Embroidering with metallic thread. Any tips?
 

I am trying to embroider with silver metallic thread. I am using a metallic needle but my thread keeps getting hung up and breaking. Any tips on how to embroider successfully with metallic thread? TIA

I stitch as slowly as possible. If I am using my embroidery machine I cannot do anything about it. I stay with a size 14 topstitch needle for the best results. Metallic threads can be tricky. I stay with Sulky for metallic embroidery thread.

How is the spool wound?

You want to use a thread stand so the thread can un-wind without kinks. Make sure the stand is not near the hand-wheel of your machine.

I use a microtex 80/12. When I use a thread stand, I bring the thread through the bobbin winder guide on the top of the machine.

Look under the video tabs here; needles, metallic, and thread twist

https://www.superiorthreads.com/

ETA: Yes, I agree, slow the machine down also.

The further away you can get the thread from your machine (within reason) the better. I always use a separate thread stand with metallic thread, lower the tension and go a bit slow.

Watson

Some time ago I had a Embroidery instructor tell me to turn the spool upside down when you use it. Something about how the fibers are spun for metallic threads..... I also agree with the other advice you have been given so hopefully one of those, or all, will help.

Thank you all for these great tips.... I will try them today.

Just wanted to let you know that I tried all of your suggestions and was able to get my project done with out any problem. Thanks everyone 😊

would recommend Kingstar metallic thread, its brilliant, I dont need to use any needle different to doing normal embroidery and dont need to slow machine down

Metallic Thread
 

All the tips given are very good. One thing I'd like to add, is that I've used Sewer's Aid on the thread spool with very good results. It takes very little, and makes the thread smoother running through the machine. Solved a lot of headaches for me when I used this, in addition to using a thread stand.

I second the recommendation for Kingstar metallic. Superior threads also makes a good metallic thread and it comes in more colors than the Kingstar.