How to do Machine Embroidery with Metallic Thread?

Various people have been looking for suggestions and recommendations for machine embroidery with metallic thread.

Well, if you, too, have been looking for some easy yet effective tips that can help you with machine embroidery with metallic thread, you have come to the right spot! Below we will be detailing some effective ways to create stunning embroidery with metallic thread.

Machine embroidery with metallic thread

Honestly, metallic thread products have stunning embroidery designs, even though using them in embroidery machines can be a pain. The problem gets complicated due to the various factors that add to the complexity of the process. While there will always be instances of thread breaks, and you will require to re-thread the machine with metallic thread, below we will be listing some effective tips that will help you minimize thread breakage and produce fantastic embroidery designs.

Thread quality

Always purchase a high-quality and best machine embroidery thread that doesn’t kink easily. Pro tip: A good thread won’t feel too bumpy or rough when passed through the fingers.

Choosing the right needle

Choosing the right needle is important for any embroidery assignment. In the case of metallic thread, we recommend using a 90/40 sharp needle. The large needle size will ensure easy penetration into the fabric, thereby making enough space for thread to lay smoothly on top. There is a special scarf feature found on metallic needles that prevent widened groove and skipped stitches to minimize thread breakage.

Alternatively, gold embroidery needles are often coated with titanium nitride. This special coating minimizes the wear and tear of needles for embroidery designs with high stitch counts. Such needles are also subtly rounded for easy penetration into fabrics and to create an ample space that can accommodate metallic threads.

During embroidery with metallic thread, needles can wear out easily. Thereby, always use a new sharp needle during the project initiation and replace it after a few hours of embroidery time (preferably four hours).

Choosing the right Stabilizers 

You should only use stabilizers with spray adhesives or adhesive backing in absolutely necessary cases. That’s because the eye of the needle may get a build-up deposit of adhesives, which will result in higher friction and needle breakage.

Remember, the excess the stabilization, the greater the friction to the needle and the higher the chances of thread breaking during the embroidery work.

Stitch type

Shorter and compact stitches result in higher tension and greater instances of thread breakage. Thereby, when using metallic thread, either go with a large design or embroider with a slow speed to ensure smooth stitches on the fabric.

Similarly, longer stitches can also increase tension on the thread and results in thread breakage during embroidery. Again, going at a slower machine speed is recommended to reduce thread breakage.

Thread layers

Multiple thread layers dramatically increase the fabric’s density, which increases the friction and instances of thread breakage. To achieve the best embroidery designs for metallic thread, use it in design areas with minimum thread layers.

Size of Embroidery Letters

If you are looking to embroider letters using metallic thread, keep the size of the letters equal to or larger than 1/4”. Any smaller size with lead to increase thread breakage instances.

Uniformly wound spools or cones:

Any deviation from uniformity represents certain damage to the thread, like a faulty winding process with uneven tension on the thread.

Freeze the thread

We aren’t joking. Place the metallic thread in the freezer for a few hours to minimize breakage.

Low thread tension

To prevent shredding and accommodate thread, always use low tension on the thread.

Takeaway!

Embroidery designs with metallic thread sure appear stunning. However, users have reported various complexity related to thread breakage during embroidery work. Nonetheless, there is no rocket science here, and with a little caution, you can produce gorgeous embroidery designs with metallic thread. So, start implementing the above-mentioned steps today, and we are sure you will be able to create magnificent designs with metallic thread without worrying about thread breakage.