quilt queen 2

I buy Metafil needles for metallic thread and slow down my speed a little I get the needles at Fabricland in Canada but I'm sure that in US Joannes would carry them. For the invisable thread make sure and use a new needle haven't had a problem doing this. Fons and pPorter also have decorative thread needles

fireworkslover

I've used metallic thread and for sure use a metallic needle. Don't use it in the bobbin tho. Just choose a similar colored cotton or poly thread for the bobbin. Sometime the thread spool will have on the label or inside the cone, what size needle to use and what to set your upper tension at. Make sure to practice on a quilt sandwich first to make sure you have everything set correctly, before you try it on your project. As far as invisible thread, I was told about using Superior brand, from a friend. I used it recently and found it to be much better than the last brand I'd used.

Cheriefaye2008

Finished the second set. Here's the pics.

lab fairy

Some metallic threads are more brittle than others. I suggest on top of using a metallic needle (or topstitch in a pinch) that you slow your speed down to prevent shredding. I really hate when that happens. Really thick threads will probably have to be used in the bobbin (called bobbin work) and you'll need to adjust your bobbin tension. I have a separate case for that (I have no idea what to do if you have a drop-in bobbin). I have never used metallic in the bobbin and the needle at the same time so can't help you there. I guess that is an experiment I'm going to have to try.

Monofilament thread is kind of curly (again depends on the brand). I find using a vertical holder works best for me (sometimes I'll use one completely off the machine to "stretch" the kinks out). I think there are better brands than others.

Ardelle Coult

Ah, the dreaded metallic thread. I've found that it helps to slow down your stitching speed and use a thread stand placed way away from your machine. The farther the thread travels, the more it "unkinks" and the less likely it is to break or shred. I love working with the metallics, they are so beautiful and can add a real punch. Good luck.

cbridges22

What is a thread stand?Why put it in a bowl?

lab fairy

Metallic thread tends to have a memory like wire does. That makes it want to unthread itself while you work. It is also prone to shredding in needles that have small eyes, etc. There was a Topic not long ago about thread stands that you might want to look at. People use all sorts of things for off the machine stands that don't cost money. Many of them were really interesting.

GrammaNan

I used metallic thread on a Halloween quilt last year. I purchased purple at Joann's and I cussed like a sailor the whole time I used it. I finally finished the purple and needed green. Joann's didn't carry green so I went to my LQS. They had a different brand. It was wonderful!!! I only had to pay a little more for it. Long story short, don't go cheap on this type of thread. It is a little harder to thread a needle with it.