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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Military_Mom
Date: 06-07-2007, 05:51 PM (1 of 13)
| I'm having 'issues' with my machine (Brother Innovis) and metallic thread. I use a metallic needle, I've slowed my machine down as far as I can ( 350 spm) and STILL I have problems. My local sewing store recommended a Sulky brand called Holoshimmer (it's flatter than the other kind) so I tried that but it still breaks and sometimes it pulls the bobbin thread to the top. I've tried the Madiera metallic,too but it seems to fray. Any ideas of what I might be doing wrong or does anyone have a metallic thread that they LOVE to use??? I'm pulling my hair out here because I have a couple of T shirts I need to do...I'm putting a design of a metallic blue pick up truck on it and I ruined 2 T shirts already. Or could it be that it's T shirt material I'm trying to put it on?? ANY help would be welcomed. Thanks in advance. |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109 
|
From: paroper
Date: 06-07-2007, 07:20 PM (2 of 13)
|
Metalic threads are notorious for their breakage. I've had better luck with Yenment thread than any other but once in a while, when the spool gets low, I still have issues. I would expect the Sulky to give you more trouble than the Madera and although I think the flat Sulky is pretty, I would think it would be awful...I have some, just haven't tried the flat variety. For the most part the problems come because the thread gets kinky! You know how when you roll a garden hose up in a circle and then go to unroll it that if you just stretch it out it twists? Well, that's pretty much what happens with the metallics leaving you with ragged frayed thread. The best method I've found for helping this is to increase the distance from the thread to the first thread guide. A free standing thread stand place far to the right of the machine can help. In a tight spot, you can use a glass to put your spool in. I've even known people to cut the side out of a 2 liter pop bottle and thread the thread through the opening in the top. I don't exactly know why/how it works but it seems to give the thread a little more space to relax before it is used. Give this a shot and see if it helps you. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 06-07-2007, 11:22 PM (3 of 13)
|
I googled and found these interesting articles and tips. Hope they help. http://www.sewvac1.com/Library/Sewingtips.htm#metallics http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?SewingHintsforMetallicandIridescentThr ead.htm http://softexpressions.com/help/faq/faqmetallicthread.html While searching I found this comment...never heard of this before. Has anyone else? "When sewing with specialty threads, you will most likely have to adjust needle and tension positions. Remember to always adjust the upper tension of your machine with the foot down. It may not register the change if it is up. Once you find a setting you like, write it down!" TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
|
From: paroper
Date: 06-07-2007, 11:27 PM (4 of 13)
|
No, and I haven't had a problem with that either way...but then it may vary from brand to brand of machine. I have adjusted the tension and I sometimes use a special needle, although with the Yenment thread, I rarely have to change to a metalic needle and I've never changed needle positions for metallic thread, either for sewing or embroidery...food for thought......
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: joni lowe
Date: 06-08-2007, 09:19 AM (5 of 13)
| Not to imply that I have any great insight into this, but one thing I do remember from a class I attended on embroidery, the lady from Sulky said to omit the last thread guide closest to the needle when working with metallic thread. Just thought I'd pipe in with this tidbit. Joni |
User: joni lowe
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 75 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 06-08-2007, 10:29 AM (6 of 13)
|
When using a flat thread the thread MUST be on a vertical spool pin so that the spool turns as the thread comes off rather than the thread pulling off the end as it does with a horizontal spool pin. Otherwise the thread will twist, add tension and break. I prefer to use a topstitch needle with these threads because the larger eye reduces friction.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 06-08-2007, 10:31 AM (7 of 13)
|
Sometimes it's just the speed of the machine. I've had breakage, but since I have a Pfaff, I can use the metallic thread and the foot pedal to control the speed. With the machine running very slow, you can see what happens by the eye of the needle. I've used 10yr old thread this way. Sometimes using an upright spool holder helps. I've also used my fingers as another guide to get rid of twists. Daughter has a PC-6500, and that really is a bear with metallic threads. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
|
From: Military_Mom
Date: 06-08-2007, 02:40 PM (8 of 13)
|
Thank you SO much to everyone with the great tips. I've seen where other people mention,too, about moving the spool farther from the machine but I hadn't heard about the flat thread needing to be on a veritcal spool. The links were very helpful,too. I think I'm ready to tackle the project again (my hair is growing back!). Thank you to all who are so generous with sharing their experiences! I've learned so much from this board!! |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-10-2007, 11:44 AM (9 of 13)
|
My sister explained the need to have thread on a vertical spool by using a roll of toilet paper. If you pull the paper off the roll when its on a horizontal spool, it twists off, which shows how your thread would twist. When you put the toilet roll on a vertical spool it rolls off beautifully.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Military_Mom
Date: 06-11-2007, 06:23 PM (10 of 13)
| I bought a vertical stand for the thread today.I'm hoping to give it a try later on this week when I have some spare time to try it out. Been looking for Yenmet thread but no one sells it in my area. I did find some online sites that sell it but nothing locally. |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109
|
From: vwroby
Date: 06-15-2007, 09:50 PM (11 of 13)
| First, I recommend you check out a group on Yahoo Groups solely for Innovis and Ellegante users. They have a number of posts on this subject. Second, the consensus appears to be having the thread a distance from the machine, similar to what has been said here. Third, I also have an Innovis and have had great results with Superior metallics combined with an upright thread guide positioned about a foot from the machine. Forth, cut up one of the ruined T shirts to practise on before actual sewing. Good luck! |
User: vwroby
Member since: 05-28-2007 Total posts: 7 
|
From: catfrog
Date: 06-25-2007, 10:58 PM (12 of 13)
| I use metallic thread all the time and don't have a problem. I use sulky and the stand used for sergers. Sometimes I unwind it ahead of time so it will be good and loose. Works for me. I love it ! Connie |
User: catfrog
Member since: 07-20-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: Military_Mom
Date: 07-03-2007, 07:48 PM (13 of 13)
Just letting you know..because I said I would....that I tried the vertical stand for the metallic thread and it worked like a charm. I stood it about a foot away from the machine and didn't have any breakage at all ! I was thrilled. Thanks for that advice. I never did find the Yenmet thread so used the Sulky with no problem.  ~Becky |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109
|
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