Embroidering with Metallic Thread
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Embroidering with
Metallic Thread |
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Metallic thread is a great way to add sparkle and
shimmer to your embroidery projects, but it can be a
little tricky to work with. Avoid any 'threadaches'
such as nesting, knotting, or thread breaks with these
helpful tips and tricks.
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Metallic thread
is thinner than rayon or
polyester and has a stretchier core, which
makes it a little temperamental to work
with. |
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Embroidering
with metallic thread requires special
needles. These types of
needles have a larger eye, which reduces
friction as the thread passes through. |
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When
embroidering with metallic thread, let the
thread relax before it goes through the
tension disks. A thread stand is one great tool to
help relax the thread. |
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Another way to
relax metallic thread is to place the
spool in a coffee cup near your
machine. The cup allows the thread to
unspool and relax, reducing and eliminating
thread breaks. |
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Metallic thread
is especially nice in freestanding lace
designs. In this example, metallic thread is
used in both the top and in the bobbin. |
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Most embroidery
machines allow changes to the stitching
speed. Slow the speed to 350-400
stitches per minute. That reduces friction
and thread breaks. |
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By following the
above tips -- using a special needle, letting
the thread relax, and slowing the machine
speed -- any thread breaks should be greatly
reduced, and ideally, eliminated.
This freestanding lace snowflake uses over
25,000 stitches and there wasn't a single
thread break. |
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| If after using all of the above tips
you still experience frequent thread breaks, check the
thread path to make sure there aren't any bits of thread
stuck there. Check the bobbin area for debris. Feel
the spool's caps to make sure there aren't any rough areas.
Finally, adjust the bobbin and top thread tension to achieve
better results. |
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