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From: wifetod
Date: 08-13-2004, 07:53 PM (1 of 13)
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I am working on a project that I am using Rayon Decorative thread for top stitching pieces. I am using a large zig zag. Is this thread more prone to breakage?
Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149 
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From: SewBug1
Date: 08-14-2004, 08:50 AM (2 of 13)
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Try a new needle. If you have an older needle in, it could have a burr in the eye of the needle. Try repositioning your thread, meaning ifyou have it horizontal, try it vertial. Some spools want to be up. Use the correct sized needle, is your needle too small or large for your fabric. |
User: SewBug1
Member since: 05-29-2004 Total posts: 26 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 08-14-2004, 10:30 PM (3 of 13)
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If you are still having trouble, try using an embroidery needle. It has a larger eye and therefore less strain on the thread. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: DawnLStewart
Date: 08-16-2004, 07:24 PM (4 of 13)
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Hi! Have you tried Metafil Needles? I use them in my machine when sewing with rayon or metallic thread. They work great. The long eye and polished needle reduce thread breakage. Here is a link to a website featuring Metafil Needles. http://www.sullivans.net/usa/Pages/usa/meta.htm Wishing you the best, Dawn http://dlstewart.com/quilting.htm |
User: DawnLStewart
Member since: 09-15-2001 Total posts: 87 
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From: mommydionne
Date: 09-07-2004, 06:31 PM (5 of 13)
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What brand of thread are you using? Are you using the 40wt stuff meant for embroidery machines or a heavier topstitching rayon thread. I have used my embroidery machine thread in my sewing machine. I find Sulky strips and breaks easily, I sometimes use a Metafil or a topstitching needle b/c it has a larger eye. My favourite thread to "cross over" from embroidery machine to sewing machine is Isacord (oklahoma embroidery) but I have had good luck with Coates embroidery threads too and they have some really nice varigated ones that look good on kids stuff, just some ideas... 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Londa
Date: 10-22-2004, 11:12 PM (6 of 13)
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I, too, feel that you can't beat a Metafil needle. They are better than the Schmetz Metallica IMHO. People in general don't change or use the proper needle the way they should. Given a choice today between polyester and rayon - I'd always go with poly because it is stronger AND the color will hold up longer. Londa www.londas-sewing.com Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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From: sewphisticate
Date: 10-31-2004, 01:28 AM (7 of 13)
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I agree. Polyester threads are much stronger than Rayon, and they are colorfast. I use Mettler Polysheen. Another consideration, try loosing your tension. I know this is kinda duh!, but I often forget to adjust my tension and then have to have that "oh yeah, dummy" moment. Genevieve Genevieve
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User: sewphisticate
Member since: 10-29-2004 Total posts: 20 |
From: Londa
Date: 10-31-2004, 08:49 AM (8 of 13)
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I agree again - one MUST understand tension - regardless of how 'automatic' you think it is - I always say no machine I've (yet) seen has eyes, feelers, and a brain! No machine can yet know exactly your needle, your thread, your fabric type and thickness - and ALL these things can determine subtle changes in tension requirements. Period! If you don't understand tension - go get a lesson from the dealer who sold you your machine - and don't leave til you understand it! If he can't explain it - well, you need a class anyway.... Maybe this is a topic we should start? Londa Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 10-31-2004, 12:45 PM (9 of 13)
| I was talking to a sewing shop one time about metallic thread breaking and they told me to use a drop of sewers aid on the thread. I haven't treid this yet but that's what they said they used. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: sewphisticate
Date: 10-31-2004, 06:55 PM (10 of 13)
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I have heard that about sewer's aid also, but have not tried it. When I use metallic threads, I also use a monofiliment for strength. The monofiliment is invisible and adds strength to the metallic. It does add some density to the finished embroidery, which can be a good thing. The only person I know who has used the sewer's aid for metallic thread said she had to sit at her machine and constantly baby it, putting drop after drop along the thread because if she didn't it kept breaking. I'm just way too busy and, honestly, lazy to constantly watch my machine as it stitches out designs, so I opt for the monofiliment. Genevieve Genevieve
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User: sewphisticate
Member since: 10-29-2004 Total posts: 20 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 10-31-2004, 11:17 PM (11 of 13)
| Actually what they told me to do with sewer's aid was to put a couple of drops at the most on the spool of thread, you know like run it down the length of the spool when you were applying it, but like I said I haven't done the deed yet. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-01-2004, 12:46 PM (12 of 13)
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Woody-- That is the way Nancy Zieman does it on her show.. (couple of drops carefully on the spool) I have seen her demo this several times over the years.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: sewphisticate
Date: 11-01-2004, 04:06 PM (13 of 13)
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Next time I'm using metallics, I'll give it a try. If anybody has tried this, let me know how well it works. Thanks. Genevieve Genevieve
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User: sewphisticate
Member since: 10-29-2004 Total posts: 20 |
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