Sewers Aid

Since I'm busy with multiple machine embroidery projects at present, I thought I'd mention this handy tool. No, unfortunately it's not a fund set up to hire temporary (?) help to clean, cook and do other assorted tasks so we can spend more time sewing. Rather, it's a silicone lubricant which makes sewing with metallic threads much easier. There's a great article on tips for embroidering with metallic threads at the CraftStylish website.

I've been using Sewers Aid for years and I have to agree that it helps a lot. Just drizzle a little down the side of your metallic embroidery thread spool (use sparingly but as needed) and it will help it to go through the various tension discs, needle, etc. without shredding. Okay, I can't guarantee that it won't shred - my advice with thread is always buy the best possible quality. Always. Many home sewing enthusiasts will buy expensive machines and fabric and then try to economize by buying cheap thread. This is false economy, at best. You might get away with it some of the time but I guarantee you'll have better results by using good quality thread. Not to mention your machine will run much better (and require less maintenance) if it isn't clogged with lint - much of it comes from the thread! For metallics, I especially like Yenmet and YLI, although the main embroidery thread manufacturers all have good products as well.

I've found that machines have their own preferences, so you will have to see what your specific machine likes best. My machines are so spoiled - they are given silk thread! - so they likely have very particular tastes.