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Watch the video: “Mastering Metallic Thread: Tips & Tricks for Sewing” by Melanie Ham
Metallic thread doesn’t have to be fussy. With the right needle, gentle settings, and a patient pace, those shimmery stitches go from frustrating to fabulous.
In this guide, we unpack the exact choices shown in the video—from thread types to tension—plus smart insights from the comments to keep your stitches smooth and your sanity intact.
What you’ll learn
- How two metallic threads behave differently and why that matters
- The needle swap that dramatically reduces breakage
- Which machine settings were used in the demo (and how to test on yours)
- What to check on your stitches (front and back) to dial in tension
- Commenter-approved tricks for taming unruly spools
Understanding Metallic Threads
WonderFil Rayon Core vs. Superior Threads Metallics Two high-quality metallics take center stage in the video: a WonderFil metallic with a rayon core and a metallic from Superior Threads. The WonderFil rayon core is designed with minimal stretch, so it behaves more like a standard thread. The Superior Threads option has a stretchier core, which introduces a touch of “give.” That extra flexibility can help reduce shredding and breakage for some machines and stitch styles.
The presenter shares a candid take: the WonderFil spool felt “squirrely” at first—quick to fly off the spool and tangle—though it produced beautiful stitches after some testing and setup. By contrast, the Superior metallic seemed to settle in faster on her machine and required less fiddling with tension.
You’ll see the difference in how they handle and in the sample stitches shown on red fabric. The shine is eye-catching on both, but the path to a balanced stitch may vary by brand and by machine. If you switch threads often, expect to make tiny adjustments each time you swap.
Once stitched, the metallic sheen is the whole point: clean, light-catching lines and accents that make holiday projects sing. Keep your expectations realistic on the first pass—test, adjust, and re-test on scraps before moving to your actual project.
Why Metallic Thread Can Be Tricky Metallics are stiffer and more delicate at the surface than all-purpose threads, so they’re more prone to shredding under friction and tension. The core composition matters: rayon-core (less stretch) can feel crisp and controlled, while a stretchier core can buffer stress at the needle. Neither is universally “better”—they simply behave differently, and your machine will have preferences.
Pro tip Test both the top and bobbin with the same metallic (if that’s your plan) on scrap fabric first. Tiny tweaks in tension and speed go a long way.
Watch out If your spool behaves like it has a mind of its own, pause and manage the feed path before you force the stitch. Thread that’s tangling off the spool will almost certainly shred at the needle.
The Importance of Your Needle
Topstitch Needle Benefits The video highlights a simple, powerful switch: use a topstitch needle—often a 90/14—for metallics. The larger, elongated eye gives the thread more room to move, reducing friction and the sawing action that causes breakage. Starting with a fresh needle also helps eliminate hidden burrs that can nick delicate metallics.
Elongated Eye for Smooth Thread Flow A close-up in the video shows that elongated eye in action. That extra space is what lets metallic thread “wiggle” without fraying at every puncture. If you’ve been fighting shredding with a universal needle, this swap alone can feel like magic.
Quick check Look at your thread after a few inches of stitching. If you see fuzzing or it looks chewed near the needle, stop and change to a topstitch needle. It’s a fast, inexpensive fix.
From the comments Several viewers asked where to buy topstitch needles. The video doesn’t specify retailers. If you’re unsure, consult your local dealer or a trusted online sewing supply shop. [Not specified in the video]
Optimizing Your Machine Settings
Adjusting Stitch Length In the demo, the presenter lengthens the stitch to 3. Longer stitches reduce the number of penetrations and friction per inch, which metallics appreciate. If you can’t match that exactly, use your manual as a guide and test incrementally on scraps.
Lowering Tension for Specialty Threads For the featured metallic from Superior Threads, the packaging itself suggests using a topstitch 90/14 and reducing upper tension to “1.” That guidance aligns with the on-machine adjustments shown in the video. When in doubt, follow your thread maker’s label and your machine’s manual diagrams for tension.
Machine Specific Recommendations (Juki TL-2010Q) The demo is sewn on a Juki TL-2010Q. On that machine, the stitch length is set to 3 and the upper tension dial is turned down to about 1. The presenter notes her Juki typically runs well on the lower side of tension anyway. If you’re on a different model, translate the principle (longer stitch, lower upper tension) to your dial and confirm with test seams.
Watch out Default settings can be too aggressive for metallics. Lower your tension more than you think at first, then inch back up as needed to balance the stitch.
Quick check Examine the back of your stitch after a short test line. If the bobbin thread is pulling to the top or the top thread is nesting underneath, adjust accordingly and re-test.
Sewing with Metallic Thread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pre-sewing Checks and Slow Stitching
- Insert a fresh topstitch needle (e.g., 90/14) before you start.
- Thread your machine carefully; re-thread if you change tension or spool setup.
- Set a longer stitch length (the demo uses 3) and reduce upper tension (the demo uses ~1).
- Place a scrap of your project fabric under the foot and sew slowly. Metallics dislike “pedal to the metal” speeds; let the machine and feed dogs do the work.
Checking Tension and Back Stitching After the first few inches, stop and check both sides. Look for even interlocking of top and bottom threads without loops or tightness. If it’s off, make a small tension change and try again on a fresh scrap. If persistent problems arise, clean and oil your machine as recommended and consult your manual’s tension diagrams for your specific model.
From the comments Multiple viewers asked about bobbin thread choice. The creator replied that she used metallic thread in the bobbin as well and generally likes the same thread top and bottom. If you try this, test methodically on your machine to confirm balanced results.
Note The video does not detail how to wind metallic thread on a bobbin. If winding causes slipping on a metal bobbin, proceed cautiously and consult your machine manual for bobbin-winding guidance. [Not specified in the video]
Troubleshooting Common Metallic Thread Issues
Dealing with Shredding and Breakage
- Swap to a topstitch needle with an elongated eye.
- Lower upper tension significantly and lengthen stitch length.
- Slow down your sewing speed—this alone prevents a lot of breaks.
- Re-thread the machine from scratch if the path got disturbed.
- Inspect the back of your stitch after every change to see how the adjustment affected balance.
Managing “Squirrely” Thread Behavior The pink WonderFil spool shown in the video has a tendency to fly off the spool and tangle. If your thread behaves similarly, first manage the feed: ensure your spool orientation is appropriate for your machine, keep the path smooth, and avoid snags.
From the comments Viewers reported success with thread nets and covers to tame unruly unspooling; the creator confirmed that covers can help. These aids weren’t demonstrated in the video but may be worth trying if your spool misbehaves.
When to Consult Your Machine Manual If tension won’t balance, your manual’s diagrams are the fastest way to sanity. The video specifically recommends checking your machine’s manual for tension guidance, and performing routine maintenance like cleaning and oiling per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Watch out If a specialty thread (metallic or otherwise) has already tangled inside your machine, stop. Do not yank. Follow your manual’s clearing steps or consult a technician to avoid further damage. A commenter shared a past experience with a different specialty thread causing internal tangles and costly repair.
From the comments
- “Can you show us how you fixed the tension?” The video demonstrates settings (longer stitch, lower upper tension) and advises using the manual’s diagrams, but does not show a full fix sequence step-by-step. [Not specified in the video]
- “Is it okay on neoprene?” The video doesn’t address neoprene. If you attempt it, test on scraps and verify feed, needle, and tension. [Not specified in the video]
Showcasing Your Metallic Creations
Displaying Finished Samples Side-by-side samples in the video show pink metallic stitches and green metallic stitches on different fabrics. Both deliver that hallmark shimmer once tension and speed are tuned. Compare your tests: if one thread dials in faster on your machine, keep notes on its settings for next time.
From the comments
- One viewer added metallic thread to yarn for festive holiday patterns.
- Another stitched silver metallic quilting on “Frozen”-inspired quilts and loved the look.
- Many planned holiday accents—gingerbread house details, custom decorations, and more.
Pro tip Keep a swatch card. For each metallic thread, jot the needle type, tension, stitch length, and fabric. Next season, you’ll be back to beautiful stitches without the guesswork.
A note for machine embroiderers This video focuses on sewing machine settings, not embroidery specifics. If you machine-embroider, the same principles still help: a topstitch needle and lower upper tension can reduce breaks. For hooping hardware or frames, refer to your machine’s documentation and test carefully before committing to a full design. If you are exploring accessories, you may come across options like magnetic embroidery hoop and magnetic embroidery frames; these are outside the scope of the video, so rely on your embroidery manual and do controlled tests.
Gear glossary (context for embroiderers; not shown in the video)
- Some embroiderers use machine embroidery hoops or specialty hoop systems to stabilize materials for metallic stitching—again, proceed by testing on scraps.
- Community chatter often mentions products like snap hoop monster or mighty hoop as part of their embroidery setup; these are not demonstrated here, but if you use them, verify compatibility with your specific model and project.
- If you’re shopping in the UK market, you may see references to embroidery hoops uk. Use your machine’s manual and reputable dealer advice to match gear to your setup.
- If you combine embroidery with regular sewing, note that an embroidery sewing machine may have different tension behavior than a straight-stitch model; always test and adjust.
Final thoughts Metallic thread rewards patience. Start with a topstitch needle, longer stitches, and low upper tension. Sew slowly, test on scraps, and check both sides of the stitch often. If a particular brand feels unruly at first, don’t give up—refine the feed and settings until the shimmer shows. And when your stitches glow, share them with the community—the sparkle inspires everyone.