Check this out--great ideas for decorative machine stitches!!

[gem]

The Bernina website has what they call "stitch recipes," which combine the simple decorative stitches some machines offer into much more elaborate patterns:





Can you imagine the possibilities? Custom embroidered trims, stitching at chemise/shirt collars and cuffs? What fun!!

Even if your machine doesn't offer those particular stitches (that blue "peacock tail" one is pretty elaborate!), a lot of the mid-range machines these days offer stitches that many of us never use, because we can't think of an application for them. It would never have occurred to me to combine them like this!  If you happen to have a Bernina, the website linked above has .pdfs that show exactly what stitches to use... but for the rest of us, it's still an excellent inspiration! I know I have some pretty stitches on my machine I want to play with now!

[LadyShadow]

Those are pretty. I have played with stitches like that on my Brother. But no where near did I get combinations like those. Hhmmm... I might have to start sewing more often so Lord Shadow can get me one of these machines 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Vey Cool, gem!

I wil have to play with my machine to see what I can come up with.

[DonaCatalina]

I have done things like that with my Baby Lock Decorator's Choice. A few times I have combined flat ribbon or gimp with the decorative stitches to make some pretty impressive effects.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x71/Dona_Catalina/New%20Garb%202009/Doubletback.jpg

[Kate XXXXXX]

Fun stuff, isn't it.  I haven't yet done much like this with mine.  It takes a lot of practice to line things up that neatly.   

[Rowan MacD]

  In a sorta-related question, since I want to do a little top stitching on a doublet...
  Has anyone used metallic (or metallic looking) thread in a regular sewing machine?
  If so, what brand is safe to use for the best effect?

[Kate XXXXXX]

Yes.  It's generally The Thread From Hell! 

Choose a good quality one.  I like Empress Mills, but I understand there are others out there.  Try Mettler's offerings.

Use a METALLICA embroidery needle, designed for this thread.

Use a medium stitch length.

Go slowly!

Keep a stock of handy swear words.  You may need them!   

[Rowan MacD]

  Thanks,  I will practice on a scrap piece and keep the swear book handy!  I can always fall back to the original plan of using a maroon or other dark red thread for the embroidery top stitch, but the doublet already has so much....red.  It's a red/brown and gold jacquard from Joann's.

[gem]

My machine (a Viking) seems to like Sulky metallics. I've only played around with them a little, and only with the decorative stitches (not topstitching), but I got good coverage and no tension problems. YMMV, of course; your machine may be pickier!

[Kate XXXXXX]

  Thanks,  I will practice on a scrap piece and keep the swear book handy!  I can always fall back to the original plan of using a maroon or other dark red thread for the embroidery top stitch, but the doublet already has so much....red.  It's a red/brown and gold jacquard from Joann's.

Gold or bronze metallic would look very spiffy methinks!

[Kate XXXXXX]

My machine (a Viking) seems to like Sulky metallics. I've only played around with them a little, and only with the decorative stitches (not topstitching), but I got good coverage and no tension problems. YMMV, of course; your machine may be pickier!

Lily played OK with the Sulky, but I got far fewer breaks with the Empress Mills.

Oh, and another thing...  Use the thread net to stop it falling off the reel.

[gem]

I have never seen that brand locally (either in the big fabric/craft superstores, or my Viking dealer), which is why I suggested Sulky--in case Empress Mills is something you can't get as easily in the US!

[Kate XXXXXX]

Well, it's spun here in England, but they do export all over the place, and you can get it from them online: http://www.empressmills.co.uk/

[LadyShadow]

I've used the metallic threads, cant tell you which I have in stock right now other than the colors. Other than threading the needle, I have no problem using them. But like Kate said, go slow.

[DonaCatalina]

I use Coat & Clark metallic gold, silver and copper.
This would not work with the older type, but they have altered how they make the thread. Make sure that the spool looks like this.
You have to go a little slower than with standard thread as it is fragile, but it is 110% better than the old Coats & Clark. My machine also likes this better than Sulky by far.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The decrative stitches my machine does, everything is set when I put the machine in the correct mode, select the # of a stitch, and i am ready ro sew. The machine sets the tension, stitch length, and width automatically.

I use the Gutterman metallic threads for Decorative stitching with no problems. I tend to use Gutterman thread more than other brands.

[operafantomet]

Oh, beautiful. I've never checked out what my machine can do other than straight seam and zig-zag. I will now!