Illuminations Purple

Illuminations Black Core Purple

Machine Stitching with Metallic Threads Our Illuminations metallic threads have a polyester core that’s wrapped with a thin layer of metallic material. I have worked with metallic thread for many, many years. Here are some of the best tips and techniques I have learned. Metallic Thread At the factory the thread is wound onto the spools while they are in an upright position, so they usually sew best if they are spooled off the same way. Use a thread stand or cone holder to pull the thread up through a hook and over into your sewing machine. Thread nets are helpful, especially with larger spools because they keep the thread from spooling off too fast. Tension and Stitch Length The best tension for satin stitching with metallic thread is about a 2 or 3 on most machines. These are the settings used to sew appliques or buttonholes. Lengthen the stitch from a 2 to a 2.5 or 3. By loosening the tension and lengthening the stitch, there is less chance of the thread making a "bird’s nest" (packing in one place) and breaking. Practise on a scrap of fabric before sewing to ensure best results. Needles I recommend Schmetz Top Stitching or Metallic Needles –or they are designed for metallic and other hard-to-sew threads. The eyes have been smoothed to eliminate burrs that cause shredding or breakage. This process also makes them more expensive. The eyes of machine embroidery needles have been smoothed more than regular sewing machine needles but not the same degree as the metallic needles. Use a 90 or 100 for the best results but if you are working on finer fabrics, try the 70 or 80. I also recommend Titanium coated topstitch style needles from Superior Threads. These needles have an ultra-thin coat of titanium nitride layered on the surface to extend their productive life by five to eight times that of conventional needles. You can buy them in 70/10, 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16 There really is nothing scarey about using metallic threads. The effects are well worth it.

Standard series

Black Jewel series

standard range stitchouts
standard range solid stitchouts
black jewel range stitchouts
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