Shine on! Nothing adds a little shine to a project like metallic thread, whether you use it as an accent or as the primary embellishment. It’s great for decorative stitching, topstitching, serging, and even quilting, both on a regular machine and a longarm machine. Fun fact:Metallic thread is not actually made from metal! It’s made of nylon, polyester and cotton. Coats & Clark Metallic Embroidery comes on conventional spools and on larger mini-king spools too,so you’re sure to have plenty of sparkle and sheen in your stitching.It’sa 40 weight thread (40wt) which is the same size as machine embroidery threads. This means,it can be used for digitized embroidery as well as the decorative stitches on your sewing machine. You’ll be amazed by how even the simplest zig-zag stitch is transformed when you use metallic thread. It’s easy to find the perfect shade for your next sewing, quilting, or crafting project with goldand bright gold, as well as silver, copper, pearl, and ruby colors to choose from. Sewing Tips Some sewistsare nervousabout using metallics, and admittedly, some machines can be persnickety as well, but here are greattips to follow for trouble-free stitching with metallic threads Stand Up Your Spool- Use a vertical spool pin tohold the spool, or better yet a thread stand that sits behind or to the side of the machine. A thread stand allows more space for the threadto unwind and unkink itself before it gets to the needle. Put On Top- As a specialty thread,metallics aretypically used as an embellishment. It isn’t necessary to use in the bobbin unless the thread will be seen from both sides of the fabric. Go Slow- Slow the machine speed if possible, or simply stitch slower than you would with other threads to help reduce stress (on the thread) Reduce Tension- Some machines/fabrics require a reduced tension for a perfect stitch. On some finicky machines, you mayneed to leave the thread out of one or more upper thread guides to create the ideal stitch. Larger Eyed Needle- Select a metallic or topstitching needle with a larger eye (size 90/14 or 100/16). The bigger eye helps to reduce abrasion on the thread, preventing breakage and shredding that can occur with a universal needle’s smaller eye Lengthen Stitches- Dense stitch patterns can be changing when using metallic threads.Increase yourstitch length or reduce stitch density, this way you’re not packing so much thread into a small space which can cause the thread to break. Test Test Test!- Always test-sew on the same fabric as your project before committing to a stitch. Adjust stitch length, width and tension as needed. START STITCHING AND SHINE ON Are you ready to give sewing with metallic thread a try? Then, revitalize your holiday décorwith our Golden Accents pattern collection for a glamourous and festive look the whole family will enjoy for years to come!
