Tips to FMQ with metallic thread?
 

I am using a 90/14 Topstitch needle with Gutermann metallic thread. 0 stitch length, FMQ foot #29, top tension lowered to 2, feed dogs down. My machine is flush to table with Supreme Slider. And I use Machinegers.

But ... thread sometimes is too loose on the back and forms nests, especially at quilting intersections. I have a solid white cotton back, W&N batting, and a Christmas print front. Fabric is very basic cotton from JAF. There is no piecing. It’s a whole cloth that I will later sub cut into coasters.

I usually only quilt with cotton or silk thread. Are there any tricks to working with poly? Any tricks to working with such a thick thread other than switching to a basic cotton in either the top or bobbin? I really like the look when it turns out. I did figure out the only way to start/end is with microstitches because it’s too thick to tie & bury.

All ideas are appreciated! I’m trying to finish this tonight!

The few times I've successfully used metallic thread, I had to use a metallic needle.
It was still a struggle - metallic thread can be a nightmare. I tend to come up with grand ideas for using it...but end up using it very sparingly for highlighting things.
Good Luck!

Thanks, Tartan, I’ll keep that in mind for the future. This one is thick. It is polyamide wrapped around a polyester core. It is probably comparable to a 28/2 cotton, but the metallic gold flecks off and gets caught when I’m sewing.

I’ll try a few different settings to see if maybe I can get a slightly better result. Just wish I understood more about this type of fiber & how it behaves when stitching. Probably wasn’t the best idea to pick a new-to-me thread when I didn’t have much time to practice. It just looked so pretty in the store!

Thanks, osewfast, I’ll see if I can’t find one around here somewhere. Gutermann’s thread guide suggested a 90/14 Topstitch, so that’s why I picked that. The top of the quilt looks great, but the back is such a mess.

Sounds like tension issues and possibly speed issues. You might need to slow down. I don’t know about the Gutermann thread. I work with Superior metallics and they are very easy to work with.

I've used it with a walking foot well but never tried FMQing with it. too many chances for it to shred.

It seems the issues are occurring wherever I backtrack. Can I not do backtracking with decorative threads?

You need to use a thread stand also. The thread needs to travel a distance so it doesn't kink up.

You may even need a thread net.

Some tips here for you. Please do not put thread near the hand wheel as shown in pic. It can get tangled in there and cause problems too.

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/ELProje...oductid=PR1131

Any chance you ca put it in your bobbbin and quiltfrom the back? That would be my go to solution in a situation where the thread isn’t behaving when put through the needle for FMQ.

Rob