Update on using Metallic Thread
 

Thanks to all who posted their suggestions for using metallic thread.
I really appreciate it. I contacted Superior Thread, (that is what I,m using),
and was told to use a size 18 needle and lower the tension all the way down.
Well, I did that and still have the same problem of the thread breaking. They
told me to get back to them if that didn't work. So far I have not because I
went on to other projects because of the frustration.
I will contact them again and see what they say next. I don't know what is
left. I am going to get some Sewers Aid and try that ad see what happens.
Again, thanks to all who responded to my problem.
Elaine:(

Years ago I made what I called The Christmas Wallhanging from Hell. It was really cute until I went to quilt it with metallic thread. No problems for the first half, but after awhile the thread broke over and over again. Nothing I did helped. I finally gave up in frustration and it turned into a UFO. Periodically I would pull it out and try again, but no go -- the metallic thread broke constantly. Many years later I ran across it and gave it another try -- same thread, same machine, same wallhanging. No problems.

My best guess is that there was a tiny bit of metallic lint stuck somewhere in the bobbin area or upper tension discs of the machine. It was not enough to interfere with other threads, but the metallic thread went ballistic with it. Over time and with lots of other sewing, the lint finally dislodged.

Is it too late to switch to a different metallic thread? I have heard that Glide's metallic thread is much less likely to break (although judging by the following link, this is not always true). Here is a link that may be helpful to you:
http://rhondabracey.com/2014/04/29/h...allic-threads/

Note: She mentions at the bottom of that website that it is very important to use a thread net. The thread net adds tension, so reduce upper tension a little to compensate. Plus Sewers Aid seems to help.

When I had troubles after a long period of no troubles, then the troubles resolved again, a notions dealer told me I had likely just hit a bad spot in the thread. Apparently, metallic threads can be prone to this.

I am glad to see all these comments about metallic threads. I bought several different brands several years ago. It's time to find them and see which I like. Now to find a project.

Not a frequent user of metallics, but doesn't it make difference if it feeds vertically or horizontally...not sure which is correct, I always have to check my notes when I do it.

I have quilted with metallic for a long time and they are not worth all the problems that can occur. I found a substitute from Superior thread called Nature Colors. There gold is true to color and looks great while also being polyester. I am from the OLD school of quilting but this thread is better than metallic any day of the week.

See if this is helpful. I enjoyed them all and learned a lot about thread.

https://youtu.be/YzD-oNHrVIY?list=UU...01QRL-QPUNrCbg

peace

how are you feeding it, horizontal, vertical, that could be your problem

I,m feeding it vertical. Should it be horizontal?

Thanks for the link. I just watched and must admit, it was very interesting. Lots of good tips.

I have had no prob with my metallics from Metro. I place the spool away from the machine, let it unwind from the top thru an eyelet in my thread stand, over to the machine and thread as usual. One of my machines I cannot even slow the speed on and I have no breakage. However, I DO run a few lines of 'sewer's aid' (no..I stopped buying that & use plain mineral oil instead!) For yrs I had been afraid of metallics, but now I enjoy using them. I fill an eyedrop bottle w/ mineral oil and keep by each machine.

you know sometimes the stores hold there stock a long time when it is not bought and then its old and will break every time they don't say how long it was in stock my husband was working for a company that shipped to the stores and he says you don't know how long they held it at the warehouse either he tells me to look and make sure it looks smooth because if it looks can of ratty it will break every time because it is old

It does make a difference if the spool is vertical or horizontal. (have to check my notes also). I keep all my silk and metallic threads stored in ziplock bags. And use a metallic needle.

The more eye hole guides you have to go through the more control the thread has. I glued two safety pins to the back of my machine and use them to guide my thread through. They are rigged so the thread goes through the spring loop at the end of the pin. It really helps control the tension and minimizes back lash on the thread.

I have also taped a straw horizontally on the back of the machine to put the thread through as a guide. Both things have worked for me in controlling the thread.
peace

peace

I used to have TONS of problems with metallic threads.
What resolved 97% of my problems are listed below.

Of course I have only done a couple FMQ projects using
metallic thread, I DO however use metallic for machine
embroidery a lot.

90/14 LARGE eye SHARP needle.
Thread Net
slow the machine speed way down.

Also I mainly use Floriani metallic threads, so far it is the
only brand I found that works well for me without all the
troubles.

Found this website that addresses metallic threads & common issues with them:
http://academyofquilting.com/library...icult-threads/

The other issue I've found with metallics is sometimes they don't like me to FMQ a particular direction. With small quilted items I can just turn my project. I've never made a large project with metallic thread. I don't know what I'd do in that case.

I am trying to quilt with metallic thread right now. I tend to have the best luck with a metallic needle. I also lower the speed. Somewhere I saw that one kind of metallic thread should come off of the top of the spool and another kind should come off of the side. I can never remember which one goes which way. This works best for me. It still breaks but not as often. Good luck.

I used metallic thread on my Christmas panel last year. I even embroidered names on the socks in the panel. I used a needle especially made or metallic thread. The metallic needle was made by Schmetz an bought at Joann's. The eye of the needle is longer so that there is not as much stress on the thread. I used both the round and flat metallic and had no problems. I also used a little longer stitch (don't remember stitch length).

My machine like thread that is smooth. If the thread has a rough feel it will break all the time. Once I started using King Star I never had a problem.