Need some help with machine embroidery
 

I have been quilting for quite a few years now, do most of my piecing by hand. I have made a Unicorn quilt (appliqued) for my GGD. I want to add a little bit of pizzazz and embellish the outline with metallic thread that I can sew on the machine (my hand embroidery skills are abysmal).
I bought some Schmetz titanium machine needles (specifically for machine embroidery) and a spool of Sulky embroidery thread, but am getting beyond frustrated. I do not have an embroidery machine, but I thought I could do straight stitch on my Brother machibe. I have not been able to thread my needle without the strands separating.. Eventually, I was able to thread all the strands one by one, but that makes horrendous " bird a nests" on the back.
I am sure I am not the only one to do the embellishment so I am positive that somebody on the Board can tell me how to correct my issues. Any tips are helpful. TIA

Are you certain the thread is secure in the tension discs. I haven't had this problem but I do know metallic threads need a special needle with a large eye, mainly to stop breakage. Also there can be an issue with thread twisting.
The other alternative is to put metallic thread on a bobbin and same color normal thread on top, and sew from the back. If you can't see the outline from the back I would suggest stitching the outline in a matching color so you can see where to sew from the back. You may need to decrease tension on the bobbin.

Machine embroidery
 

Thank you for your suggestion. I will try that and practice before I work on the quilt. (that's how I found out what issues I was having). I am ready to take it to the quilter, but just wanted to add that little extra. I guess, if worst comes to worst, I will just not do the embroidery thing

The web site says to use a Top-stitch 90/14 needle. What type of needle are you using?
I like Micr-Tex 80/12 for most projects and threads.

What stitch are you using for the applique? I like the one that looks like the edge of a leaf. Adjust the width/length
of the stitch depending on the design.

A thread stand should be used with metallic threads. Perhaps a thread net will help also. Don’t give up on the embroidery yet.Your
project sounds cute.

There is something you can put on metallic threads...but at the moment, I can't recall what it is. I'll search my sewing room tomorrow and find it.

Years ago, I got rid of many of my sulky threads as they seemed so easily broken. Don't know if they have improved. I also have found that some metallic threads are better than others. I have used RA rayon gold metallic thread successfully, and also Superior thread metallic. While not "metallic" Glide poly thread in gold has a nice sheen to it and is a strong thread. Also slowing down the speed of your machine might help and also making sure the thread is not twisting.

Would you consider fabric paint instead? Then it would be a multi-media quilt!

Need some help with machine embroidery
 

Have you cross-posted this in the Machine Embroidery forum? You might pick up some ideas from members there. I just got a new embroidery machine and I monitor that forum daily to learn anything I can.

Thank you for your responses. I have tried most of your suggestions, but haven't managed the results I'd hoped for. I will check out the machine embroidery sub-thread. The pattern picture shows the gold outlining to highlight the profile (?) of the unicorn. I tried several different needles/sizes, and ordered the top-stitch needles from amazon (arriving tomorrow), and, even attempted hand-embroidery. Not a good look. Luckily, I have enough leftover scraps to practice on, until I get the look I want.
I have a few more things to try - the top-stitching needles, contacting pattern designer for info on how she did it, and if all else fails, guess I'll take it to a local embroidery shop, and have them do it.

Years ago, before there were embroidery machines, I took a class in free motion embroidering, and I made some lovely things. I dropped the feed dogs and moved the fabric like free motion quilting. All of the comments about threads and needles are good advice also. I have also used a decorative thread as cording to go around a design and then zig-zagged over it with either a matching or different thread to add pizzaz. Good luck!