I found that when I use the 'tinsel' type no matter what I do, it never seems to look right. But using the kind that sorta looks like heavy thread works beautifully with a lower tension and slower speed.

There are several kinds of metallic. Madeira has one called "Metallic" that sews a treat. I think that's what you call the tinsel like stuff. Besides the gold and silver, they also have coloured thread twisted with a metallic one to give a lurex type thread in the same range. And then there is one called "Heavy Metal" that consists of a core of thread with real silver wound around it. That is alleged to be extremely strong and suitable for embroidering jeans, sail cloth, leather and even shoes as it is said to be hardwearing. Never used that one. The "Spectra" range is holographic thread which is a flat rather stretchy polyester monofilament which gives nice shiny results, but I get lots of breakages with it. Might be my own fault of course, but I like the result, not the stuff itself. Hope I answered your question.

Thank you for asking the question Eric and thanks to you ladies for the info, always something interesting to learn on this site...*'s to U all...

I believe sulky has the tinsel type & my machine will not sew it without a lot of breaking. All the other kinds I have no problem with. *4U

gosh now i know what to do, thanks cuties Flowers *

Try gutermann or Kingstar threads i ahve had no problem with them and dont forget to use a metallic needle you will get better results hope this helps happy stitching :)

Thanks for asking this question, as I just bought some metallic thread myself! I need to go for the special needles now! :)
*4UALL

I use both....With the "tinsel" type I thread it through a packing peanut first and slow down the speed only slightly...works like a charm. I posted a picture of what it looks like somewhere, but apparently forgot to list it as a tip and can't find it now. Sorry. Hope you figure it out. If not, PM me and I'll rewrite the description.;)