I am working on some Christmas Coasters and Tablerunners, and I want to use Metallic thread and/or clear thread for the quilting. I have heard on other sites that these can be a pain to work with. I'm not working from any particular pattern, but in my head I see some very simple straight line quilting, using gold to highlight the metallic gold that appears in the fabric print. I'd like to use the gold in both the bobbin and the top thread, but would it be better to just use it in one? Any advice? I used the clear for top thread in this set and didn't have any problems. The second set will be just like this except I will be using black for the backing, and I just think the gold would dress it up and make it "jazzy", if I can use it for both.

I have never had much luck with clear thread. I do use the metalic threads. The secret is to use a metalic thread needle. It has a special eye that allows the thread to slide through without shredding.
I have also had a lot of success with couching fancy or heavy threads like glitzy yarn. Just feed the fancy thread by hand where you want it and zig zag over it with whatever color thread seems to show up the least. My Bernina has several special feet that have a tunnel in the bottom that holds the heavier thread or yarn in place while you stitch over it.

Where do you get the metallic thread needles. I have a very basic SINGER SIMPLE machine. Would it be better to use the metallic in the bobbin then?

I have purchased metalica needles from Nancy's Notions and my local sewing machine dealer. I have some made by Schmetz and the ones from Nancy's Notions are Klasse. I don't know about Singer. The only Singer I have is a featherweight. I know the needles for it are different.

I have used both the Monofilamet and metalic for years.
With the monofilament its all about the tension. Almost every brand ...I have to take the top tension way down. I also use a smaller needle , because the thread is very fine. I have used mono on the top with quilting weight in the bobbin and nice results. I do use a thread stand for the mono thread.
With Metalic thread its all about the needle , and a bit of tension adjustment. Do use a metalic needle and use a thread stand this helps the tension prior to going through the tension disks on the machine. I do find I need to work a bit slower/steady with metalic.
Great Info is on the Superior Thread web site. They have a whole video just about metalic thread. I have the best success with their metalic thread.
I do not typically use metalic in the bobbin, but do experiment on a sample piece with the exact fabrics and batting to get all of the little adjustments before starting on you project.

When I use metallic thread I make sure I use a metallic needle and use a thread net over the spool of thread. I think you can find both of these things at Nancy's Notions.

Just wanted to say thanks for the new topic and I love your tablerunner- I was wondering about the same thing. :)

These are good hints girls! Where can I look online to find good prices on these notions? I find it's kind of hard to find "extras" for my Singer Simple. I love my machine, but its hard to even find presser feet that fit it right and are affordable for my limited budget.

Thank you Susan. I love to make little projects with FQs. LOL. I've been "collecting" pretty Christmas FQs and trying out different patterns/projects to make and send as Christmas gifts.

I use YLI clear thread for quilting in all my quilts. I have never had a problem with using it on my Viking Rose. I don't make any adjustments on my tension, but I'm not sure if the machine does that on it's own.

Donna, what is YLI?

That's the brand of the monofilament thread that I use. When I got into quilting when I retired in 1996, my sister got me into quilting. She would mail me things to try out. I had several brands, but soon found the YLI to be the best. I'm not sure if JoAnn's sells it or not. I remember going on line a while back, & purchasing a few spools.

I think this is the place I last purchased the YLI thread.

http://www.redrockthreads.com/colors...hread/3015.asp

If you can't find a metallic needle, use a top stitch needle. The metallic thread needs a needle with a larger eye. Most joann's, hancocks or sewing machine dealer will carry a variaty of needles. Good luck and have fun!

Oh, and practice on scraps first before trying it on your project. You may have to adjust your tension. Also, use a thread stand or put it in a bowl behind your machine. It needs a little distance to uncurl so you don't have breakage problems.

I've never had a problem using monofilament thread, but metallic is a different animal!

Thanks for posting this thread. I have not used metallic thread for quilting but have used it for sewing. On your second part of the question should you use it in the bobbin. I don't think I would. What about using a golden colored thread against that black it should show up and give the effect of metallic.

The metallic thread needle won't be specific to your machine. Buy a good quality needle like Schmetz and you'll do fine. I've found that needles are not the place to go cheap. Shocking how much difference such a small thing makes to how your machine behaves. They're going to be lovely. How you post the finished projects and have lots of fun.

Great suggestion to use the gold colored thread in the bobbin. Using metalic in the bobbin is just ... really fussy, tricky!

The only place I can buy fabric/notions around here is Walmart or Online. I didn't find any gold colored thread that I liked at Walmart, because that was my first thought too. The gold colored threads were either too buttery colored or too brown toned for my tastes. They also have an EXTREMELY limited supply of needles. I'm looking for online sources that have reasonable prices.

Look for some nice rayon embroidery thread in gold. Would look really pretty.

Loosen tension almost to 0. The best thread, needle, and tension advice is on Superior's website. Any speciality thread I buy is Superior thread. It's is frustration free if you follow the site directions how to use it.

I buy Metafil needles for metallic thread and slow down my speed a little I get the needles at Fabricland in Canada but I'm sure that in US Joannes would carry them. For the invisable thread make sure and use a new needle haven't had a problem doing this. Fons and pPorter also have decorative thread needles

I've used metallic thread and for sure use a metallic needle. Don't use it in the bobbin tho. Just choose a similar colored cotton or poly thread for the bobbin. Sometime the thread spool will have on the label or inside the cone, what size needle to use and what to set your upper tension at. Make sure to practice on a quilt sandwich first to make sure you have everything set correctly, before you try it on your project. As far as invisible thread, I was told about using Superior brand, from a friend. I used it recently and found it to be much better than the last brand I'd used.

Finished the second set. Here's the pics.

Some metallic threads are more brittle than others. I suggest on top of using a metallic needle (or topstitch in a pinch) that you slow your speed down to prevent shredding. I really hate when that happens. Really thick threads will probably have to be used in the bobbin (called bobbin work) and you'll need to adjust your bobbin tension. I have a separate case for that (I have no idea what to do if you have a drop-in bobbin). I have never used metallic in the bobbin and the needle at the same time so can't help you there. I guess that is an experiment I'm going to have to try.

Monofilament thread is kind of curly (again depends on the brand). I find using a vertical holder works best for me (sometimes I'll use one completely off the machine to "stretch" the kinks out). I think there are better brands than others.

Ah, the dreaded metallic thread. I've found that it helps to slow down your stitching speed and use a thread stand placed way away from your machine. The farther the thread travels, the more it "unkinks" and the less likely it is to break or shred. I love working with the metallics, they are so beautiful and can add a real punch. Good luck.

What is a thread stand?Why put it in a bowl?

Metallic thread tends to have a memory like wire does. That makes it want to unthread itself while you work. It is also prone to shredding in needles that have small eyes, etc. There was a Topic not long ago about thread stands that you might want to look at. People use all sorts of things for off the machine stands that don't cost money. Many of them were really interesting.

I used metallic thread on a Halloween quilt last year. I purchased purple at Joann's and I cussed like a sailor the whole time I used it. I finally finished the purple and needed green. Joann's didn't carry green so I went to my LQS. They had a different brand. It was wonderful!!! I only had to pay a little more for it. Long story short, don't go cheap on this type of thread. It is a little harder to thread a needle with it.