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I'm having huge trouble with my thread, I am usually really good and find it really easy to thread my needle with normal thread, but I got some free Madeira sparkly thread with my magazine and have been trying to make Christmas labels with it. Firstly it is really hard to thread into my needle, I have to wrap it round my needle and twist it to get it in and sometimes that doesn't even work. Second it keeps shredding, not sure if you understand, but i'm not sure what else call it and not entirely sure how to explain it either, um, when the sparkly bit doesn't go through and it all ends in a lump at the back of your stitching and your left with a really thin black thread that the sparkly stuff was attached to which just wrecks the whole thing. I was really looking forward to making these 'quick-stitch' Christmas labels and it has taken me ages just to make one and I have often found myself giving up before I even start cos I can't thread the bloody needle. I had the same stuff free last year with the same magazine and it wasn't nearly this much trouble.

I find earwax a good way to keep threads together normally mine or the dogs,

Oh that sucks. I don't have much experience with metallics - I've only ever used Kreinik or DMC but they can be the devil to work with.

Have you tried treating the thread with Thread Heaven before using it? I find a generous coating of that can make a huge difference in making things more manageable.

It doesnt leave a residue and its quite easy and cheap to get hold of here in the UK

I hope things get easier for you with it!

Sorry to hear about your trouble with metallic thread, it is so pretty yet the devil to work with. Unfortunately we have all suffered the same at some time.
It helps if you run the thread through a product called 'thread heaven' a sort of wax that coats the thread and makes it easier to pull through the fabric. I have also heard that if you dampen the thread after threaded it helps, though I haven't used this method before. It is also advisable to use a shorter length of thread and pull it through the fabric slowly.
As for threading the needle I use a size 24 needle and once threaded fasten the thread to the eye of the needle so it does not come unthreaded while stitching.
Hope this helps you and I am sure other members will have heaps of tips and tricks for you as well.
Cheers Jan

What about a needle threader? http://www.sewandso.co.uk" target="_blank you can find them on here.

The kreinik website has lots of useful info on how to stitch with metallic thread including this one:

Cut a small strip of paper and fold in half. Place the fold through the eye of the needle and open the two ends to insert the thread in between (imagine a thread paper sandwich). Gently pull the paper through so the thread is brought with it.

I stitch with metallics a lot and not all metallic threads are the same! The best (IMHO) is Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid and the worst are DMC and the Madeira that you get in grey spiral packs (which I suspect is what you are trying to stitch with, there is a reason why it is always given away free in magazines!) - though the Madeira Glissen Gloss that comes on cards is fine. Just thought I'd mention that so you are not put off metallics for life!

Tonystitcher wrote:I find earwax a good way to keep threads together normally mine or the dogs,

Along with using thread heaven.. or migs suggestion of earwax.. I find its also helpful to loop tie your thread to your needle.

Make a loop and push that through your needle. Make a big loop. Stick your needle through that loop- and pull so one "leg" is short- about an inch long.
That little part will shred- but who cares, it will be cut off anyways. Then stitch like normal with the long side.

willow wrote:What about a needle threader? http://www.sewandso.co.uk" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank you can find them on here.

I tried that, it didn't help.

Thanks for all the ideas I have ordered some thread heaven, hopefully it will be here before the end of the week, I have people coming in the first week of December that are expecting labelled presents. Maybe I will try the rainbow gallery stuff next time. Like I said I only have this stuff cos it was free.

Maybe go to the next larger needle so that the eye is easier to thread. I always use Thread Heaven with all my metallics and if I am using a 26 needle on my DMC then I will use a 24 on my metallics.

I would definitely recommend a needle threader and some thread heaven.

Also when you sew with metallics it's a good idea to anchor the thread to the eye of the needle by making a loop through the eye and pulling the tail back through the loop from the other side (tying your thread to the needle).

Also if you are sewing by combining the metallic with a regular thread give yourself extra tail on the metallic to allow for shredding.

Madeira metallics are so pretty, but such a pain with which to work. The thread heaven is great advice. When working with metallics I usually use as large of gauge needle that will work through the fabric. I've accumulated several needle threaders made for tapestry needles. I'll be glad to send you one to try. Just email your addy to me at (deleted)

I am currently having this same issue. i am using shorter lengths and that helps some, but doesn't cure it completely. I was trying a larger eye, but I think I got confused and am back to the smaller eye. I'll have to see if I can find thread heaven, I am always going to try it and keep forgetting to get it. I may have to buy it online. I am also about to try some substituting because I don't think the stuff with the kit is going to be enough and the kit is really old.