The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Embroidery and Embellishment => Topic started by: Sara-S on July 04, 2020, 18:33:48 PM

Title: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on July 04, 2020, 18:33:48 PM
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.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Lachica on July 04, 2020, 19:05:04 PM
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.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on July 04, 2020, 19:57:47 PM
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.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Vezelay on July 04, 2020, 21:27:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Ohsewsimple on July 04, 2020, 22:26:06 PM
I have several reels of Kingstar and it doesn’t give me problems.  But I use others too.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Iminei on July 05, 2020, 08:06:59 AM
Slow your machines speed down too.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2020, 08:59:30 AM
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.  :(
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on July 05, 2020, 12:51:35 PM
Thanks for the advice. I ordered a spool of Madeira gold & some suitable needles. Once I get them, I will do some test sewing.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Iminei on July 05, 2020, 16:46:08 PM
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!
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on July 05, 2020, 18:35:54 PM
I will check into that one @Iminei   

Update- I have found some US sites that sell it.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on July 07, 2020, 20:16:56 PM
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?
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on July 08, 2020, 00:28:29 AM
Here’s my first successful test. Took 2 tries and one broken needle, but I got it to work.

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on October 16, 2020, 11:59:14 AM
The Madeira gold is making me crazy today. I am using the right needle & tension.  But it's constantly breaking & tangling.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 16, 2020, 12:19:28 PM
Not a fan  of Madeira metallics.  Brother ones usually run better.  Or Kingstar Metallics
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Acorn on October 16, 2020, 12:34:29 PM
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.
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 16, 2020, 12:54:34 PM
@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
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Acorn on October 16, 2020, 13:58:56 PM
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
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: KayK on October 17, 2020, 19:57:25 PM
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!
Title: Re: Metallic thread
Post by: Sara-S on December 01, 2020, 22:52:15 PM
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.