you mentioned that you downloaded free patterns not all free patterns are good. Just a thought have you tried to do a different pattern same thread, material ect. every thing the same and if it works then the patterns are faulty.
I very seldom use metallic thread I to have problems I do use a metallic needle under stablizer and solvy on top loosen the top tention as the metallic thread is thicker than regular thread. Good Luck, and if your metallic thread twists as it come off the spool I take and unwind a few yards of it and it feeds real nice then. My softwear tells me how much thread will be used.