Need some help with machine embroidery
05-12-2022, 12:21 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Texas
Posts: 584
Need some help with machine embroidery
I have been quilting for quite a few years now, do most of my piecing by hand. I have made a Unicorn quilt (appliqued) for my GGD. I want to add a little bit of pizzazz and embellish the outline with metallic thread that I can sew on the machine (my hand embroidery skills are abysmal).
I bought some Schmetz titanium machine needles (specifically for machine embroidery) and a spool of Sulky embroidery thread, but am getting beyond frustrated. I do not have an embroidery machine, but I thought I could do straight stitch on my Brother machibe. I have not been able to thread my needle without the strands separating.. Eventually, I was able to thread all the strands one by one, but that makes horrendous " bird a nests" on the back.
I am sure I am not the only one to do the embellishment so I am positive that somebody on the Board can tell me how to correct my issues. Any tips are helpful. TIA
I bought some Schmetz titanium machine needles (specifically for machine embroidery) and a spool of Sulky embroidery thread, but am getting beyond frustrated. I do not have an embroidery machine, but I thought I could do straight stitch on my Brother machibe. I have not been able to thread my needle without the strands separating.. Eventually, I was able to thread all the strands one by one, but that makes horrendous " bird a nests" on the back.
I am sure I am not the only one to do the embellishment so I am positive that somebody on the Board can tell me how to correct my issues. Any tips are helpful. TIA
05-12-2022, 01:26 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,488
Are you certain the thread is secure in the tension discs. I haven't had this problem but I do know metallic threads need a special needle with a large eye, mainly to stop breakage. Also there can be an issue with thread twisting.
The other alternative is to put metallic thread on a bobbin and same color normal thread on top, and sew from the back. If you can't see the outline from the back I would suggest stitching the outline in a matching color so you can see where to sew from the back. You may need to decrease tension on the bobbin.
The other alternative is to put metallic thread on a bobbin and same color normal thread on top, and sew from the back. If you can't see the outline from the back I would suggest stitching the outline in a matching color so you can see where to sew from the back. You may need to decrease tension on the bobbin.
05-12-2022, 02:01 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Texas
Posts: 584
Machine embroidery
Thank you for your suggestion. I will try that and practice before I work on the quilt. (that's how I found out what issues I was having). I am ready to take it to the quilter, but just wanted to add that little extra. I guess, if worst comes to worst, I will just not do the embroidery thing
05-12-2022, 05:58 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,431
The web site says to use a Top-stitch 90/14 needle. What type of needle are you using?
I like Micr-Tex 80/12 for most projects and threads.
What stitch are you using for the applique? I like the one that looks like the edge of a leaf. Adjust the width/length
of the stitch depending on the design.
A thread stand should be used with metallic threads. Perhaps a thread net will help also. Don’t give up on the embroidery yet.Your
project sounds cute.
I like Micr-Tex 80/12 for most projects and threads.
What stitch are you using for the applique? I like the one that looks like the edge of a leaf. Adjust the width/length
of the stitch depending on the design.
A thread stand should be used with metallic threads. Perhaps a thread net will help also. Don’t give up on the embroidery yet.Your
project sounds cute.
05-13-2022, 05:07 AM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,480
Years ago, I got rid of many of my sulky threads as they seemed so easily broken. Don't know if they have improved. I also have found that some metallic threads are better than others. I have used RA rayon gold metallic thread successfully, and also Superior thread metallic. While not "metallic" Glide poly thread in gold has a nice sheen to it and is a strong thread. Also slowing down the speed of your machine might help and also making sure the thread is not twisting.
05-15-2022, 09:45 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 1,398
Need some help with machine embroidery
I have been quilting for quite a few years now, do most of my piecing by hand. I have made a Unicorn quilt (appliqued) for my GGD. I want to add a little bit of pizzazz and embellish the outline with metallic thread that I can sew on the machine (my hand embroidery skills are abysmal).
I bought some Schmetz titanium machine needles (specifically for machine embroidery) and a spool of Sulky embroidery thread, but am getting beyond frustrated. I do not have an embroidery machine, but I thought I could do straight stitch on my Brother machibe. I have not been able to thread my needle without the strands separating.. Eventually, I was able to thread all the strands one by one, but that makes horrendous " bird a nests" on the back.
I am sure I am not the only one to do the embellishment so I am positive that somebody on the Board can tell me how to correct my issues. Any tips are helpful. TIA
I bought some Schmetz titanium machine needles (specifically for machine embroidery) and a spool of Sulky embroidery thread, but am getting beyond frustrated. I do not have an embroidery machine, but I thought I could do straight stitch on my Brother machibe. I have not been able to thread my needle without the strands separating.. Eventually, I was able to thread all the strands one by one, but that makes horrendous " bird a nests" on the back.
I am sure I am not the only one to do the embellishment so I am positive that somebody on the Board can tell me how to correct my issues. Any tips are helpful. TIA
05-15-2022, 12:09 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Texas
Posts: 584
Thank you for your responses. I have tried most of your suggestions, but haven't managed the results I'd hoped for. I will check out the machine embroidery sub-thread. The pattern picture shows the gold outlining to highlight the profile (?) of the unicorn. I tried several different needles/sizes, and ordered the top-stitch needles from amazon (arriving tomorrow), and, even attempted hand-embroidery. Not a good look. Luckily, I have enough leftover scraps to practice on, until I get the look I want.
I have a few more things to try - the top-stitching needles, contacting pattern designer for info on how she did it, and if all else fails, guess I'll take it to a local embroidery shop, and have them do it.
I have a few more things to try - the top-stitching needles, contacting pattern designer for info on how she did it, and if all else fails, guess I'll take it to a local embroidery shop, and have them do it.
05-15-2022, 01:32 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,478
Years ago, before there were embroidery machines, I took a class in free motion embroidering, and I made some lovely things. I dropped the feed dogs and moved the fabric like free motion quilting. All of the comments about threads and needles are good advice also. I have also used a decorative thread as cording to go around a design and then zig-zagged over it with either a matching or different thread to add pizzaz. Good luck!
