A double needle is a very disused accessory; everyone has it in their sewing kitty, but only a few use it. This post is about the best ways to do double needle stitching with twin-needles.
Being afraid that changing the needle and threading with the double-needleis one big lot of trouble is one of the reasons why people stay away from this very useful accessory. Some are unaware of the many uses of double needles.
But once they use this very versatile needle on their hems and other purposes, this needle will be one of the most used accessories.
What is a double needle ?
Double-needle/twin needle is a needle with a single shank and two shafts. The two-needle shafts have an eye, each through which two threads are threaded.
As you proceed with the double stitching or twin needle stitching, you will get two parallel rows on the face of the fabric and a zig-zag stitch on the back of the material.
What do you need to sew with double needles?
One pre-requisite to sewing with double needles is having azig zag sewing machinewith a zig-zag needle plate. Ensure that the zig-zag needle plate has a big enough hole to accommodate the double needle you have and the stitch is set to straight stitch.
Two thread spools
Two thread pins (can do with one pin too, as explained below)
How to choose the double needle ?
All Double needles are not made alike. There are always two numbers on each double needle to show size. The first number shows the distance between the two needles. The second number, the one that follows the slash, is the size ofthe needle ( For eg 2.0/80)
Depending on the distance between the two needles – They are numbered 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, etc. 2 means the distance between the two needles is 2 millimeters.
Two things decide how much stitch width you can choose with the needles – 1. width of the hole in the throat plate and 2. the number on the needle you have (which denotes the distance between the two needles of the double needle)
To know how wide you can go with the needle, if you have a very wide throat plate, subtract the number of your needle from the longest stitch width in your machine.
For e.g.: The width of the longest stitch width in your machine – the number of the double needle.
If you get 2 as this number, this is how wide you can go with any stitch in your machine. If you go more than this, your needle will hit the sides of the throat plate and break.
Twin needles are available as Universal and stretch needles. If you are sewing knits, it is advisable to use the stretch double needle.
Where to keep the two threads for sewing with twin needle?
There are 5places you can keep the thread spools
1. Check in the kit you received with the sewing machine – you may have an extra tread pin you can keep on a hole on top of your machine or on top of the bobbin winder. This is for the extra thread spool used in double stitching. If you do not have, check out the other options.
2. If you have a very long thread pin, you can stack the two thread spools on it. Did you know that the spool moves in a particular way when sewing. Ensure that the second spool is moving in the other direction opposite to the first one. This will prevent tangles.
Do not worry if you do not have an extra thread pin or a long thread pin on which you can keep the two spools together; you can use a winding bobbin as a thread spool.The bobbin and the thread spool can be stacked together.
3. Another place to keep the bobbin used as a top thread is the bobbin winder pin. Just do not engage the winder by moving it on. Then you can use it as a thread pin.
4. Use a straw as the thread pin.
Advantage of double needle stitching
Double needle stitches make double line of stitches at the same time, so you get enforced stitching.
It makes two rows of stitches at once – so less work.
It looks nice.
6uses of double needle stitching
1.To make a hem similar to the cover stitch hem
You must have seen this hem on your T shirt. On the face of the textile, two parallel lines can be seen but on the back of the stitching a zigzag stitch connecting the two lines is seen.
A double stitching needle can be used for this edge-finishing.
Use a 4-number needle to make this stitch. Turn under the raw edge of the fabric to the back. Place the fabric right side up under the pressure feet; Position the needle so that this raw edge will be coming directly in the middle of the two needles of the twin needle.
Remember you are going to stitch from the top of the fabric. Start sewing. The raw edge will be enclosed in the zig-zag stitch on the back of the fabric, and you will get 2 parallel rows of stitches on the right side.
If you are sewing this hem on Knit fabric, the hem will stretch and remain intact if you use a thread with a slight stretch to it, rather than the cotton thread. Basically, the stitch itself has some stretch because of the zig zag stitch it forms on the back.
2. To sew seams on sheer fabric
To avoid bulk on the seams of sheer fabric, you can sew with this needle and cut off the seam allowance closely. Not the most durable of seams though.
3. To attach ribbon trim
Ribbon trims can be attached in one go by sewing them with a double needle which is the correct size for it. The distance between two needles should be just a little lesser than the ribbon width, so that both the edges will be caught.
4. To make Decorative stitches
Use the decorative stitch options in your sewing machine to make decorative borders. Remember to make sure that the stitch width is compatible with your needle plate hole. You can experiment with colors and stitches on a piece of scrap fabric before trying it out on the final pieces.
You may have to use Interfacing on the back for thin fabrics to prevent fabric puckering. And it is better to choose more open stitches than dense stitches to avoid complications.
Related posts : Decorative stitches on your sewing machine.
5. To make Pintucks
You can make beautiful pintucks by sewing with a double needle and a pintuck foot. Check out the post on Pintucks for more details.
6. To make parallel rows of top stitching
The twin needle is a lifesaver for those who cannot sew straight, especially when you have to sew two parallel lines. What could be easier than sewing both lines in one go with a twin needle?.
Related posts :Different types of sewing machine needles; Learning to sew -tips.; Sewing machine feet guide ; Decorative stitching with normal sewing machine
Some more questions on twin needles
What are the disadvatages of using the twin needles for Double needle stitching?
Twin needle uses a sort of a chain stitch on the back of the fabric to connect the two straight lines on the front. At the back of the fabric there is a loop made So it is not as strong as a single straight stitch. In a factory made garment, a single needle seam is considered superior to a double needle seam because of its finish and strength. So if you want a strong seam this is not the one you need to use. The stitches might cave in if you do not get the tension right.
What to do about the tunnelling between the stitches?
Many people consider the slight ridge (upper projection of fabric) created between the stitching lines, great texture and leave it at that. But if you do not like that texture and you want smooth surface between the stitches, there are some precautions you can take. Twin needles work best when there is not much stretch in the fabric – woven fabrics are the best. But that doesnot mean that they cannot be used with knits – infact using them for hemming knit clothes works very well. If you are using stretchy fabrics, stretch them slightly as you sew them or use a fusible he, tape or washaway stabiliser or tissue paper underneath to stabilise the fabric. You can also try using a stretchy thread in your bobbin. And try using a longer stitch length. Also if your bobbin case allows, loosen the tension. Check out this post onusing the twin needle to make a coverstitch like hem.
Updated on December 30, 2022 by Sarina Tariq
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FAQs
What stitch to use with twin needle? ›
Which Stitches Can I Use? A simple straight stitch with a twin needle always looks crisp and exact. It's the one we use most in home décor sewing. However, your machine may be able to sew a zigzag or decorative stitches with a twin needle, which can be very pretty, especially with two different colors of thread.
What are the different types of twin needles? ›The two different kinds of twin needles you'll be looking for will be a stretch twin needle and a ballpoint twin needle.
Why would you use a double needle on a sewing machine? ›What are Double Needles Used For? Double needles can be used for creating pintucks, parallel rows of topstitching, a simulation of a coverstitch hem (found on T-Shirt hems) and decorative stitches. It can also be used with free motion quilting.
How do double needles work? ›A twin needle produces two parallel lines of stitching along the top as the bobbin thread zigzags between them. For stretch fabrics, the zigzag stitch allows the threads to stretch so that they will not break when you pull your fabric over your head or push your arms through the sleeves.
What does a twin needle stitch look like? ›A twin-needle has, as the name implies, two parallel needles that sew two rows of straight stitches on the upper side and underneath a zigzag-like pattern is formed. The stitch will stretch out nicely, thanks to the zigzag, so you can use a double needle to hem even very tight-fitting garments with negative ease.
How do you prevent tunneling with a twin needle? ›Tunneling is what happens when there is a large bump in between your two rows of stitching. To avoid this, I've found it helps to increase your top thread tension. Your machine may vary, but I usually set my tension to 3. If possible, you should also decrease your bobbin tension as well.
Can you backstitch with a twin needle? ›– Don't backstitch (reverse) to start/finish your stitching. Double needles don't like it! If you have a lock stitch/tie off, then you can use that. If not, leave long tails on your threads and pull them to the wrong side and knot.
How many types of needles are used in sewing? ›There are two basic types of sewing machine needle blades and these are either straight or curved. The straight needle blades are the most common and used in a wide range of sewing machines (Lockstitch and Chainstitch). Curved needle blades are mostly used on blind stitching machines.
Do you need a special sewing machine to use a double needle? ›Double needles fit any machine where the needle is threaded front to back not side to side. Common double needles sizes include: 1.6, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0.
What is the difference between single needle and double needle sewing machine? ›Single needle lockstitch machine – a single needle is used. Double-needle lockstitch machine – two needles are used with a single shank to give two parallel rows on the front of the fabric and a zig-zag stitch on the back.
What is single needle vs double needle stitching? ›
Single-Needle Stitching
A single seam is sewn, then folded over itself and sewn again. The result is a much stronger seam and a cleaner look with only one visible seam on the outside. Most mass brands use a double needle seam that is less labor intensive, but more prone to puckering and tearing.
The European metric sizing system for sewing machine needles is numbered from 60 to 110. The American sizing system is numbered from 8 to 18. For both sizing systems, the lower the number the finer the needle and the higher the number the larger the needle.
What is a double stitch hem? ›This technique means folding the bottom edge of your fabric towards the wrong side of the fabric twice. This will hide the raw edge of the fabric and give a smooth finish on the inside.
Can you use a walking foot with a twin needle? ›Needles you can use with a walking foot
Instead, match your needles to your fabric. For example, use Universal needles size 90/14 for your quilt, or leather needles to sew leather with a walking foot. What is this? You can even use a twin needle with this presser foot.
Although superficially similar to Back Stitch the Holbein stitch produces a smoother line and a pattern that is identical on both sides of the fabric.
Why does my twin needle skip stitches? ›The twin needle may be skipping stitches due to improper tension settings. Set your tension to a second setting or alter as per the fabric for getting good results.
Which needle determines stitch size? ›The size of the new stitch is determined in large part by the diameter of the knitting needle used to form it, because that affects the length of the yarn-loop drawn through the previous stitch.
How do you fix tunneling? ›And it's very simple, too. To prevent tunneling, all you need to do is burn your candle long enough each time so that the entire top surface of wax is melted. This is especially important the first time you burn your candle! How long that takes depends mostly on the size of the candle.
What are the 6 Classification of sewing tools? ›There are five different classifications of sewing equipment: MEASURING, CUTTING, MARKING, STITCHING AND PRESSING.
What are 90 14 sewing needles used for? ›90/14 needles are great when you are starting to sew medium weight fabrics like poplin, broadcloth and muslin. Think printed quilting cotton. These three sizes come standard in a pack of Schmetz universal needles, which is a great pack to get you started.
What are 80 12 needles used for? ›
Knits/Jersey (80/12 Ball Point and Polyester or All-Purpose Thread) Ball point needles are made especially for sewing on knits, such as T-shirt fabric and jersey. The ball point won't damage or break the fibers as it pierces the fabric.
Why is my twin needle bobbin thread not zigzagging? ›If your machine is skipping stitches or tangling your threads, remove and reinsert your bobbin and rethread your machine. If your stitching lines are pinched together and your zigzag is barely visible from the back, lower your tension.
Can you use a twin needle on a regular sewing machine? ›Nearly all modern, domestic sewing machines can sew with a twin needle so you don't need a fancy machine to get these professional-looking hems.
How do you tie off a double threaded needle? ›Step 1: Tying Off With a Double Threaded Needle
Cut the thread right below the needle and tie the two halves together. If you've got loads of thread left, just leave a tail of 2-3 inches to make tying the knot easier. I normally do three knots.
Round Point – often referred to as 'normal' or 'standard point. These are suitable for a variety of light to medium-weight fabrics. Ball Point – these needles have a small, round ball on the tip that slides through the fabric rather than piercing. They come in a variety of sizes.
Which type of needle is most commonly used? ›21 Gauge Needles
21g needles are the most common gauge of needles used for routine blood draws and venipuncture. The gauge is small enough in which it does not cause any significant pain or discomfort during use. For most patients, their veins are of a size and stability that is best suited for the 21g needle.
A needle point is classified broadly into two types: Round, set or cloth points.
What machine uses two needles and two bobbins? ›Double Needle Lock Stitch Machine
A double needle lockstitch machine works on the same principle as the single needle machine by using two needles and two bobbins thus resulting in two parallel rows of lockstitch. This technique of twin needle sewing is also popularly known as double needle sewing.
- Running Stitch. The running stitch is the most basic of all sewing stitches. ...
- Lockstitch. This form of stitch is performed by most common single needle sewing machines. ...
- Coverstitch. For multiple needle sewing machines, the coverstitch is a very popular type of stitch. ...
- Overlock.
Needles marked 100/16 are ideal for heavy fabrics like denim, and those marked 110/18 are very thick and best sew the heaviest fabrics, such as upholstery.
What stitch do you use for a twin needle? ›
Which Stitches Can I Use? A simple straight stitch with a twin needle always looks crisp and exact. It's the one we use most in home décor sewing. However, your machine may be able to sew a zigzag or decorative stitches with a twin needle, which can be very pretty, especially with two different colors of thread.
What is a twin needle compatible with? ›So what is a twin needle, you might ask? It's just like what it sounds—two needles on one shank. It attaches to your sewing machine the same way a regular needle does, and is compatible with any machine that can accommodate a zig zag stitch (with the exception of some vintage machines).
What are the 3 types of embroidery needles? ›There are three types of needles usually used for embellishing fabric: embroidery (also referred to as crewel), chenille and tapestry.
Can you use a twin needle for seams? ›Hemming stretchy knits on a regular sewing machine can be quite tricky. Seams can pop, get twisted, expand and just not look as neat and professional as you might have hoped. But the good news is that a twin-needle can solve a lot of those issues, especially if you use the right techniques and tools.
Should you double thread when sewing? ›In most cases, we use a single thread for sewing because a double thread kink is easier. But sometimes it is better to have it double, for example for putting buttons, because it will speed up your sewing. Some people use beeswax to smooth the thread so it slides through the fabric easier and doesn't kink or knot.
Do you need two spools of thread for a twin needle? ›For sewing with a twin needle, two spools of thread are needed. To get a neat and even stitch, the threads on both spools should be the same in terms of quality and thickness. The color, however, may be different.
How do you prevent tunneling with a double needle? ›Tunneling is what happens when there is a large bump in between your two rows of stitching. To avoid this, I've found it helps to increase your top thread tension. Your machine may vary, but I usually set my tension to 3. If possible, you should also decrease your bobbin tension as well.
Can a twin needle be used with a walking foot? ›Needles you can use with a walking foot
Instead, match your needles to your fabric. For example, use Universal needles size 90/14 for your quilt, or leather needles to sew leather with a walking foot. What is this? You can even use a twin needle with this presser foot.
The recommended needle size is 3.75 – 4.5 mm to achieve a gauge range in stockinette stitches of between 21-24 stitches per 4 inches. You'll often find it abbreviated to DK. Some companies also call it light worsted.
What does double threading mean? ›: two parallel threads of equal dimensions on the same screw one of which is 180° ahead of the other.