Learn the Tricks of Sewing With Double Needles

When sewing with knits, one of my favorite ways of hemming is using a double needle, or sometimes referred to as a twin needle. With one row of stitching, you’ll achieve two perfectly stitched lines. Or use the closely spaced double needles for heirloom sewing or the wide widths for embellishment.

Double Needle Facts

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 .
The sizing refers to the distance in millimeters between the needles.
Size 6.0 is too wide for some machines. If the widest zigzag stitch is 4.0 on your machine, do not use a 6.0. The opening in the throat plate is not wide enough for this extra wide double needle.
The bobbin thread catches both top threads, resulting in a zigzag look on the fabric underside.

Sewing Tips for Double Needles

Use two spools of thread on the top of the machine, position them so the threads unwind in opposite directions. This prevents the threads from tangling.

If your machine does not have two spool pins, wind an extra bobbin and stack the bobbin with the spool on the spool pin. Again, stack them so the threads unwind in opposite directions.

   

Treat the two threads as one when threading the machine. At the needles, separate the threads and thread each needle.

Before stitching, pull the threads to the back of the machine to ensure there isn’t any twisting of the threads.

Double check that your machine is set at a straight stitch. A zigzag setting, for example, could cause the needles to swing beyond the presser foot opening. You know what could happen then!

Now, stitch! The details are all in the set-up.

The bobbin accommodates both threads. It’s rather magical!

Use double needles to create an embellishment.

To create a raised effect, slightly tighten the top tension. On the wrong side of the fabric, notice that the fabric tunnels due to the tighter thread tension.

All my favorite sewing tips are in one book.


The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew chapters include:


Sewing Notions
Sewing Machine Confidence
Serger Spotlight
Patterns
Fabric Facts
Sewing Basics
Beyond the Basics

Watch  The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three)  on Sewing With Nancy  online.

From last week’s post, the random winner of a Supersized 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge, compliments of Clover, is Helen. She said: I love the smaller gauge and know I will love the big brother for measuring grainlines, circles, and a straight edge.

Bye for now,

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