Metallic Thread Shredding Problems
 

I am having problems with metallic thread shredding. I am doing Cathedral Window and wanted to stitch down the curved bias edges with silver metallic.

I have used about a quarter of the thread on this particular spool without any problems on other projects but suddenly it is starting to shred. Needle has been changed to thread manufacturers recommendation (14/90), I swapped out the bobbin, cleaned the machine etc. Stitching starts out just fine, then after about 10 stitches, the thread begins to shred and/or break.

Any idea of what could be going wrong? I have tried changing stitch length and tension but without much success.

Many thanks

HettyB

Been a long time since I've used metallic thread, but I seem to recall if there was a prob, there was some sort of lubricant spray......I may be dreaming...

I used a metallic needle when I sewed with a metallic thread. But it seemed like there wad a learning curve.

Try a top stitch needle & some Sewer's Aid. Also, you're using a 50wt "matching" cotton in the bobbin, right? (by matching I mean roughly the same color but not metallic) If not, I'd try those 2 things ... plus the video that Jane recommended is good.

I agree with using a topstitch needle. Even though you're using the "recommended" needle, the amount of friction on metallic thread may be too much for it to handle. Metallic thread is notoriously shreddy (and yes I did just make up that word. :D )

Topstitch needles have larger eyes and a longer scarf, which protects the thread from friction as it moves in and out of the fabric. If you still have problems with shredding, you might try a larger needle.

Have you tried flossing out your tension discs and rethreading?

Rob

Besides the needle having a larger eye, you might want to check how the thread is coming off the spool.
It needs to unwind as it went on the spool.
If I set my thread on the machine
( upright ) and lift it up and hook it, then thread the machine, the thread is twisting as it goes up to the hook, don't want that.
Hold your thread with your index finger on top of the spool, and your thumb on the bottom, watch and pull the thread away from the spool, it doesn't twist.

I would try everything recommended.

I have to say that I had a similar problem with my machine many years ago. Worked fine with the metallic, then suddenly started shredding. I had not even changed the project I was working on. I tried absolutely everything and nothing worked, so I tucked the project away in the UFO tote. I'd try again every once in awhile, but no go. After literally YEARS, that same thread on that same project worked fine. I think that there must have been some tiny piece of thread caught somewhere in the upper or lower tension mechanisms that I couldn't see and that I was unable to dislodge with my cleanings. My theory is that years of use finally dislodged whatever tiny piece of lint or thread was causing the problem.

Haven't read all the other posts, but I would recommend flossing between the upper tension discs (if you can reach them on your machine) and also using a magnifying glass to *closely* examine all areas of the lower tension mechanism. (If flossing, either use several strands of regular thread or ***unwaxed*** dental floss; waxed floss can mess up your upper tension discs.)

And, all I can say is, I hope you have better luck than I did!

Two things works for me when dealing with metallic thread.
First, I use Schmetz Metallic needles because they have larger eye opening
http://www.joann.com/schmetz-metalli...edles&start=10
and this lubricant
http://www.joann.com/dritz-sewers-aid/14019319.html
You just run a bead along the length of your spool.

I have no problems--lucky, I guess, but this is how I do it. I use a 14 top stitch needle, I have mineral oil in a nasal spray bottle and run the tip down the side of the spool about 3 times (being frugal--just lightly spreading), then I put my thread on a stand away from the machine , giving the thread enough length to unwind the coils out. I've not had any breakage in quite a long time--since using the mineral oil. It may be basically what "sewer's aid" is composed of--I don't know...I have both, but prefer the above. If anyone can tell me this is bad for my machines, I will toss it immediately and look for another solution!

mermaid, you probably don't need 3 beads of the oil. With Sewer's Aid, you just use one.
I don't know about the oil. I know my Bernina says to only use machine oil, not cooking oil or anything, but I don't understand the difference between the different types of oil. Surely some of the repair people who are on QB would know.

Correct ( metallic) needles and a slightly looser tension are necessary. The eyes of the metallic needle is shaped & sized for that particular thread to avoid shredding

Another thing to try is slow the machine down and that always helps me.

If I may chime in...I recently tried an adapter called the "Thread Director"...and by golly, it helped me tremendously. All my Sulky metallic threads are now actually usable, which is a shock....as long as I go slowly, keep to simple stitches, and use a really large eyed top stitch needle...I think its a 90. And I lower the tension a little too.

I have even been able to use some of the Sulky "Holoshimmer" spools that I had completely given up on. For some reason, the red Holoshimmer will still absolutely NOT work on my machine, but several other colors will.

I 've had good luck putting the difficult threads like sulky metallics, superior razzle dazzle, etc. in my bobbin rather than through the needle. For the top threading you would use either a cotton or poly thread like aurifil or isacord in the same color. Then I turn my quilt sandwich over and stitch from the back. To use this method you need to do a sample in order to get the tension properly adjusted. Give it a try with the red holoshimmer if you are still having trouble putting it through the needle. one other thing I almost forgot to mention, you may need to wind some threads on your bobbin by hand instead of using your machine's bobbin winder.

Rob

My Gammill dealer suggestion years ago to SLOW down and up size the needle to at least a 4.0

The first time I bought metallic thread the quilt shop lady recommended Sewers Aid ,90/14 needle and go slow. Works for me.

Top stich needle, one that is a little larger so that the hole is bigger or a metalic needle. I also like Vikings needles because the hole is rounded instead of oblong. Be careful of using sewers aid, alot of newer machines don't like it. My machines don't even needed to be oiled so I'm not taking a chance. I also will put my metalic thread in a cup on the table behing my machine and that helps alot.