Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Metallic Thread Problem >

Metallic Thread Problem

Metallic Thread Problem

Thread Tools
 
Old 06-14-2010, 03:43 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Love2Quilt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 108
Default

I am free motion quilting a wall hanging and using metallic thread. The thread keeps breaking, It becomes thin and then breaks while going through the eye of the needle. Does anyone know what size needle I should probably use which I'm sure I'm not. Or any other little tricks

Thanks
Karen
Love2Quilt is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 03:45 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Central PA
Posts: 5,573
Default

Originally Posted by Love2Quilt
I am free motion quilting a wall hanging and using metallic thread. The thread keeps breaking, It becomes thin and then breaks while going through the eye of the needle. Does anyone know what size needle I should probably use which I'm sure I'm not. Or any other little tricks

Thanks
Karen
I know there is a special metafil needle for metallic threads, and perhaps you need a larger eye on the needle. Also, when I was embroidering with it I had to slow my machine waaaay down.
This site has lots of info:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...es.html?cat=46
nursie76 is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 03:47 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pensacola FL
Posts: 199
Default

The only trick I have found that works for me is puting the metalic thred in the bobin and a solid that is similar on top like white for silver or tan for gold. then just put the top on bottom and quilt like you normaly would. try it on a sample pice some machines are more fussy and it still dosn't work.
shopella is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 03:51 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
quilt queen 2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,329
Default

I use metafil needles usually, but have also used Fons & Porters needles for decorative threads without a problem hope this helps!
quilt queen 2 is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 03:55 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 3,155
Default

Check you tension and use a needle for metallic thread. It may be that your machine just don't like that thread. I have one spool of embroidery thread that will not work on one of my machines.
sewgull is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 04:03 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Southeast Iowa
Posts: 428
Default

Karen, I too experienced breaking of the Metallic thread due to the friction that builds up with metal threads rubbing on the metal needle. Yes a larger needle would help, also I had to learn to slow down. The Metallic Needle has a larger eye and is coated with Teflon to reduce this buildup of heat and it is also more expensive. The size is 80/20. Try this size first and see if it helps.
NewYearsOld is offline  
Old 06-14-2010, 04:30 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 959
Default

I also use a metafil #90 needle and sew slowly with the spool of thread upright...not horizontal. You also might have to adjust your tension. Try sewing on a sample first.
Nana2Sew is offline  
Old 06-15-2010, 08:02 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Sallyjane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oakhurst, CA
Posts: 727
Default

I had the same problem. My LQS sold me the special needles for metallic thread and also a liquid that I squeezed out, right on the spool of thread. Unfortunately, I am at work right now, and that product is at home, so I can't tell you the name of it. But those two things solved my problems.
Sallyjane is offline  
Old 06-15-2010, 01:35 PM
  #9  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
Default

This is a wonderful thread. I have some metallic thread I want to use but I need some instruction. Thanks
littlehud is offline  
Old 06-15-2010, 02:29 PM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
BellaBoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Default

Expert advice that worked for me:


Superior Threads GUARANTEES our metallic threads will work in your machine. Follow these two simple guidelines:
1. Use a Superior Topstitch #90/14 needle with metallic thread.
2. Adjust the top tension all the way down to a "1."

See video about using metallic thread in your sewing machine, no matter which brand. http://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/chapter1/
http://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/chapter1/
BellaBoo is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
katiebear1
Main
11
10-03-2010 09:21 AM
Deecee
Main
26
08-17-2010 08:05 AM
sewnsewer2
Main
7
04-12-2010 05:29 AM
bstanbro
Main
15
03-28-2010 08:58 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter