Has anyone done free standing lace with metallic thread?? I have done a lot of fsl with regular emb thread. I found a design that I am wondering what it would look like and stitch out in METALLIC THREAD.....

I've done fsl with metallics. I'm having a brainfreeze now, but there is a product that you can apply to the thread spool that conditions the thread to stitch more smoothly. I've used it on metallic threads that give me trouble, although nowadays I use better thread (King Star) so I don't have the problem. I've only used it on my older machine and would certainly ask your dealer if it is ok to use it with your machine. The newer machines are more sensitive and I can see where it may cause a problem rather than fix a problem. The peanut trick really helps a lot too.

1 comment

by claudenicolas 07 May 2018

What is this product that you apply to the thread spool? it seems very useul.

I made several of the angel here on Cute and appliied them to candles, or on Christmas cards as a usable ornament. For the former ones I used a yellow thread for the back, for the latter the same metallic as for the front.
I use a thread net for metallic threads and the old trick of threading through a packing peanut helps as well.

I did two Christmas ornaments that I used metallic thread on. For the background I used regular thread and then used the metallic for accents. I found it did better in the longer stitches. I also slowed the machine way down and used a larger eye needle. Good luck.

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by osueo 02 May 2018

That is an idea I never even thought of---metallic as accents---I will try and also the larger eye needle---Thanks and God bless you.

I do it all the time...I even use it in the bobbin case so the top and bobbin threads match. I normally use Madiera Metallic thread or Superior Metallic thread...Floriani also makes good metallic thread...I have not had good success with Yuli brand...I use a Metallic needle which has a larger eye (80/12 or 90/14) depending on the weight of the metallic thread and a thread net on the spool (I use the large 5000m cones). I have not found it necessary to slow my machine down...I run it at 1000 spm, but other brands may require different settings. I have done many of Sonia Showalter's angels with parts using Metallic threads and they have all stitched beautifully...the digitizing of the design can also make a difference in the quality of the stitch out.

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by osueo 02 May 2018

Thanks....all so helpful----I will try the net and the other ideas---will be a few days----Thanks again and God bless you.

The one "foolproof" way is to use the [very expensive] Floriani metallic threads, which come encased in some kind of plastic or Mylar. Have seen Christmas tree ornaments made this way, and they were outstanding. Good luck!

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by osueo 02 May 2018

I use Floriani threads almost exclusively--Thanks and God bless you.

Never had the guts to do that. I cover with metallic spray instead or spray glue and use glitter.

2 comments

by crafter2243 02 May 2018

From what I understand it is important how the thread unwinds. I would check with youtube first

by osueo 02 May 2018

Thanks. I will explore. God bless you.

I think it can be done, but you would need to make sure the thread is also in the bobbin and I'd slow my machine right down! Also use a special metallic needle which has a larger eye reducing friction. Love Chris

Have a look on Youtube, there's a great video from Emb Library about it.

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by osueo 02 May 2018

I will research youtube. Thanks and God bless you.

I've heard slow machine down and have a thread stand tall enough and you can watch. The distance from spool to needle takes the curl


out of metallic thread so longer is better. I have two coffee cup screw holders behind and above my machine. Other members will have ideas for you also. metallic needle.





Sandy


queen

1 comment

by osueo 02 May 2018

Thanks. I will explore and experiment with all of them. God bless you.