Embroidery with metallics
Well, it is a good topic as I’m head deep in preparation for the AEC Conference in early May and stitching like crazy with my signature thread….the metallics. There are so many of them out there in the market but I have to hand it to the Japanese (Fujix) for making the best metallic threads. I’ve been stitching now for two days on two of the commercial machines using the metallics for freestanding laces and apart from getting up to go change the bobbin, I have yet to have a thread break or shredding. There is no trick that I use with these threads…no standing on head, no placing the thread in the opposite side of the room etc etc. rather I just thread it just like any other thread and go for it. I also am notorious for not paying attention to needles so whatever needle is in there, most likely a 75/11.
The trick about Fujix threads is that they do not twist. There can be a number of brands that use Fujix, Kingstar, Madeira, etc etc. As long as the label says made in Japan, it is Fujix and you will never go wrong with it. As these threads do not twist they also do not shred easily (twisting thread will eventually start to shred and break).
Take out your metallic thread and thread it in your machine and watch it stitch. If the thread is twisting as it comes off the spool and before it goes into the thread guide, well, chances are that it will break sooner or later. What you want to do is to prevent it from twisting. First of all, metallics should be placed on a vertical angle. Get a thread stand and place the metallic in it. This should prevent most of all the twisting as it comes off the spool. If it still twists, well, then do the old trick. Get a packaging popcorn, thread a sewing needle with the metallic thread. Take the needle in through the popcorn taking out the thread on the opposite side. Now the popcorn will sit right on top of the spool and you can now thread through the thread guide to the machine needle. This will prevent the thread from twisting. Or take a paper clip and thread the needle through it before taking it to the thread guide. Only thing is that using a paper clip I find sometimes the thread gets tangled in there so I use a popcorn if I am using a metallic thread that is not Fujix made.
Where can I buy this thread. I had never heard of it. Thanks, Ann
Annie, I’m supposing you are referring to metallic threads. If so, t hen any metallic thread that says “Made in Japan” is Fujix brand. I have purchased Madeira metallics (5000m cones) that said Made in Japan, and they have stitched out wonderfully. Hugs, Sadia
I completely avoided using metallics this Christmas because of the problems you mention could happen, breakage and shredding. Next Christmas will surely be different thanks to you, You’re wonderful, Debbie
Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your hard earned wisdom. I am new to embroidery machines and just discovered your blog this week. Unlike all the other sites (and classes) I have found, your discussions and advice are very practical and address the things that go wrong in the middle of the night when no one is available for help!
I am too new to comment intelligently, but I wanted to say thank you for doing the blog thing, I love your designs, and have marked you as a guru for my embroidery journey.
It’s also cool to find that you are a fellow Missourian. Whenever I drive the 6 hours to St. Louis, I’ll have to look up all the places you talk about.
Thanks again for sharing info and experience that are so apt and useful.
L