I use Mettler Metallics.

My HV and Pfaff had no issues after installing metallic needle lowering tension and slowing the speed of the machine.

My Bernina had issues after about an hour the thread would break. Discussed with my Bernina rep and bought the Mettalic Thread kit and started using. No problems after that

I don't like sewer's aid myself. My 830 likes superior metallic thread just fine. If i get near the end of the roll. I actually use some food grade silicone lube in the little metallic thread guide that came with the 830. if you lost it, they aren't too expensive to replace. One drop of lube is all you need in that thread guide felt pad. Don't put the lube on the spool. It'll just become a dust magnet.

I do use a titanium #90 topstitch needle though. The titanium isn't any 'stronger' as far as bending or anything. But the titanium coating helps prevent as much wearing and with metallic that means you can sew longer before the thread causes burrs and thus shredding or breaking thread. Even cotton thread in a regular needle will wear out the eye of the needle eventually. The titanium ones last probably 3x longer before you need to change them out.

With metallic if you are having a problem with shredding, try a larger size topstitch needle. Checkout superior's website in their education section on threads. Amazing amount of info there. And the info applies to any brand of thread.

I love to thread paint my sewing center told me always use "sewer's aid" lubricant on the thread, use #16 Jeans needle, and use a stand and lower your tension, sew slowly you shouldn't have problems & also it depends on your sewing machine. I have Quattro 2 6700D, by Brother, NO PROBLEMS. I tried with my Bernina 830 BIG PROBLEMS. Good luck

That's one I've never heard before, but Superior metallics are great!

Dr. Bob Purcell suggests using a TOPSTITCH needle for all threads, but especially metallics (size 90)! He calls it a "Magic Needle".

[url]watch/watch-shows/video/show-401-playing-with-angles[/url]

[url]watch/watch-shows/video/show-602-paper-piece-like-a-pro[/url]

A suggestion I read somewhere : metallic thread HEAT the needle after a certain time of sewing (metallic on metallic develop heating) : so the best is to get 2 needles and replace one by the other every half hour of constant sewing , letting the first to cool down. hope that could help somebody.
I use Superior metallic with good results.

Some great hints there to go with the threads.

I've just ordered a taster thread pack of the Superior to see how I get on with them.

I love Superior threads but have not tried their metallics. I do, however use Madeira and their FS range, if used with a topstitch 14 needle virtually never breaks or shreds. Maggi

Hi
Like others I too like Superior metallics, if you need the thread to show up on the black fabric, have you tried using a double needle? This would give two rows of identical stitches.Of course, I don't know if they come in titanium. But I use standard topstitch or metallic needles and use some quilters aid, a silicon liquid spread down the reel and a slower speed. Thread doesnt break for me!!! Lynn

I just went to a class on threads yesterday given by Pam Mostek. (Dazzling Quilts: Easy Glitz and Instant Glamour). She emphasized the importance of lowering the tension, using a vertical spool holder, going slowly and using the right needle. A lot of what she taught, we have already learned from Bob & Heather at Superior, and Pam uses a lot of Superior Threads. However, she said it depends how much you want the threads to show is how you decide which to use. If you want to see a lot of Glitz, choose a ribbon thread like Sliver by Sulky. So she will start out using polyester threads, then add the Superior Metallics and finally go back and use the Sliver in places where she needs more glitz. Now all I need to do is practice, practice, practice.

With my last order from Superior, the computer suggested that I might want to purchase some of the titanium needles. Well...I think I am never going to use another needle again. They go through fabric, even several layers, like butter and I have had NO problems at all. I think stitch for stitch, they are probably cheaper than regular needles.

HUMMMM!!! I don't know. You would probably have to really loosen the tension and don't put the thread through the last "hook" before it goes into the needle. That was one other thing that helped me with the tension. You will have to play and do a lot of adjusting. Also go slow. I put my machine at half speed. But most definately get the Titanium needles. THe 90/14 were too big for me, but with two metallics, you would probably need the bigger hole.

Then don't forget to take notes so you don't forget what works.

Good luck.. Cheryl

This discussion of metallic threads comes at a good time for me. I am in the middle of a quilt that I want to use metallic thread on. I have purchased Superior Threads black metallic to use on a black fabric and have started to experiment with quilting designs. I am disappointed in that the thread doesn't show up enough against the fabric.
Can I run two separate metallic threads through the same needle in the hopes that I will get a more prominent line?
Thanks.
Robin

Yes, loosen tension. It says on the site to put it at 1.0, but mine ended up being 1.8.

Hi all, I've tried a number of metallic threads and I find superior absolutely the best. I also use titanium needles, and be sure to loosen your thread tension just a bit. Then it glides through like butter...even other brands that tend to break do so less with titanium needles and loosened thread tension. Cheers