I just watched a DVD from Superior Threads last week that addressed this issue. Anyone wanting to machine stitch with metallics, buy it on the cone, not the spool. The cone is wound on a larger base and is not wound as tight. To check and see if a metallic is going to sew well - unwind about 3 ft, hold one end in each hand and let it hang between your hands, if the thread twist you will have alot of problems with it because it will twist as it travels through the machine guides and into the tensioner. If it hangs loose it should stitch just fine. Superior has really good thread, there are probably others as well. If I really wanted to do a metallic thread I would be willing to pay a little more and not have the frustration of constant breaking. Hope this is helpful.