Do I need to adjust my tension to use metallic thread?

Yes, we highly encourage you to loosen your top tension more than you think you should. For home machines, we recommend starting with your top tension set to 1.0. For longarm machines, skip several of the thread guides (if your machine has a 3-or-4-hole guide, thread through only one), and keep the top tensioner very loose.

What needle should I use with metallic thread to prevent breakage?

Here's the secret to happy metallic thread: use a Topstitch #90/14 needle. Topstitch needles have an elongated eye and a deeper groove that protects the delicate metallic fibers from shredding and breaking. The larger eye lets the thread pass through with minimal friction, and the deeper groove prevents it from snagging on each stitch. You may benefit from slowing your SPM, as metallic thread can shred when stitched at high speeds under stress. These simple adjustments make all the difference between frustration and beautiful metallic stitching.

What bobbin thread should I use with metallic thread?

Use Precision 60 wt. polyester in your bobbin with metallic thread. The fine weight creates balanced stitches without competing with your sparkly top thread, and Precision's lint-free construction keeps your machine clean. Keep your bobbin tension at its normal setting; all the tension adjustments for metallics happen on the top. Choose a neutral bobbin color that won't show through to the front of your project. Precision prewound bobbins are especially helpful for metallic projects because their factory-wound consistency means one less variable to troubleshoot if you're having stitch issues.

Why does my metallic thread keep breaking?

Metallic thread breaking usually comes from too much tension, wrong needle, or speed issues. First, loosen your top tension dramatically to 1.0 (yes, that low). Metallic thread is less elastic than regular thread and can't handle tight tension. Second, use a Topstitch #90/14 needle with a large eye and deep groove that protects the delicate metallic fibers. Third, slow down your stitching speed. Metallic thread shreds when pushed through fabric too quickly. Finally, use a vertical spool pin so the thread unwinds smoothly. With these adjustments, metallic thread transforms from frustrating to fabulous.

Metallic Threads for Quilting and Embroidery

Q: What needle should I use with metallic thread to prevent breakage?

Here&#39;s the secret to happy metallic thread: use a Topstitch #90/14 needle. Topstitch needles have an elongated eye and a deeper groove that protects the delicate metallic fibers from shredding and breaking. The larger eye lets the thread pass through with minimal friction, and the deeper groove prevents it from snagging on each stitch. You may benefit from slowing your SPM, as metallic thread can shred when stitched at high speeds under stress. These simple adjustments make all the difference between frustration and beautiful metallic stitching.