Metallic thread can be very frustrating to work with, if you are constantly having thread breaks it is very frustrating and can result in your project taking a lot longer to complete that you had planned. Here are a few ideas on how you can reduce the thread breaks when embroidering with metallic thread.

Make sure you are using good quality, well maintained metallic thread. If you are using cheap, old or dried out thread it will break more often, check that the thread is smooth by running through your fingers.

Always slow the machine down when you are using metallic thread. It will actually save you time because you won’t have to continuously deal with thread breaks.

Select an embroidery designs that is suitable for stitching in metallic thread. If the design was digitized for metallic thread the designer may have recommended a particular brand of thread.

Make sure you are using the correct size needle for the thread and that the needle is in good condition, if your metallic thread is a bit thicker than standard thread you may need to use a larger needle.

Because metallic thread kinks and loops more than regular thread this creates added tension as it passes through the thread guide, this can cause shredding and breaking. The use of a thread stand designed to smooth the thread can be helpful.

Heavy stiff tightly woven fabric and stabilizers are not recommended when using metallic thread as they can strip the metallic coating from the thread.

Check your machine tension; Make sure your thread tension is not to tight.

Make sure you have no rough edges or burs on needles and the needle plate.

Don’t use sticky backing or adhesives, the adhesive can build up on the needle and create drag which hinders smooth sewing

What causes machine embroidery thread to break

What Causes embroidery machine thread to break?
Here are a few reasons why you embroidery thread may be breaking, The first and most obvious one is your machine is not properly threaded try re-threading your machine ensuring the thread has gone through all of the guides and the tension properly. If this is not the problem then you might consider these other possibilities.
There may be burrs in the needle’s eye, on the thread guides, needle plate or the hook; Change the needle and try buffing the thread guides and needle plate. Buffing may alter  the timing, so it’s a good idea to change a defective hook.
Dry Hook; Since it gets dry faster, the hook must have regular lubrication. The hook assembly needs to be oiled every 4-8 hours of machine running time.
Needle too small; You should to change to a larger needle
An excessive amount of Adhesive spray; You need to be using exclusively Embroidery

designed adhesive sprays, do not over use them. An excessive amount of adhesive build-up on the needle can make them drag and break threads. If this is occurring you need to take a look at the way you use your adhesive spray
Improper timing; If your embroidery machine isn’t timed appropriately, it can cause many problems along with thread breaks. For example, broken needles, poor stitching or at times no stitching.
Old Thread; Thread can be brittle with age and long contact with light, air as well as heat. You need to keep your thread in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life.
Bruised spool; A bruised cone of thread can occur when the thread falls on the floor, causing the lower winding of thread to undo and catch as the thread spools off. You can remove the affected part of the thread or exchange the cone.
Machine speed; Some Embroidery designs increase the stress on thread. You ought to lower the machine speed as required

Lint build up; A lint build up around the tension discs, needle plate or bobbin cases could cause breakage. These areas ought to be cleaned regularly with air or maybe a brush.
Bent needle; This may happen after the needle hits a really hard object possibly Hoop, needle plate or the hook. If this occurs you have to replace the needle and look for burrs as well as the timing.
Improper tensions; If your tension is too tight, it can cause pulling, puckering and thread stress. If the thread is too loose it can cause the thread to stack up and loop. You have to alter the tensions to achieve a flat smooth look.
Using Tape for loose ends; Using tape can leave a residue and this can cause friction and thread breakage.

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