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beb1980 · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject: Metallic Thread

I am a newbie in the embroidery world. I received my machine for a christmas present from my husband. I have found that I do like to embroider in my spare time (which isn't a lot). I have been given some metallic thread and I was told that it is difficult to work with. I have a 'baby' Brother PE-270D. Any helpful solutions, techniques, and ideas in dealing with metallic thread would be great. Thanks for this wonderful site and all the great designs.
-Becky-

Cutiepie · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:44 am Post subject:

One tip that I have learned for metallic threads is that you should have a separate thread stand (like you would use for very large spools of thread) to put the metallic thread on, and place the stand about two feet or so from your machine. That will give the thread space to "relax" before it goes into the machine. If the thread is too close to the machine, it won't be able to untwist enough and will tend to break more. Also, if at all possible, slow down your machine when working with metallics. This is an option on some machines, but not all (unfortunately).

Another thing is the type of metallic thread makes a difference. Most metallics have a cotton or poly thread in the center which is then wrapped in a tinsel to look metallic. It is the metallic wrap that breaks easiest and gives you problems. There is another type of metallic that I like a LOT, which is the Sulky brand "Sliver." It is basically just the tinsel wrap without the inner thread, and so the tinsel is much thicker and stronger.

I hope these ideas help you, and that others can offer up advice as well. Very Happy

beb1980 · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

Thank you for the advice on how to use the metallic thread (it was Sulky Metallic). I tried your suggestion and found that it worked very well. The thread only broke once on the project that I was working on. I did a test run first and found out that I needed to reset the bobbin tension to 7 - 7.5 or else the top thread bunched up in the bottom, which didn't make a nice project in the end. Again thanks for the tip and I really like this site and forum.