metallic thread

You'll get more replies to this question if you post it over at rctq or one of the sewing groups. That said, I can help you with this problem. Part of the reason that metallic is so difficult to work with is because it is wound onto one of the smaller diameter spools. The thread needs to sort of relax before it goes through your sewing machine so you need to set up a different way to thread the machine. First get a coffee mug and a LARGE paper clip. Tape the paper clip to the inside of the coffee mug so that the largest "loop" of the paper clip sits above the top of the mug. Set the mug near (but not right next to) the sewing machine and at a height even with where the spool of thread would sit when you thread the machine normally. Now put the spool of metallic INSIDE the coffee mug and thread the end through the paper clip loop. From there take the thread over to the sewing machine and thread as you would if the spool was sitting on the spool pin of the machine. By having the thread away from the machine, it gives it a chance to sort of unwind before it starts to go through the thread path mechanisms of your machine. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

Besides needing a nice long thread path to help it dekink (some folks find running it through a styrofoam packing "worm" helps, too) you need a needle with a large eye. Schmetz calls them Metalica needles; topstitching needles might also work. Brand of thread also matters-- Superior Threads metallics work well for me, while Sulky is, well, sulky.

If all else fails, handwind a bobbin with the metallic thread and use regular thread on top. Stitch "upside down" (this is called "bobbin work" and can be used for all sorts of things that sewing machines don't like to eat.)

Actually, after a project like that, I'd be inclined to fill the coffee cup with what Dean Martin was rumored to have in *his* coffee cup. ;)