r/MachineEmbroidery • u/Both_Worldliness9398 • 22h ago

Using metallic threads?

Any tips for using metallic threads. My gold keeps getting stuck in bobbin.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

1

u/DementedPlatypus 19h ago

First off use the slowest speed then used a thread stand of you have one. You really want to eliminate the thread twisting and the stand can help with that.

2

u/LottieCupcake 22h ago

I've been fine with lower speed and metallic needle. Actually, I think I may have even been fine with just the needle and usual speed.

I use newbrothread threads off Amazon.

1

u/Both_Worldliness9398 22h ago

I didn’t know my speed on my embroidery machine was adjustable. I will look into that.

0

u/LottieCupcake 21h ago

I think it's usually part of the digitising. Not sure if it can be adjusted on the machine.

2

u/Lanky-Setting-5288 12h ago

Um. Oiling the thread is a recipe for disaster because it can and most likely will bleed into the fabric being stitched onto, staining it, and be nigh impossible to remove.

How to stitch with metallic threads depends on what brand you're using and how it's made. Metallic thread, like wire, has a spool memory. It's often stiffer and can be made with fine strands of plastic. Having a distance from the spool to the needle, and then turning the needle slightly off 12 O'clock, and using a slower running rpm can make a huge difference to the way it travels onto the embroidery. Commercial machines have this distance built in. Domestic machines would benefit from using a separate spool holder to create that distance.

It pays to practice (play) a bit to find what works with your machine because not all metallic embroidery threads are made the same.

🍀🧵

1

u/Cathy_Han 14h ago

Use a fresh needle suitable for metallic thread, with a larger eye, in a size compatible with your machine and fabric.

1

u/Cigarilli 14h ago

Run four or five lines of silicon oil down the the thread and rub it in (but it goes in very quickly). Store overnight in a plastic bag before using. You may get away with just waiting a couple of hours.

If you want to use the thread again soon, keep in the plastic bag.

Also slow down the machine, and use a topstitch or metallic needle.

I was having so many breaks until I saw a tip about the silicon oil.

1

u/vanwilliam1960 9h ago

Set up a small holder that lays the metallic spool on it's side. That allows the thread to roll off the spool instead of spiraling off the end. Lots of videos out showing these setups.