What to use in the bobbin with metallic thread?
 

I bought some metallic thread to quilt a little Christmas present but I'm not sure what to use in the bobbin. It's Gutermann and says on the spool that it's made of polyester. The 500m spools that are on sale right now at Jo Ann fabrics - anyone know? I was thinking just a similar weight polyester embroidery thread would work...anyone used this metallic before?

It depends what and how much you're going to quilt. For a decorative fancy-stitched table runner I've used the same thread in the bobbin so the runner could be reversed. Otherwise I use cotton as I think it 'grips' the thread nicely. I don't run my machine too fast when I'm using metallic thread as I think it puts less strain on it. No doubt others will have different preferences :)

I had one machine that liked prewounds, which were very thin poly , and another machine that wanted 50 weight cotton. I'd just experiment a bit. Make sure that you use a special metallic needle. The hole is designed so that it won't shread the thread.

Thank you both! I didn't know about using a different needle...I will pick those up next time I'm out. I have Schmetz 70/10's do you think those'll shred it? I wanted to experiment a little today but I don't want to just waste thread.

I'm sure a size 10 WILL shred the thread, it needs a large eye, I've used the 70 wt. enbroidery bobbin thread with much success.

I use alot of mettalic thread, and use a poly regular thread in the bobbin. As mentioned make sure you use a Mettalic needle , or you will have shredding. Additionally, you make need to adjust the top tension (loosen) just a bit . Sew on a small sample of the exact fabric combinations and make your adjustments on that before working on your project.

I used the silver embroidery thread when I detailed some wolf panels a while back. The silver was used to show condensation (ice) on the wolf's coats as they bayed at the frosty moon. I used a medium grey cotton on the back & it came out awesome. I used a translucent thread for the wolves breath to show it different from the ice on their coats. It came out amazing! Good luck!! Can't wait to see your finished product!

I use cotton thread in the bobbin when I sew with metallic thread. You will want to use a special Metalica needle to sew with the metallic thread...the eye is larger and coated with a teflon type material to keep the needle from getting to hot and breaking the thread. The shaft of the needle is also grooved to again help with the shredding problem. Depending on the heaviness of your thread will determine how large of a needle you will want...but probably a 12 or 14.

Thank you all so much - I just saw polyester and guessed a size 10, I didn't realize it would need a larger needle. Thank you for letting me know before I have a freak out! Lol*

Did you have problem with gaping holes in your quilt from quilting with the larger eyed needle?

Becky do you have pictures??? Sounds beautiful!!!

I do a lot of machine appliqué and to avoid holes I use a Microtex needle. These have very sharp blade-like points to pierce the fabric. The actual eye in the needles is the same no matter what size of needle you buy, so if your fabric is not too thick you can go right down in needle size.
Also, if you haven't got Metallic needles to hand, Topstitch is another needle with a big eye.