Eight softly coloured metallics with an opalescent flash
Add luminous pastel sparkle without the look of traditional gold or silver. The Madeira Metallic 40 Opal Gift Box contains eight 200m Snapspools from the Sparkling thread family previously known as Supertwist, with pearl-like colours that shift gently as the stitched surface catches the light.
Eight coordinated opal colours from Diamond and Blue Crystal to Lavender and Apricot.
200m on every Snapspool gives 1600m of metallic effect thread across the box.
Triple-twist Sparkling construction creates the lively, reflective texture of the range.
What “Opal” means: this is Metallic No. 40 Sparkling thread in eight translucent-looking pastel colour effects. Older Madeira material and some packaging call the family Supertwist. It is not the separate Metallic Soft thread, despite the gentle colour palette.
Pastel colour, metallic movement
A lighter alternative to classic metallic shades
Opal shades bring cool blue, rose, lemon, lime, lavender, apricot and smoky neutral tones into metallic stitching. Their complex reflective surface adds light without overpowering soft fabrics, delicate motifs or designs where standard gold and silver feel too formal.
1
Opalescent colour
Pastel colour and changing reflected light give embroidery a pearl-like, dimensional appearance.
2
Sparkling construction
Madeira's triple-twist metallic structure creates the textured flash associated with Supertwist.
3
Compact colour library
Eight 200m spools make it easy to compare opal effects and choose colours for decorative projects.
Where subtle sparkle works beautifully
Use Opal when colour should glow rather than shout
Machine embroidery
Add luminous lettering, outlines, motifs and selective highlights to stabilised embroidery designs.
Quilting and appliqué accents
Bring gentle colour to visible quilting lines, appliqué edges and free-motion decorative details.
Occasion and children's projects
Use the soft palette for christening pieces, costumes, dancewear, special garments and personalised gifts.
Ornaments and home décor
Add pearl-like sparkle to cards, decorations, table linens, cushions and keepsake projects.
Current Direct Sewing assortment
Eight named Opal colours
Use the Madeira number as the primary shade reference. These are the eight colours identified for the current Direct Sewing box; the shimmering circles are screen guides to each colour family, while the product photograph shows the real set.
300300 · DiamondIncluded · 200m
301301 · Blue CrystalIncluded · 200m
302302 · Rose QuartzIncluded · 200m
303303 · Lemon QuartzIncluded · 200m
305305 · LimeIncluded · 200m
307307 · LavenderIncluded · 200m
310310 · ApricotIncluded · 200m
313313 · Smoky QuartzIncluded · 200m
Screen colour is a guide only. Opalescent metallic thread changes noticeably with lighting, stitch direction and display settings. Match by the Madeira colour number and compare with a physical thread sample or colour card when an exact match matters.
Choose the right metallic effect
Opal, classic metallic and Metallic Soft are not the same
This set: Metallic 40 Opal
Eight pastel crystal colours in the textured Sparkling/Supertwist construction. Choose it for pearl-like colour and lively reflection.
Classic gold and silver metallics
Better when the design calls for familiar precious-metal colours, strong contrast or a more traditional festive finish.
Metallic Soft
A separate Madeira construction with a viscose core and soft surface. “Opal” describes the colour effect here, not the feel of the thread.
Set up for metallic thread
Give the reflective structure room to feed cleanly
Fit a metallic needle
Madeira recommends a Metallic needle NM 90/14 for its Metallic 40 threads.
Check the thread path
Position the Snapspool correctly and make sure the thread travels freely without catching or extra drag.
Stabilise the fabric
Match the stabiliser and bobbin thread to the fabric, stitch density and intended use of the finished piece.
Test the actual design
Stitch on a stabilised offcut at a moderate speed, then adjust tension only if the sample shows it is needed.
Care for the complete project. Follow the thread packaging and use the lowest care limit among the thread, fabric, stabiliser, bobbin thread and trims.
Product specifications
Madeira Metallic 40 Opal Gift Box 8010
Brand
Madeira
Product
Metallic No. 40 Opal Gift Box · Sparkling / Supertwist construction
Madeira article / SKU
8010
Box contents
8 Opal colours × 200m Snapspools
Total thread
1600m
Thread weight
No. 40 · dtex 240
Fibre composition
70% polyamide, 30% metallised polyester
Individual-thread article
9842
Recommended needle
Madeira Metallic needle NM 90/14 · article 9451
Suitable machines
Household sewing and embroidery machines
Suitable applications
Machine embroidery, decorative stitching, quilting accents, fashion and home décor
Barcode / GTIN
4003760980106
Questions before you stitch
Madeira Metallic Opal 8010 FAQs
How much thread is included?
The box contains eight 200m Snapspools, approximately 220 yards each, for a total of 1600m.
Is Opal the same as Supertwist?
Opal is this pastel crystal colour group within Madeira's textured metallic range. Older Madeira references call the construction Supertwist; current product information places the box within Metallic 40 Sparkling.
Is this Metallic Soft thread?
No. Metallic Soft is a separate Madeira thread with a different fibre construction and feel. Article 8010 contains Metallic 40 Sparkling/Supertwist in Opal colours.
Which colours are included?
The current Direct Sewing assortment contains 300 Diamond, 301 Blue Crystal, 302 Rose Quartz, 303 Lemon Quartz, 305 Lime, 307 Lavender, 310 Apricot and 313 Smoky Quartz.
Which needle should I use?
Madeira recommends a Metallic needle NM 90/14, such as article 9451, for Metallic 40. Test the complete machine, fabric and design combination before stitching the final project.
Can it be used on a household embroidery or sewing machine?
Yes. Madeira specifies its metallic effect thread for household sewing and embroidery machines. Use a suitable metallic needle, clean thread path, correct stabiliser and a test sample.
Does the thread really change colour?
The thread does not run through a printed colour sequence like a variegated thread. Instead, its opalescent surface reflects different tones as the light and viewing angle change.
Are needles or bobbin thread included?
No. The set contains eight 200m Metallic Opal Snapspools in the storage box. The recommended needle and any bobbin thread are purchased separately.
Subtle colour with unmistakable sparkle
Let pastel metallics catch the light
From cool Blue Crystal and soft Rose Quartz to fresh Lime, warm Apricot and smoky neutral, Madeira article 8010 gives decorative machine stitching a complete Opal palette in one compact eight-spool box.