Metallic Thread Help Please
 

During Christmas last year I wanted to do some outline work on a panel with Metallic Thread. I admit this is a territory I know nothing about. I used regular cotton thread in bobbin and the gold metallic thread in top I could only get at most 4 stitches and the metallic threat would break. Is there a secret to using metallic thread?

I will be watching this post, I have wanted to try using metallic thread, but don't have the courage to just do it.

Try using a metallic needle, and relaxing the tension. I also find using a thread holder helps a lot.

Superiorthreads.com has great info about metallic thread

I used sulky metalic thread to quilt an applique quilt I made with no problem. I used a rayon thread in the bobbin. I also bought and used needles made for metalic thread. I think it was the needles and brand of thread that helped me. Hope this helps you

Disclaimer: I don't quilt on my DSM but on my longarm I successfully use Superior's Metallic threads. You need a needle with a larger eye so the friction does not shred your thread, loosen your tension top and bobbin, and quilt more slowly. So check out what Superior Threads say about using their metallic threads - they are a great resource for any information on thread.

I used metallic thread for some straight line as wel as FMQ this winter. You are having the same sort of problems I had, til I found out the "how to's" from my dealer.

There are a lot of variables in metallic threads, so there is no one set answer. Also, different machines will require different actions.

Definitely use a metallic needle.

For my machine, there were instructions in the manual, which did not make sense, but once I spoke with my dealer, it did!! There is a lubricant well to feed the thread thru. Plus the spool of thread needed to be fed out of it and into the machine in a different way than I do for conventional thread.

Once I had all that set right ... there was no need to adjust the tension and it stitched perfectly!

Another time, if I have a different metallic thread, it might be all different!
For sure, I will buy my thread at my dealer, and check with them as to the how to.

I do a lot of appliqueing with metallic thread. People are usually amazed because they have so much trouble with metallic thread. I was told by many that it is either your sewing machine likes it or it doesn't. I have used several different brands of metallic thread with no problem. I do nothing different with my machine when I sew with metallic thread. I don't even change the needle. Weird. I guess I'm very lucky!

I vote for the metallic thread needle. Works for me and my machines.

I also use a metallic thread needle and lower machine tension. Worked for me with my bernina though have not tried it with my BL crescendo.

I use metallic thread also, without any problem.

Use the correct needle: metalic and a larger size than you would expect.

Also, put the spool in a container/cup in back of your machine so the thread had longer to go before it reaches the tension discs.

As snipforfun wrote superior threads has lots of good information.

You might get some tips from this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPgOdI6YDok

Metallic needle and play with the tension even if it looks like it's getting too low.

Some metallic threads just are a real pain. To work with. I have had dreadful luck with Sulky, but Yenmet is outstanding. I have run it in my sitdown quilter, my DSM, and even my high speed multineedle embroidery machine. That is one tough thread! General rule is to check your tension (some metallics need a light tension, some are regular), use either a metallic needle or one size larger than normal, and slow down some. BTW, I have also had good luck with C&C on my DSM, but I just don't like the colors.

Pam

You have to use a good quality of metallic thread. I use Yenmet metallic thread, a metallic needle, drop the tension and my secret is a few drops of Sewer's Aid (found at JAF) to lubricate the thread thru the DSM. I have no problem with doing metallic threads on my Bernina.

I just tried King Star metallic and will never use anything else. Absolutely despise Sulky threads, of all kinds, especially metallic. I have a gallon of silicone and I soak a piece of batting and wrap it around one of the holes threads go thru (multi needle machine) this helps immensely. There are others I use because I have them, but King Star is great.