Shop online: Madeira FS Metallic thread – #20, #30 and #40
Madeira smooth metallic embroidery thread
Madeira Smooth Metallic (the FS line) adds real shine to logos, monograms, holiday and western designs. It comes in #40, #30 and #20 weights so you can choose fine metallic detail or a bolder, heavier sparkle.
We stock Madeira metallic thread in gold, silver and colors at our Tempe, Arizona store and ship nationwide.
Specifications
| Line | Madeira Metallic – Smooth Metallic (FS) |
|---|
| Weights | #40, #30 and #20 |
|---|
| Put-ups | 612 yd spool (#20), 1,100 yd spool and 5,500 yd cone (#40) |
|---|
| Example codes | 981 = #20 on 612 yd spool, 985 = #40 on 1,100 yd spool, 986 = #40 on 5,500 yd cone |
|---|
| Color families | Gold/yellow, silver/gray, black, blue, brown, green, orange, purple, red, white |
|---|
Running metallic thread without breaks
- Use a needle made for metallic thread with a larger eye, and slow the machine down.
- Loosen top tension slightly and let the spool or cone feed freely (a thread stand helps).
- Digitize with lower density and longer stitches than you would for #40 polyester.
More fixes are in our metallic thread embroidery tips guide.
In-stock orders placed by 2:30 PM Arizona time ship the same day, or pick up at our Tempe, AZ store. Thread is returnable within 30 days per our returns policy.
Related Madeira and embroidery pages
Frequently asked questions
What weights does Madeira metallic thread come in?
Madeira Smooth Metallic comes in #40, #30 and #20. #40 is used for fine detail; #20 gives a heavier, bolder metallic line.
How many yards are on a Madeira metallic spool?
#40 metallic comes on 1,100 yd spools and 5,500 yd cones; #20 comes on 612 yd spools.
Why does my metallic embroidery thread keep breaking?
Usually tension is too tight, the machine is running too fast, or the needle eye is too small. Slow down, use a metallic needle, loosen top tension and digitize with lower density.
What is the difference between Smooth Metallic and Supertwist?
Smooth Metallic has a flat, smooth metallic finish. Supertwist is a #30 twisted metallic with a textured, glittering sparkle.
How do you embroider with metallic thread?
Madeira says metallic usually runs as well as rayon if top tension is looser than normal: test on the production fabric, slow the machine down for difficult designs, use the thinnest bobbin thread, start with a new needle, keep thread guides free of rough spots, and use soft materials and backing where possible.
What size needle for metallic thread on an embroidery machine?
Madeira matches the needle to the metallic size: FS #50 uses 75/11, FS #40 and #45 use 80/12, FS #30 and #35 use 90/14, and FS #20 and #15 use 100/16. Supertwist #30 uses 90/14.
What metallic thread size should I use for small lettering?
Madeira says letters under 5 mm tall should only be stitched with FS #50 metallic. Use the heavier sizes, such as #30 or #20, for bolder fills and outlines. Call 480-229-7806 to check which sizes we have in stock.
