Dealing with Metallic Embroidery Thread!
Here are several tips for working with metallic
thread. (These rules apply to any thread brand.) We hope that they
help you to get the best out of your metallic thread, because they are
definitely more challenging to handle than regular embroidery thread.
If you experience any trouble with metallic
thread, please try the following steps, in this order:
1. Make sure you use a quality, new, SHARP "Metallic Needle." (Metallic
needles have a larger eye, which allows metallic thread to run more
smoothly. Often, this eye has Teflon coating, for even better effect.)
2. If you see that the thread is coming off the spool too easily and
this is causing loops and knots at the very beginning, try using a
thread net (spool net). These can really help with looping issues, and
they cost only pennies. Below is shown what a thread net looks like
(the first photo shows a closeup of thread net on metallic thread cone,
the second is a photo on cone with net in vertical position, and the
last two pictures - in horizontal cone position).
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| Most metallic thread,
especially the brands that have a high sheen and really are "metallic,"
have looping problem. But it's an issue that is easy to solve, while
the benefits of using shiny metallic thread are huge. |
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Another possible solution to "early
looping" problems is to use a QUALITY vertical thread stand (thread
feeder), as this issue is especially noticeable on machines that have
horizontally positioned spool. If you have a good thread stand, it's
worthwhile to try it. It is better to use thread stand staying
separately from embroidery machine as far as possible to give time to
metallic thread to relax.
3. Machine speed should be reduced. Try the lowest speed you can set on
your machine, and observe the results. Move the speed up, little by
little, until the point where it begins to cause thread breakage. Turn
the speed down a bit down from there, to the best point of good
performance.
4. Make sure the top thread tension is not too high for a metallic
thread. Usually, metallic thread require a lower thread tension than
regular embroidery thread. Lowering the tension can also help guard
against shredding.
5. Make sure that your DESIGN is suitable for metallic. Many designs
are digitized in such a way that they work badly with any metallic
thread. When working with metallic thread, avoid the following designs:
5.1 Many overlapping objects that create 3 and more stitch layers
5.2 Designs with many small stitches
5.3 Designs with very dense areas
6. Make sure that you're using an appropriate backing.
Metallic thread usually work MUCH better with backings that have a
Viscose or Cotton component in them. 100% polyester backings are usually
quite sturdy, and tend to create too much friction with needle and
thread. This friction can cause unwanted thread breaks. Whenever you
can, use a backing with a viscose or cotton component. Soft cutaway
backings usually work best with metallic thread.
7. Make sure that you're using an appropriate fabric type. Fabric that
is too thick or dense can cause unwanted friction, therefore causing
metallic thread breakage. When working with metallic thread, always try
to use soft materials and natural fibers.
8. Some metallic
thread work better if they're cooled in a freezer for several
minutes before embroidering.
We hope these tips will help!
If you have more suggestions or hints on how to use embroidery metallic
thread we will be glad to hear them.
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