Quick Tip for Sewing with Metallic Thread

This is Chris with a machine embroidery quick tip of the day. Have you tried to stitch with metallic threads only to have it break frequently?  In the past, I have been very frustrated with using metallic threads and decided to NEVER use them again! 

Metallic threads can be beautiful when used in your sewing projects.  They add extra dimension and shine to machine embroidery projects.

Designs in Machine Embroidery gave us Kingstar Metallic threads to try in some of our projects.  I decided to give this new type of metallic thread a try and see how well it stitches. I have to say that I am very impressed by the performance of this Kingstar metallic thread!

I have been using this thread for several months and have featured the thread in some machine embroidery projects like spider coasters & placemat and felt and vinyl spring ornaments.

This metallic thread is easy to work with and doesn’t require a special needle or running the machine at slower machine speeds to work.  I had very few breaks when working with this machine embroidery thread. 

Click the link below to watch our video and see the metallic thread stitching problem and solution or keep reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Kingstar Metallic Thread 
• Thread nets
• Embroidery Machine

Metallic Thread Problem

One of the issues I encountered while sewing with metallic thread is that the thread doesn't feed properly into the sewing machine.  

It doesn't happen with every spool of metallic thread, but sometimes multiple large loops of thread will come off of the spool at once.  These loops do not feed smoothly into the machine and can get caught up and cause the thread to break.

If this keeps happening, it can be very frustrating!  The photos above and below show the loops of thread as they came off the spool. 

The Solution for metallic thread feeding problems

My quick tip for today to solve the thread feeding problem is to use a thread net over the thread spool with the thread end coming out of the end.  

The netting should be placed over the spool so it covers most of the thread.  I leave a little of the thread showing beyond the thread net.

The excess net can be cut off or tucked into the spool end.

When the thread net is in place, the thread will feed off of the spool correctly.

Sewing with Metallic Thread and a Thread Net

Place the metallic thread onto the thread spool of your sewing or embroidery machine with the thread net in place.  Thread the machine as normal.

Now when you stitch with the metallic thread and thread net, it will feed correctly into the machine without those large multiple loops!

Additional Benefit of Using Thread Nets

The metallic thread will come unraveled when the thread is being stored between uses.  This thread can get all tangled up in your thread box.

If you keep the thread net on the spool, it will keep the thread from unraveling in your box.  

The thread net also allows you to see the thread color, so you can find the thread you need easily.

Will this quick tip work with other metallic threads?

I have had this feeding issue when using other brands of metallic thread.  So, this trick should help with any brand of metallic thread.

I can't guarantee that this trick will eliminate all breaks, but I had very few breaks when using the Kingstar thread and even fewer breaks when using the thread net and Kingstar thread. 

Where can I get Kingstar Metallic Thread? 

So, if you are like me and have given up on using metallic thread, I suggest you try a spool of Kingstar metallic thread.  I think you will be surprised at how well it stitches and looks!

There are many different stunning colors to choose from!

If you are interested in trying some of this thread or purchasing thread nets, scroll down for a link to purchase.

If you make purchases through our links, we will receive a commission on the sale.  It doesn’t cost you anything extra!  We appreciate it when you purchase through our links and this helps us to keep making more videos and tutorials like this one.

I know the thread price is more expensive, but this thread is definitely worth the price because it performs well and looks fabulous in machine embroidery projects.

The towel below is the project I was stitching in the video for this quick tip.  I used Kingstar Metallic threads for all colors except the black thread.  This entire towel was stitched without one single break of the metallic thread!

We hope you enjoyed this quick tip for sewing with metallic embroidery thread.

Some other Machine Embroidery Tutorials you may be interested in:

• Machine Applique Embroidery
• Machine Embroidered Greeting Cards
• Stabilizer Quick Tip