I am considering using metallic thread on my DIL's wedding memories quilt as I can't seem to find a suitably coloured thread for decorative stitching.

I have not used metallics before - does anyone have any useful tips before I start.

I think you need to use a special needle, as it dulls regular ones. It is hard on your machine, and would likely cut into the fabric. I believe I read all of that in a magazine, if I were you, I'd look online, maybe google it, and see what you can find. I'm afraid I don't know much about it. :)

I've used it on wallhangings that I hand quilted, and probably will never be washed. I used the bigger eye needle and shorter lengths of it than regular thread. I found that if I tried to use 18 inches or longer, till I was done quilting a stretch, the thread started to fray out for me.

Sulky rayon threads come in lovely bright colors too.

They make special metallic needles for these threads. Also make sure you use the proper spool holder on your machine, depending on what type of spool it comes on. There are the flat metallic threads and I bought some that are very similar to a thicker diameter regular thread. The rounder thread is much easier to sew with on the machine :wink:

This is good information.

I use yenmet metallic thread. It is poly coated and is smooth running thru your tension disks.

When using metallic thread, or clear monofiliment, I find putting a bead of Sewer's Aid on the spool very helpful. I think it's a silicone lubricant that helps them glide through the plates of the machine more easily.

Thanks for all your input girls.

My intention was to machine stitch with a decorative silver stitch. Hand stitching probably could be an option but I am running short of time.
I did Google metallic thread and read about the Metafil (Schmetz)needle but when I went to my LQS today they did not have it or any other brand. They also didn't have any metallic except a very bright multi-coloured one (which was a round thread) - but not quite wedding stuff! They did have a Sulky thread in a paler suitable colour so I bought it just in case I don't get anywhere with the metallics.

The bridesmaids fabric (which I am using in parts of the quilt) is a lavender/blue which you would think would be easy to match with fabrics and thread but it turned out to be very difficult to match. It's one of those shades that changes depending on whether you put blue or lavender next to it. I just needed to add a few touches of something and I thought the silver would be a way out but perhaps I am just complicating things for myself by trying something new when I'm under pressure to get this done with limited time. Between family commitments and work I don't have a great deal of time to get this finished if I want to give it to DIL for Christmas.

I will need to look up Yenmet metallic thread and Sewer's Aid as I am not familiar with either of these.

Thanks everyone for giving me some information and the opportunity to think out loud. I will see what I can find by this weekend and make a firm decision then so I can get cracking on it.

I use Sulky brand threads on ALOT of my quilting projects! I have had luck using the Schmetz Ultra Sharp Needles on my machine find if I actually want it to show, rather than just "glimmer" when light hits it, I need to use a stitch that doubles back on itself like a stretch stitch.
They wash beautifully and this thread is pretty sturdy, breaking-wise, also.
One problem I do have is the thread is so thin it gets caught in the tensioner at times. I put a piece of painter's tape on the edge so it can't go all the way back into the tensioner. Sounds lame but it worked!