Metallic thread
11-20-2014, 09:42 AM
#1
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: NC and SC
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Metallic thread
I am making a Christmas block for an exchange and I want to use metallic thread...any tips or advice anyone can share? I have never used metallic thread and have been told it is hard to work with. Thanks for your help.
11-20-2014, 09:46 AM
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Northern Ohio
Posts: 445
Be open to the new adventure, don't be afraid to adjust tension.
Make sure to do a test first, and the test needs to have the same number of layers and be made out of the same fabric you want to do use the metallic thread on.
Make sure to do a test first, and the test needs to have the same number of layers and be made out of the same fabric you want to do use the metallic thread on.
11-20-2014, 10:16 AM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Use the special metallic needle for your machine. I use regular poly or cotton thread in the bobbin to match the metallic thread. You also may need to experiment with how the thread comes off the spool. might need to use a thread stand and a thread net.
To be honest if you use a quality thread, it's not much more difficult than any other thread.
To be honest if you use a quality thread, it's not much more difficult than any other thread.
11-20-2014, 10:53 AM
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: new york state
Posts: 10,312
I have been sewing with metallic thread all week. Like you I had many questions before I started. My LQS suggested I buy and use a product called Sewers Aid by Collins. They said use a jean needle but I used topstitch and slow down. i have not had any trouble at all.
Good luck, I am having a lot of fun with it.
I forgot to add how to use it. just run a fine line down the spool of thread.
Good luck, I am having a lot of fun with it.
I forgot to add how to use it. just run a fine line down the spool of thread.
11-20-2014, 10:56 AM
#6
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: The Granite City, Scotland
Posts: 1,635
Are you going to FMQ? If so, you'll be surprised at how much you'll need to adjust your top tension. Also, use a good quality thread (I like Superior) as well as a 90/14 Metallic or Topstitch (same) needle. Happy quilting 
11-20-2014, 02:51 PM
#7
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
Take yourself to a quilt shop and ask for a needle for metallic thread. anything short of that, and You'll be crying.
11-20-2014, 03:33 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,729
I've used a lot of metallic thread in my machine. Mostly Sulky. I agree, use a Metallica needle, Sewers Aid and loosen your top tension. I sew on a Bernina Artista 180 and have to loosen the top tension down to 0 for some threads. I've also used a synthetic bobbin thread which doesn't seem to catch as much as cotton threads. Good luck and have fun!
11-20-2014, 03:40 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 569
I agree with what has been said. Use a metallic needle , adjust the tensions, and slow the speed. I did some quilting last year with metallic and used a size 14 jeans needle . The metallic needle kept shredding my thread. Metallic thread can be temperamental and testy but so worth the effort.
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