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Using Superior Metallics

Posted: 17 September 2010 at 6:04 a.m.
ASK DR. BOB:
" I have a small quilt to finish and I bought a spool of your black metallic thread. So far I am completely unsuccessful in using it and I just gave up trying to solve the problem myself.


*Superior Metallics, a strong durable, beautiful 40 wt. thread

1) I have the spool on the thread stand sitting behind my machine. The thread will not stay in the guide at the top of my Bernina.
2) I was told to use a Universal needle, but the thread is breaking.
3) It looks like the thread is curling up as it comes off the spool. That doesn’t seem right to me.
Do you have any tips? "
Thank you, G. Smith

We can fix this in three simple steps:
1. Spools are meant to unwind straight from the side of the spool and not over the top or over the end of the spool. (Only cones are meant to unwind over the top.)

Your machine should have a vertical spool pin. Position the spool on that and the thread will unwind straight from the side of the spool.
2. Needle: The Universal needle is the worst needle out there. You need either a Metallic or Topstitch needle (they are the same needle), size 90/14.


*Superior Titanium Coated Topstitch Needle is guaranteed to last 5-8 times longer than a regular needle.
A size 80/12 is to small.
3. Loosen the top tension on your machine all the way down to a 1.0.
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Comments

  • 9. Jo, Eden Prairie, MN (07 March 2011 at 3:03 a.m.)

    I was lucky enough to take a 2 day class with Libby Lehmann (her book "Threadplay" is still the best info on metallic thread)in 2002. As she is the "Diva" of metallic thread I made sure I followed what she told me! At the time she was in the process of getting together with Superior Threads to invent Bottom Line! I do not have a horizontal spool pin on my machine, so my thread always goes on a vertical pin. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not using a spool cap on a small size spool. If you don't use a spool cap, the spool turns around as the thread comes off and the thread goes through the machine twisted. Also, you absolutely cannot use cotton thread in the bobbin! That's why there is Bottom Line and So Fine! You must turn the top tension down to 2 or less (I often sew at 0). If you own a machine that has a drop-in bobbin you don't have to do anything different when you load the bobbin in the machine. However, if you have a machine with the bobbin underneath (such as a Bernina) you might have to adjust the bobbin tension---check with your dealer, they will show you how to do it. And always use the wonderful new titanium topstitch needles. I can hardly keep up with the demand for them. I have been teaching classes at quilt shops for years on using metallic thread and I teach it the way Libby taught it to me!

  • 8. HP, Puyallup Wa (05 March 2011 at 7:44 p.m.)

    I think people get their metallics confused. There are TWO KINDS. The FLAT kind and the ROUND kind. The FLAT kind should always be on a spool meant to 'wind off' to the side. Hence the Vertical/upright pin on your machine. Do not lay it down on it's side. The Round kind is on regular spools AND cones. If it's on a cone-- use a thread stand. Cones are designed to 'wind off' the top. If the company PUT IT ON A CONE then the company must logically mean for it to unload off the top without a problem. Right? So look at the thread- is it FLAT like miniature tape? Or is it round? Because Superior makes both and it's hard to understand the questions if the asker doesn't specify which. ALL THREAD STANDS UP! No laying down threads!...LOL... The metallic needles and the Top Stitch needles are all the same shape. I don't have my paper from Bob's class at the fair in front of me, but I seem to recall the "Metalic" needle really only works best with one kind of metalic (as in Flat shape or round Shape) -- but I forget which. Then for the other he suggested something else-- maybe a Superior thread person can clarify?? ** as for the lady who is having all manner of trouble no matter what-- seriously, try a good night sleep and re aproach it the next day. I took four lectures this weekend, and even the pros admitted-- they have times when that is the only solution, and for whatever weird reason, the problem miraculousley works itself out. Frustration is the enemy!

  • 7. Todd (17 January 2011 at 1:23 p.m.)

    Lower the top tension all the way down to zero or 1 and see if that solves it. Please let me know.

  • 6. Janeen (16 January 2011 at 5:40 p.m.)

    I have tried all day to free motion quilt with this poly quilter from Superior threads. It keeps shredding..and don't tell me to use a 100-16 needle, reduce tension to 2, use Sewers Aid, use numerous needles, clean my machine, rethread my machine, find burrs, etc...I have done it ALL. Still shreds!

  • 5. Todd (30 November 2010 at 11:43 a.m.)

    Bobo, We recommend using our So Fine! in the bobbin with our metallic thread. Bottom Line will work as well. Using a smooth thread on the bottom will help the seam catch.

  • 4. Bobo,Hot Springs,AR (22 November 2010 at 11:30 a.m.)

    what kind of thread do I use with metalic thread in my bobbin so the machine will sew without problems.

  • 3. Miss Jackie (03 October 2010 at 12:46 p.m.)

    I love metallics but I too had a real problem getting them to work for a long time. I read every tip & tried a lot of things b4 I had success. I use the Metallics or topstitch needles in large sizes and sometimes I place the cone thread holder away from the machine so it has more distance to unwind & relax, this seemed to help the most and use fresh quality thread not some that's been sitting around forever or that you got on sale CHEAP. happt stitching.

  • 2. Nedra/ Superior Threads (20 September 2010 at 5:23 a.m.)

    Hi Debby, I asked Bob your question and here is his reply: "It is OK if it moves some but the center pin is there only to keep the cone from tipping over. Cones should wind freely over the top so the there should not be any reason for the cone to move." We hope this helps. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

  • 1. Debby, Chester NY (17 September 2010 at 10:15 p.m.)

    Hi Bob, I do have a vertical spool pin, however since even the small size spool of metallic thread is on a cone instead a a spool won't it shake around too much. Just wondering.

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