by Sally Gallardo
When using metallic thread, use it with white thread, two strands through the needle, helps from breaking.
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I’m guessing you mean use a similar color of thread along with your metallic thread. Not sure I would want to use a white thread if I were using a dark blue or black metallic thread.
I am going to love this tip once I understand it well. I love metallics and they give me fits all the time. Do you thread both the metallic and the white threads through the whole thread path? By this I mean if you have a multi-spool thread stand behind your machine would you put both the white and the metallic back there and then run both threads through every position on the thread track? Does that do anything to diminish the look of the metallic? If not, Katie bar the door! This is just the motivation I need.
Janome makes a terrific needle, size 14, that has been treated for static electricity. It has revolutionized my sewing with metallics – no more breakage! I was skeptical at first, but am sold now. It really does work!Look for it at your dealer or online.
Thanks for the tip. I’m new to embroidery and when I experimented with metallic thread I thought “no matter how good it looks it’s much to fustrating to do”. I’ll definitely give this a try.
I haven’t tried the 2 thread method yet, however, when I use metalic thread I place the thread on the floor (on a spool, of course) and let it come up to my machine. I also slow the stitching down and use needles made for metalic thread. I may have gotten that hint here some time age. It works really well. I made my Christmas cards this way with gold thread and it was easy. No BREAKING, No SHREADING, and No AGRIVATION. Wonderful!!!!!!!! The cards were georgeous.
What type needle please & what fabric is best for metallic thread? Are you referring to white bobbin & 2 strands through the needle… I’ve not used metallic thread because I understand it breaks easily & I’m not proficient enough to be comfortable using anything but the easiest thread & fabric… thanks for your help… Billie
Browsing embroidery sites in general, I am a beginner with embroidery machine techniques,(new purchaes- have not plugged it in yet) am reading what you folks out there are telling the newbies. I am so impressed with what I see here. Thank you for the WONDERFUL site.
this is a really good idea. Do you think bobbin fill would do as well? Do you have to use a metalfill needle?
When using metalic thread always use a metalic needle, slow your machine down and use Sewer’s Aid on your thread. If your thread still breaks, put it in a zip bag and throw it in the freezer. It works every time.
fantastic idea!
Using a needle made for metallic or decorative thread helps cut down on the friction on the metallic thread as it passes through the eye of the needle and will help cut down on thread breaks.
Schmetz Metallica needles or the Large Eyed Organ needles (#15x1ST) are made for embroidering with metallic thread. Size 80/12 would be a good size to use.
Slowing your machine down will also cut down on the heat and friction on the metallic thread.
Try to find a good quality Metallic thread that is smooth not coarse. There is a difference in the quality of Metallic thread sold so it is worth finding a good quality thread even if it is more expensive.
Putting your thread in the freezer will not hydrate the thread or stop thread breaks, but it will dehydrate your thread as it does with foods placed in a freezer.
If using Sewers Aid do not put it on your thread as it could gum up your thread tensions.
Instead dip you needle in it up to the top of the eye this way only the thread will come in contact with the Sewers Aid and not your machine tensions.
You may have to adjust your upper thread tension down just abit and this will let the thread run easier through the thread tension and puts less stress on the thread.
Use a separare thread stand place a distance away from your machine will give the metallic thread time to unwind and relax before going into your machine and thread tensions.
How I wish I had had these tips before Christmas! I made my son a robe using metallics and it was SO frustrating with the breakage. Can’t wait to try something else. Thanks for the tips.
I went to a embroidery class tonight and we were talking about the metalic thread breaking. I was told that you could put it in the freezer, and that you would not have any problems with it I found this information very interesting and cant wait to try it.
When using metallic thread, sometimes it is the angle at which it enters the machine tension that causes the breakage. If your machine has a spool spindle that is horizontal and you have trouble with breakage, try putting the thread through the machine from a vertical position and vice versa. I have found that this works for me most of the time, but I have also found that the small spools of thread like Sulky makes are wrapped in such a way that the thread actually catches on the spool as it comes off. So I changed the type of spools that I use and it has solved the problem.
The first thing that helps it a needle for metallic thread. The other is the tension. I loosen the upper thread tension and pull the thread from the spool and feed it gently through my fingers. This also helps prevent the thread from wrapping around the spindle. If your machine is digital, you also might want to adjust the speed to run slower.
I have a Bernina Artista 180. I love to sew with metallic thread but it WAS always breaking. I purchased an extra thread guide made for my machine. It was very inexpensive, I also slow my machine down. Make sure that you use a needle for metallic thread. No more broken thread.
All of your comments and tips are so helpful. I am always looking for ways to improve my embroidery. Thank you all.
Thanks for all of your tips. I only tried metallic thread once and did have a problem. I now look forward to trying it again with all of your tips.. your wonderful
i Am from South Africa. and have read all your notes on metalic tread breakings. i personally use the distance away from the machine as it give space to unwind.
I am a fashion designer and i do wedding dressing with metalic.
I also believe that the tension -top- should be dropped as the thread is very delicate and need not to be pulled too hard. i also feel the bag might halp as one of you mentioned might work ….but be carefull for rolling up and undwinning in the packet before it leaves the bag. also, the idea OF THE FREEZER – I WILL DEFINITEVELY TRY IT . i als found using the wash away backing on top OF garment also helped me.
EACH ONE OF US WORKS DIFFERENTLY BUT THESE NOTES HELPS . THANX GIRLS
I use metallic thread a lot and it has to relax from being on the spool! Place it on a separate spool and set it away from you. I then place my hands where I can help it feed through the machine. I have found some types of thread are better for my machine than others.
I’ve had trouble with metallic thread in the past and all of these hints are very good ones. Always use a metallic needle and slow your machine down. I have a friend who does lots of embroidery and she swears by Floriani metallic thread. She says it doesn’t bread and looks great when finished.
When I use metallic thread I thread it through a piece of styrofoam first and then thread my machine. I do not have to use another thread with it. I only use the metallic thread. Works good for me.
Midge
Your tip is very interesting. Where in the world did you here about the styrofoam? Which kins do you use? The rough kind, The Dense Kind Or the kind used with Floral.Do you take it straight through or do you make an opening a bit bigger than the thread? It just seems it would catch on the Styrofoam. How do you keep it from doing that? Thanks
Terri
Sally
Do you always use white thread or match it to the color of metalic you are using?
Thanks
Terri
I use a drinking straw. Simply attach it to the thread stand (pin), and the thread unwinds itself around it and straightens out. Never had any problem with any brand of metalics. I also used the styrofoam, but it’s easier to replace a broken straw. No threading involved.
Here are a few tips that I have learned when using metallic thread: I use the same size needle which is 75/11BP. I lay the thread spool on its side (usually in the lid of a decorative tin can) and pull the thread from the stand alone thread holder. This way it is not curling. Also, I slow the speed of my machine way down. This seems to work very well for me. Good Luck.