Education Metallic Threads

What you really must know about metallic Thread

Trying to turn real metal into a smooth-sewing thread is not an easy task. To successfully run metallic thread on your machine, make sure the thread you are using has three essential components. Don't just go for a 'cheap' metallic thread it just will not work. There is quality metallic thread available, and at prices less expensive than some of the 'Cheaper' Threads. Choose wisely using these three benchmarks.

1. Does it have a nylon core? A nylon core is an indication of strength and quality. Polyester and rayon cores are weaker than a nylon core

2. Is it "paper-pasted"? The best Metallic Threads will have a coating of rice paper pasted over the nylon core. This helps adheres the nylon core to the metal, resulting in a stronger thread. Metallic threads without the rice paper pasting do not hold up as well during high-speed embroidery. Paper-pasting makes the thread cohesive and flexible.

3. Does it have a protective coating? If the thread has a protective coating over the outer metallic layer, the thread will run better and with less friction. An outer coating also protects against fraying and shredding.

The metallic thread we love so much which has all of the above attributes is made by Superior Threads. This top-quality metallic thread was originally made for Japan's kimono industry. It is Japan's finest quality. It can save you money by running smoothly with minimal downtime. Guaranteed to be the best metallic you've ever run.

Choose the best quality thread available. The quality of metallic threads range as wide as that of cars. There is the Robin Reliant and there is the Rolls Royce. Quite surprisingly, when compared yard for yard, the price of metallic thread does not vary much regardless of the quality you choose. In the metallic thread world, you will pay the same price, yard for yard, for a Reliant as you will for a Rolls Royce. The main difference is in the reel size. As a general rule, quality metallic threads are not put on small 100 metre reels. The smallest size is usually a 500-yard reel.

Numerous notions and techniques have been developed to try to make a poor quality thread work. We’ve heard them all, including, using silicon spray, put the thread in the freezer, position the spool of thread across the room, turn the spool upside down. If you start with a good quality thread, you will not need all the gimmicks.

The following tips will be sufficient to allow you to fall in love again with metallic thread!:

1. Choose the best quality thread Superior Metallic Thread is THE best we know, followed very swiftly by Madeira Metallic Thread No.40 and select a spool with a large spool core diameter. Avoid the skinny-core spools.

2. Use either a Superior Titanium Topstitch Needles OR Schmetz Topstitch Needle or a metallic needle, size 90/14. A size 80/12 needle is too small.

3. Loosen the upper tension setting to "1".

4. Use a smooth, lint-free bobbin thread. Superior Bottomline is the perfect underthread and it's available in all colours, as well as reels and cones