Brother responded, yes, metallic threads are not good for Brother embroidery machine, the use of them can damage the machine!!!!!

I have had a Brother 750D and I use metallic thread. In fact it is the metallic thread they have. I think sometimes it depends on who answers the phone at Brother. I get different answers for the same question. Sometimes I go for 2 out of 3 on the same answer.

I might look further into that statement if I were you. If metallic threads were not good for Brother machines, WHY would Brother have a line of metallic thread?

1 comment

by lbrow 25 Mar 2011

I agree jerrilyn. Why would they make something to use that would harm the very machine they make

I have as brother machine.When I use Metallic thread.This is what i do....get a styrofoam packing peanut.thread a regular sewing needle with your metallic thread run it lenght wise of the peanut. Put thread on thread holder,put thread cap on to hold thread in place. snug peanut with metallic thread next to cap on thread and before the first thread holder, then thread machine as you always do. this keeps the kinks out of thread and no breakage. Works for me maybe will for somebody eles. Hugs and flowers.

1 comment

by mcsarge 24 Mar 2011

I too have tried that styrofoam peanut and it works well. Again, some metallics are more prone to kinks than others.

I have a brother 350se and I have used lots of the metallic thread to make butterflies and it work just fine, I also have some metallic thread that is too heavy to use in the machine.

I will be interested to hear if Brother gives a reply to the e-mail. I have a Brother but, havent tried the metallics yet. I guess I will wait. =0)

Thanks for this interesting snippet of information which I will remember

I have a Janome MC11000SE and used metallic thread last week for the first time and had no problem - sewed up just like the reg thread. I had noticed comments by cuties before about slowing down the machine and keeping the thread further away, so I followed what others had said and had no prob.
I had some cheap metallic thread I picked up on sale.

Would have been nice if Brother printed that in the manual! Thanks for letting us know, I won't bother to try anything using it since I have the lowest end Brother and can't afford anything else I have to keep this one running.

I have a Brother machine and have not heard this before. However, my first emb. machine was a White 3500 (made by Brother and discontinued now)and I never had a lot of success with metallic threads. The few times I did use metallic threads I used a product called SEWERS AID. I put a very thin line down the spool of thread top to bottom before using it and it helps.
I have not used metalic thread on my new brother 780D.
MJDG

Don't know how much good it will do-I just sent Brother and email letting them know that I was very upset about not being informed of this BEFORE I purchased my machine-Personally I think it is very deceptive and I certainly would expect better from such a large company.

Certainly doesn't surprise me. I've tried using metalic in my Brother only to have constant breakage-I tried using a larger eyed needle and reg. thread for bobbin and had a little succes. Basically, Brother embriodery machines are not the best in my opinion.

Didn't know but I never saw any warnings in my manual. I guess similiar to what Mscarge said, it's a matter of what works with your machine. I find some machine like this certain threads and mines may not. However; I L*VE the BLING of metallic but I haven't used any in years...FIESTA ANYHOW ;D *2U

1 comment

by mcsarge 24 Mar 2011

Also, when working with metallic thread its important that the 'tension' is lower, the proper needle, a thread stand to put that spool on and the further from the thread guides the better to avoid tangling, and depending on the machine other measures may prevail. Its a matter of trial and error as I found out and now I use metallic as much as I need to for the design with almost 99% success. No need to fear these speciality threads, just do your research for your machine, trial and error and asking the community if anyone has any suggestions for you. It worked for me.

I have a Brother Pacesetter PC 8500D, and I have never had a good outcome with metallic thread(try as I may). I'm glad I'm not the only one.:)
Laura

2 comments

by mad14kt 24 Mar 2011

Laura I guess it's similiar to this project I was working on the other day and the thread kept popping. I did everything I could think of and still it got on my nerves. I really wanted to throw this thread through the window. I embroidered with it before so maybe my machine was not having a good day. I completed my project and am HAPPY...FIESTA ;D *2U

by mary51 24 Mar 2011

I do not like to use them it is a nightmare, I have done all possible steps, and still do not work well, I have bought different Metallic thread all the same negative result, i finally gave up, no metallic threads for me.

I have a brother PE-150 machine and use metallic thread all the time. I think the 'key' to it all is maintenance of the machine. Have it periodically cleaned/serviced. I've used different brands of threads and some are better than others, some leave alot of fuzz behind and that requires more cleaning of the guides. I've even used those 'dust remover' sprays we use on computers and that helps in between professional servicing. Most machine manuals and complanies tell you what thread(s) to use with their machines and I have never saw a manual or heard of a company that discourages using any special type of thread. That would seem counter productive in the industry.
I guess good common sense preventative measures prevail in all cases......unless you have a very senstitive machine and the company 'prohibits' or limits the use of such threads.

3 comments

by mad14kt 24 Mar 2011

Good point ;D *2U

by katrinasheffield 24 Mar 2011

What kind of metallic thread do you use? I literally just finished downloading a bunch of patterns to use on a project specifically needing metallic threads and had asked about purchasing metallic thread not from my dealer... Now I'm REALLY paranoid because this man told me NEVER to buy anything except from him!! The 1 spool I have is Brother metallic polyester, 300m and cost me $9.95!!! Good thing its gold in color because it better stitch in real gold!

by mcsarge 24 Mar 2011

My favorite is Sulky, however, in the past I've used Coats, Robinson and others that I had in my stash. Again, some work better than others and it depends on the design too. Some designs are really not meant to use metallic because of the 'density' of the design, so metallic isn't a good choice. But for 'low density' designs, using metallic can add alot of sparkle detail to it. I personally shy away from any dealer who tells me to use this or that thread or insists that theirs is better. I think use your own judgement, try and error, along with the proper 'tension' for metallic, the right needle (and they have needles for metallic threads), making a sample before you do the final project is always wise to iron out any kinks you may come across. And when in doubt, I always consult the 'manual' and even have written to the thread companies for assistance. hope all this is helpful to you.

What about other makes????????? DUH, I don't use them much, but maybe I better not use them at all! Thanks.

2 comments

by mary51 24 Mar 2011

I do not use Metallic thread to often, it is a nightmare, so far I have only heard Brother Machines.

by mary51 24 Mar 2011

I do not use Metallic thread to often, it is a nightmare, so far I have only heard Brother Machines.