Is it me? I have tried different metallic threads with different bobbin threads and it always breaks. I am trying to do some thread painting and would love to use some beautiful metallics that I own. All help gratefully appreciated :)
Thanks in advance

I have the same problem

go to superior threads website, they have a nice video about metallic threads.

Using a needle with a bigger eye helps.

Try using a metallica needle, or a 90/14 topstitch needle. They have a larger eye so they don't cause as much friction on the thread.

Also have the spool standing upright, lower your upper thread tension slightly, and try bypassing the last thread guide just above the needle.

Start with the needle change, and placing the thread in a upright position, and do a test. If the thread is still breaking try the tension fix and thread guide bypass.

Also, always reduce your speed when stitching with specialty threads.

thanks, I will

Janet, thanks for the information. I remembered using a different needle but the thread position could make a difference

I had tried everything but standing the thread up vertically and not taking the thread through the last guide.. thanks

I saw the video recently. I would highly recommend it. I receive their newsletter and get new info each month. Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims frequently have superior thread videos on the free part of their site.
Good Luck

Are you using a needle specifically for metallic thread?

i use a top stitch needle and have never had a problem

When I thread paint, if having trouble with the metalic thread I try these things first. (larger eyed or a metalic needle,change in tension, slower even speed) If still won't work I tape a safety pin upright onto the right side of machine, place the thread in a glass or pint jar etc, and then thread the metalic thread through the safety pin and rest of machine as usual. Not sure why it works, maybe takes some of the twist out before it gets to the needle? Good luck.
Laurie

I remember having that problem. Someone told me to put a very, very small drop of lubricant and drag it across the spool. It seems that I bought something especially for that and it worked wonderfully. I never had a problem with thread breaking after that.

thanks to everyone :) I viewed the video on Superior Threads website and everything worked perfectly. I do think I will look for some Bottom Line thread to try in my bobbin. So nice to not have the thread breaking

That was "Sewer's Aide'. Works great.

I use metallics and specialty threads all time and have found you need to experiment. Topstitch needles are a must. Secondly you will need paper clips and tape. Postion the paper clips on the top of your machine and use them as thread guides in conjunction with the guides on the machine. Some threads like to be up above the guides on your machine thru the paper clips before going thru the machine guides. I have clips postioned for up threading and down threading.It will take some experimenting as different threads will want to be threaded differently. You may also want to try adjusting your bobbin tension as well.

http://www.superiorthreads.com/video...eads-part-one/
This is a link to a short tutorial from Superior Threads I posted a while ago. This will really help you understand metallic threads. Well it helped me so IMHO I think it will be helpful for you too.

I also DO NOT use the regular spool holder on my machine but instead place the thread in a container at the back of my machine. This longer lead time helps straighten out the thread and decrease tension on the thread.

ali

Use a thread holder about 3 FEET from the machine, I find it helps to let the metallic unwind and its less likely to break, also you can use needles made for the thread

A metallic needle may help, and slowing down your machine too.

Have a look at the lecture that Bob gives about metallic thread on the Superior Threads website and you may pick up some pointers.All the best with it.

I love the look of metalic but hate using it! Even doing handwork with it I have trouble unless I cut the pieces very short and have to keep re threading

my quilty friend from canada shared this video from Superior threads..this is for using the

Glitter hologram thread..

http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...logram/videos/

i would love to try this thread..

My daughter's suggestion solved all of my problems with thread. I put my spool on an upright thread stand, and the thread feeds through easily in my machine. All this time I thought it was my machine but it was the thread on the spool was wound just too tight for my machine. I've also put the larger spools of thread in a heavy large mug and that seems to work as well. Sometime, we can learn from the youngsters. :-D :-D

I just read the Blog,good info there.They don't like universal needles,they didn't say why.I use them all the time.

i embroidered a peacock on the back of a jacket and had to hoop it 4 times and used metallic thread and the only way i could keep from breaking every little bit was when using metallic thread you have to have the spool laying down in a box or something like that so that it can roll off the spool,,,it the spool is sitting straight up it comes off twisted and will knot and break,,,i also sprayed the thread with silicone,,which can be found at your local wal mart,,,,also use a bigger eyed needle,,,i hope this helps

Maybe if the thread is laying down,is the thread coming off from the top of spool or bottom of spool.

try spraying the thread with silcone spray it worked for me when I did machine embroidery

Before you buy thread(matalic) in the store , loosen it off the spool about 12 to 15 inches, If it curle,s up like a perm then it will keep breaking on you. Your buying it on the little spools, try buying it on the larger spools i know its more expensive but it will not break. Nor will it curl up on you. See the difference when you take it off the spool, it will be straight not curled up. PS: do this before you buy it and leave the store.

ARe you using a metallic needle? That is required for using metallic thread.

My metallic thread used to break until my Bernina dealer told me to use only metallic needles with it -- preferably a 90/14.

She also suggested I use a thread stand because metallic thread has memory and tries to curl back the way it was on the spool.

Doing these two things have made using all my metallics very easy and enjoyable.

Metallic threats require a metallic needle

have you tried Kreinik thread? They have recently researched and updated their thread (local to my area)

On hand work, take a damp sponge and run the thread through it and always work with short length.
On the sewing machine, I always use a Hortizon thread holder at the back of the machine. You have to remember that when you take the thread off the top of a spool, it will want to curl and that is what causes the problems. Also, never buy cheap metallic thread, always use a large eye needle and sew slow, top tension loosen at least 1 to 2 #.
I use it in my serger and have done a lot of thread painting and never had problems. But, you just can't go fast. Change needles often.

Use and topstitch needle (#90/14). Be sure the spool is vertical on your spindle. You may need to adjust your tension. This has worked for me.
Illinois Quilter

Use a metallic needle and it will work.

good info!! i had problems a while back with metallic thread, and just stopped using it, but now i may try it again with these sugestions......thanks..

Use Schmetz metalic thread needles and a common thread on the bottom- also slow your spead down and ease the thread tension- try each one of these one at a time

Sorry you had such problems but what great information we got about metallic thread. It's something I hope to try soon and glad for these suggestions.

There are special needles for metalic thread. I use quite a bit of metalic thread and I am careful to change the needle to the metallic one. Also have the proper weight stabilizer.