You’ve spent hours digitizing a design, hooped your fabric just right, and hit start. Then the thread snaps. Or shreds. Or tangles into a bird’s nest that costs you another hour of picking out stitches. Metallic thread has a reputation for being difficult, and it’s deserved. But when it works, the result is something plain polyester simply can’t match: light-catching sparkle that makes emblems pop, monograms look luxurious, and holiday projects feel special.
Great metallic embroidery thread has to balance three things: enough tensile strength to survive high-speed stitching, a smooth coating that won’t peel off, and the right weight (usually 40 wt) to feed consistently through a machine’s tension discs. The best kits also offer a smart color selection so you don’t have to buy expensive individual spools just to test the waters. The products here all meet those basic requirements, but they differ in materials, color range, and who they suit best.
We looked at four kits from two trusted brands: New brothread (three sets with 9, 20, and 21 colors) and Simthread (a 21-color set). Each one has a specific buyer in mind. Below you’ll find a quick comparison, then a deep dive into each product’s real-world strengths and weaknesses, plus practical tips for making metallic thread behave. If you’re after maximum color variety without breaking the bank, the New brothread 21-color kit is our top pick. But the Simthread set is a strong alternative if you prefer rayon-based softness.
Here’s how the four kits stack up on the specs that matter most:
| Feature | New brothread 21 | New brothread 20 | Simthread 21 | New brothread 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Polyester core + metal foil | Polyester core + metal foil | Viscose/rayon + metal foil | Polyester core + metal foil |
| Key Spec | 21 colors, 40 wt, 500m each | 20 colors, 40 wt, 500m each | 21 colors, 40 wt, 500m each | 9 basic colors, 40 wt, 500m each |
| Tensile Strength | Extra strong, low breakage | Extra strong, low breakage | Ultra soft, less breakage | Extra strong, low breakage |
| Wash Care | Hand/machine wash, avoid dry friction | Hand/machine wash, avoid dry friction | Hand/machine wash, 140°F limit | Hand/machine wash, avoid dry friction |
| Best For | All-around versatility & color range | Color variety without extra shades | Soft drape & skin-friendly feel | Stick to basics or first metallic kit |
New brothread 21 Assorted
New brothread
New brothread 21 Assorted Colors Metallic Embroidery Machine Thread Kit
★ 21 SHINY AND GLITTERY ASSORTED COLORS - The luster and shine of metallic embroidery thread will bring fantastic effects to all sort of your embroidery projects, which makes your design to be very Noble and Royal. Metallic threads are used a lot in the emblem and uniform embroidery, as well as decorative and ornamental embroidery on elegant clothing.
Buy on AmazonIf you need a little bit of every metallic color under the sun, this 21-spool kit is the one to grab. The set includes the usual golds, silvers, and coppers, but also bolder shades like royal blue, emerald green, and deep purple. It’s perfect for embroiderers who work on custom uniforms, team logos, or any project where the client expects a wide palette. With 500 meters per spool, you get enough thread to finish several large designs without running out mid-hoop.
What stands out here is the polyester core construction. Metallic thread made on a polyester base tends to hold up better against tension changes than rayon-based alternatives. In practice, that means fewer snapped threads when you’re running at 600 stitches per minute. The coating is also consistent along the entire spool, so you won’t hit rough patches that cause shredding. That said, the thread does feel a bit stiffer than the Simthread set — it’s not as supple, but the extra rigidity helps it feed straighter through the needle eye.
The trade-off is that polyester-core metallic thread can sometimes fray if your needle is too small or your tension too tight. The instructions recommend a topstitch needle (80/12 or 90/14) and speeds of 600 SPM or less. If you push beyond that, expect occasional breakage. Also, the colors lean toward the shiny, almost glittery side; if you prefer a more subtle metallic sheen, the Simthread set might suit you better. But for sheer versatility and durability, this is the most complete kit in the lineup.
- 21 assorted colors including specialty shades (gold, silver, copper, brights)
- Polyester core with metal foil coating for high tensile strength
- 40 wt, 500m per spool — good for multiple projects
- Washable up to 95°C (hand/machine) but avoid dry friction
- Includes thread net for each spool to prevent tangling
Best for: Embroiderers who want the widest color choice in a single kit and value durability over softness.
New brothread 20 Assorted
New brothread
New brothread 20 Assorted Colors Metallic Embroidery Machine Thread Kit
★ 20 SHINY AND GLITTERY ASSORTED COLORS - The luster and shine of metallic embroidery thread will bring fantastic effects to all sort of your embroidery projects, which makes your design to be very Noble and Royal. Metallic threads are used a lot in the emblem and uniform embroidery, as well as decorative and ornamental embroidery on elegant clothing.
Buy on AmazonThis kit is nearly identical to the 21-color version, minus one color — you get 20 spools instead. The missing shade is likely a less common one (the brand doesn’t specify which), so for most people the gap won’t matter. This set is a solid option if you already own a few metallics and just need a broader range, or if you’re on a tighter budget and want to save a few dollars while still getting great quality.
Everything about the construction is the same: polyester core, metal foil coating, 500m per spool, and the same care instructions. You still get the strong tensile performance that New brothread is known for. The colors included cover the classics — gold, silver, bronze, red, blue, green, pink, and several neutrals. It’s rare that a project requires all 21 shades, so most embroiderers will be perfectly happy with 20.
The limitation is obvious: you’re getting one less color for essentially the same price as the 21-set (pricing fluctuates, so check current Amazon listings). If you specifically need that one extra color — say, a particular shade of turquoise or magenta — you might be better off buying the full 21. Also, because the production batch can vary, the shade of gold or silver in this set may appear slightly different from the 21-set. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you plan to mix kits.
- 20 assorted colors, polyester core with metal foil
- 40 wt, 500m per spool
- Excellent tensile strength — reduced breakage and fraying
- Compatible with topstitch needles 80/12 or 90/14
- Washable; resist tarnish with proper care
Best for: Those who want the New brothread quality but don’t need the absolute maximum color variety.
Simthread Best 21 Colors
Simthread
Simthread Best 21 Colors Metallic Embroidery Machine Thread Kit 500M(550Y) for Computerized Embroidery and Decorative Sewing
✅ *21 MUST-HAVE COLORS - Get the shiny classic Metallic Thread colors, as brilliant as diamonds. Japan teach, these glittery hues will elevate your sewing and embroidery projects. Ideal for emblems and uniforms, adding an elegant and royal touch effortlessly!
Buy on AmazonSimthread takes a different approach. Instead of polyester, they use a viscose/rayon core with a metal foil coating. This makes the thread noticeably softer and more pliable than the New brothread sets. The result is a drape that mimics traditional embroidery floss, making this kit a strong choice for decorative sewing where the thread needs to lay flat — think satin stitches on home decor, delicate monograms on fine fabrics, or hand-guided quilting projects where feel matters.
The softness also means the thread is gentler on your machine’s tension discs and less prone to causing that tight, puckered look on lightweight fabrics. Users report fewer skipped stitches at moderate speeds (around 500-600 SPM). The kit includes 21 colors that lean toward classic, elegant shades — golds, silvers, and muted jewel tones. Japanese manufacturing technology is cited, which tends to mean tighter quality control and more consistent dye lots.
On the downside, rayon-based metallic thread is inherently weaker than polyester-based. It can snap if you run it too fast or if your needle is even slightly burred. You absolutely must use a sharp, new topstitch needle (80/12 or 90/14) and keep speed at 600 SPM or under. The thread is also more expensive to produce, which may reflect in a higher price per spool compared to the New brothread kits. Additionally, while it’s washable (up to 140°F), some users have noted that repeated washing can dull the sheen faster than polyester-core threads. For occasional use or decorative pieces that won’t see heavy wear, this is a minor concern.
- 21 colors, 100% viscose/rayon with metal foil coating
- Ultra-soft feel — skin-friendly, reduces tension stress
- 40 wt, 500m per spool
- Japanese manufacturing technology for consistency
- Washable up to 140°F for 30 minutes
Best for: Sewists who prioritize softness and a smooth, flat thread appearance over maximum break strength.
New brothread 9 Basic Col
New brothread
New brothread 9 Basic Colors Metallic Embroidery Machine Thread Kit
★ 9 SHINY AND GLITTERY BASIC COLORS - The luster and shine of metallic embroidery thread will bring fantastic effects to all sort of your embroidery projects, which makes your design to be very Noble and Royal. Metallic threads are used a lot in the emblem and uniform embroidery, as well as decorative and ornamental embroidery on elegant clothing.
Buy on AmazonNot everyone needs 21 shades of metallic thread. If you’re just starting out with metallic embroidery, or if your projects only call for a handful of core colors, this 9-spool kit is a smart, low-commitment entry point. The nine basic colors are the most requested ones: gold, silver, copper, red, blue, green, black, white, and a neutral tone like ivory or gray. It’s the same high-quality polyester construction as the larger New brothread sets, so you’re not sacrificing durability.
What makes this set special is its focus on the essentials. You won’t get oddball colors that just sit in a drawer. Every spool serves a purpose. For uniform embroidery, team logos, or holiday decorations, these nine are really all you need. The 500m length per spool is generous, and the strength is identical to the 21-color version. You even get the same washability and tarnish resistance.
The obvious limitation is the lack of variety. If you later decide you want teal, purple, or hot pink, you’ll have to buy additional spools individually. Also, the per-spool cost in a 9-color kit is often slightly higher than buying the 21-set (again, check current pricing). But for many buyers, the lower total cost and reduced storage space make it the practical choice. One more thing: the color selection may vary slightly between batches, so the ‘silver’ in one kit might lean a bit more toward a warm tone than in another. Not a huge issue, but worth knowing if you expect absolute consistency.
- 9 basic colors: gold, silver, copper, red, blue, green, black, white, neutral
- Polyester core with metal foil — same build as larger sets
- 40 wt, 500m per spool
- Works with topstitch needles; low speed recommended
- Hand/machine washable below 95°C, avoid dry friction
Best for: Beginners or anyone who needs just the core metallic colors without paying for extras.
How We Chose These Products
We started by looking at what actually makes metallic thread a headache for embroiderers. Breakage, shredding, color inconsistency, and high cost per spool are the biggest complaints. So we narrowed the search to brands with proven track records for quality control — New brothread and Simthread appear frequently in user discussions and maintain strong availability on Amazon. We didn’t consider generic unbranded spools because their specifications are often unreliable.
Within those brands, we focused on multipacks that offer real value. Single spools are fine if you know exactly what you need, but a kit lets you experiment with different colors and see how each thread behaves in your machine. We compared material (polyester vs. rayon), weight (40 wt is the industry standard for machine embroidery), length (500m gives you enough for multiple projects), and included accessories like thread nets. We also checked that each product clearly states needle and speed recommendations — a sign the manufacturer understands the challenges of metallic thread.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Core material matters more than you think. Polyester-core metallic threads are tougher and resist snapping, making them better for high-speed embroidery machines. Rayon-core threads are softer and lay flatter, ideal for slower decorative stitching or hand-guided work. Neither is ‘better’ overall — the right choice depends on your machine and project type. If your machine tends to eat thread, go polyester. If you prioritize a smooth, flat finish, go rayon.
Don’t ignore the needle and speed recommendations. Using a regular embroidery needle with a small eye will strip the metallic coating and cause breakage every time. A topstitch needle (size 80/12 or 90/14) has a larger, elongated eye that lets the thread pass through without friction. And keep your machine speed under 600 stitches per minute — most modern machines can do that easily. If you ignore these basics, even the best thread will fail.
Color range vs. practicality. Big kits are tempting, but ask yourself how many colors you’ll actually use. Gold, silver, and copper alone cover 90% of metallic embroidery needs. The rest are for specific designs. A 9-color kit might be all you need, saving money and storage. Conversely, if you do custom work where clients request specific shades, the 21-color sets give you more options without ordering individual spools later.
Our Top Recommendation
The New brothread 21 Assorted Colors Metallic Embroidery Machine Thread Kit is the most versatile choice for most embroiderers. It offers the largest color selection, excellent tensile strength from its polyester core, and a price per spool that’s competitive. It handles standard machine embroidery speeds well as long as you follow the needle and speed guidelines. The thread nets included with each spool help reduce tangling, which is a common issue with metallic threads. For anyone who wants a ‘one kit to rule them all’ solution, this is it.
If you prefer a softer hand feel and work mostly on lightweight fabrics or decorative pieces, the Simthread Best 21 Colors kit is a worthy runner-up. It sacrifices some durability for a more supple drape, and the Japanese manufacturing adds a layer of quality assurance. And if you’re on a tight budget or just dipping your toes into metallic embroidery, the New brothread 9 Basic Colors gives you the same core quality without the extra colors you might never use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use metallic thread in a regular sewing machine, not just an embroidery machine? Yes, but with caveats. For straight stitching or decorative topstitching, metallic thread works fine at moderate speeds. Use a topstitch needle and hand-wind your bobbin to avoid tension issues. For zigzag or dense stitches, you may need to reduce speed and check tension. It’s not ideal for high-speed garment assembly, but for occasional decorative seams it’s fine.
Why does my metallic thread keep shredding inside the needle eye? This is almost always a needle issue. Either the eye is too small, the needle is burred (worn out), or the needle is the wrong type. Switch to a new topstitch or embroidery needle in size 80/12 or 90/14. Also check that your thread path doesn’t have any rough spots — the spool edge, tension discs, or thread guides can all cause shredding if they’re not smooth.
How many projects can I expect from a 500m spool of metallic thread? It depends on design density. A small monogram (1 inch tall) might use 10-15 meters. A logo patch (3×3 inches with moderate fill) can take 80-100 meters. At 500m per spool, you can expect 4-8 small to medium designs per spool. For large designs like jacket backs, you might finish one per spool. Always buy extra for critical projects — metallic thread runs out faster than you think.
Are metallic threads safe for clothing that gets washed often? Yes, with proper care. All the kits here are washable, but they will eventually show wear. To extend the life, turn garments inside out before washing, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Tumble dry low or air dry. High heat can dull the metallic coating over time. For uniforms or team apparel that get frequent commercial laundering, polyester-core threads (New brothread) hold up better than rayon-core (Simthread).