulky has some that are quite shiny, I'm sure there are more. Check Superior Threads, Thread Art, Atlanta Threads, Sulky and YLI