The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Embroidery and Embellishment => Topic started by: Sara-S on July 04, 2020, 18:33:48 PM
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Since acquiring the embroidery machine, I have gotten curious about using metallic thread. I imagine it looks great but I could use some advice about how to work with it. Anything you can tell me is appreciated.
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Use a 'metallic' needle, it has a bigger eye to avoid rubbing through the thread. Reduce the tension a bit. My machine likes the Madeira thread but I also have a cheap multipack of metallic threads, some colours work fine, others kept snapping so I chucked them.
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The one that people say is the best is Kingstar. (http://www.somac-shop.co.uk/decorative-thread/metallic-1000m) I've not used it myself, but I keep meaning to try some.
As Lachica said, it's recommended to use a metallic needle.
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Another one here who replaced rubbish plasticky cheapos with Madeira. I used sew-all thread in the bobbin but some I've seen thinner polyester thread recommended. I found it feeds better off a spare spool holder - even bought one specially and occasionally this comes in handy for other things. Stitch length is normally a bit longer. It's a while since I've sewn with it but I seem to remember I had to hold onto the threads firmly when starting to sew, or else! As the others said a metallic needle is a must and lower tension.
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I have several reels of Kingstar and it doesn’t give me problems. But I use others too.
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Slow your machines speed down too.
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If you don't do any of those things, because you know no better, you will end up with a very tight mess on both sides of your work and it will be impossible to unpick. Don't ask how I know. And yes I did use Madeira. :(
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Thanks for the advice. I ordered a spool of Madeira gold & some suitable needles. Once I get them, I will do some test sewing.
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Kingstar are wonderful and ... Whispers ... offer a free promotional pack of thread stabilizers and bobbins etc ... but dont know if they ship to the States!
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I will check into that one @Iminei
Update- I have found some US sites that sell it.
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Another question occurs to me. If I am doing an embroidery that uses both metallic and non-metallic thread , can I use the metallic-thread needle for both?
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Here’s my first successful test. Took 2 tries and one broken needle, but I got it to work.
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The Madeira gold is making me crazy today. I am using the right needle & tension. But it's constantly breaking & tangling.
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Not a fan of Madeira metallics. Brother ones usually run better. Or Kingstar Metallics
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I definitely had a problem with metallics last Christmas, and I think they must have been Madeira. I seem to remember that I ended up using a different type of needle (not a metallics or embroidery needle) - one with a larger eye, but I cannot remember what it was. Topstitch maybe?
I will look for Brother threads - thanks @Ohsewsimple - I have liked them very much when I've used other Brother embroidery threads, but don't tend to see them around.
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@Acorn try BSK
https://www.bsk.co.uk/brother-metallic-300m-95-c.asp
Or try this Kingstar
https://www.lordsewing.co.uk/kingstar-metallic-embroidery-thread-57-c.asp
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Ooh thank you @Ohsewsimple - there is a Brother yellow thread that I have never managed to match, and I can see it on there.
Shopping time! :D
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Another vote for Kingstar threads, to be used on a stand away from the machine. I use plain bobbin thread, a metallic needle (noticeably larger eye) and a lower tension. I used to have a Brother V5 machine, but now use it for free motion embroidery, and have never, ever had a single snappage!
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I just made a batch of FSL ornaments with Brothreads metallic thread. I am getting good results so far. It helped that I also figured out a couple of things to reduce problems. One was to keep a spool net on it, while it's on the machine. The other was to keep it from coming loose from one part of the threading track. It goes under a lip but tends not to stay there. So I taped a little piece of plastic behind it, so the thread can't escape.