Double needle

How do twin needles work?

Structurally, a double needle consists of the following elements:

1. Two standard sewing needles designed for stitching on a household machine.
2. Holder housing. Most often it is made of plastic. This element holds the double needles together into a single structure.
3. Flask. Designed for installing double needles into the needle holder of a sewing machine.

The double needle can be used in any sewing machine with a zigzag function. In their foot and needle plate there is an oblong slot necessary for the free movement of two needles.

Finishing stitch

What else can you use a twin sewing machine needle ? With a double needle you can make very beautiful finishing stitches , both with matching and contrasting threads. You can stitch with a straight double stitch, or you can do a zigzag stitch. Different stitch lengths and widths produce different patterns. They can be combined and alternated in colors.

Double needle video “Finishing stitches”

Types of double needles

There are several types of needles:

1. Universal. Used to work with natural and artificial threads. They are suitable for most types of fabrics. Often, universal double needles of this type are called embroidery needles, since they give a beautiful and even zigzag stitch.
2. For knitted fabrics. These needles are marked Stretch. They can also be used for working with elastic and stretchy fabrics.
3. Metallic. These twin needles are used for stitching with metallic threads.
4. Jeans These needles are used for stitching denim fabrics. As a rule, these are thick needles that are intended for working with high-density fabrics.

Double needle stitching of different widths is possible. The thinnest needles have a thickness of 1.6 mm. The maximum value is 4 mm.

The largest number of sizes are represented by universal double needles. The thinnest are considered to be products for stitching on elastic fabrics (number 75). Denim options include sizes from 100 and more.

The double needle is marked with two numbers. It is deciphered as follows:

1. The first number indicates the distance between the needles.
2. The second talks about the size of the needles (they must be of the same section).

Inserting the needle into the sewing machine

To install a twin needle in a sewing machine, you must follow these steps:

1. Using the flywheel, set the needle holder to its highest position.
2. Lower the machine foot.
3. Loosen the fixing screw. In this case, you need to hold the installed needle. Now carefully loosen the fixing screw. Next, remove the needle from the holder.
4. We install the double needle in the holder so that the flat part of the flask faces backwards. We deepen the needle until the edge of the flask touches the stop.
5. While holding the twin needle in position, tighten the fixing screw. All that remains is to thread the thread, and you can give a test stitch.

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Application options

Many people think that the use of the device in question is limited only to the stitching for finishing and hemming, which involves two straight lines running in parallel. But this is far from true. Thanks to this tool and the capabilities of the sewing machine itself, you can make a huge number of not only decorative, but also useful stitches.

Decorative designs and finishing

If the machine involves making decorative seams, then you can always try original stitches for decoration, which will look beautiful, especially if made in different colors. The tool in question is no less useful when embroidering, because it allows you to immediately embroider identical designs parallel to each other.

Sew on the braid

It is very convenient to use such a device to sew on braid. To do this, you will need to choose a model that is slightly narrower than the finishing tape itself. Thanks to the even, parallel double seam, the braid will lie nice and even.

Ruffles with elastic

It also makes it much easier to assemble the fabric when using this seam for the elastic. You should wind a thin elastic band onto the bobbin of the machine, and use threads that match the material as a working thread. Now you can start sewing. It is best to set the pitch to 2-2.5 mm when performing such an assembly. Due to the fact that the elastic is placed in the shuttle mechanism, you will get a uniform and beautiful assembly on the material.

Raised tucks

Such decorative patterns can also be made using the tool in question. True, this requires a special foot for making tucks. It differs from the standard one in that it has special grooves on the sole, which lift the material while the work is being done. When doing this type of stitching, the pattern will be influenced by the number of reliefs on the foot itself and their depth. The larger they are, the more embossed the material will be.

It is worth remembering that the thread tension regulator should be set to maximum. At the same time, the material consumption when designing the specified pattern will increase significantly.

It is worth understanding that the beauty of the relief of the entire pattern will depend on the accuracy of the first tuck. Such reliefs can be used as simple decoration or for neat decoration of recesses.

Reliefs with cord

To perform this operation, you should take a foot for making a raised tuck or sewing in beads. In the place where the cord will be located, it is worth drawing a line with chalk or a disappearing felt-tip pen. The cord should be pinned from the wrong side. Then the material of the product is placed under the foot so that the cord is between the needles. Now you can start sewing.

Decorative hem

The twin sewing machine needle is ideal for hemming knitwear. When performing this operation, it is best to use a zigzag or satin stitch foot. Parallel stitches are laid from the front side, while it is worth leaving a small edge free, which will subsequently be cut off near the very edge of the completed stitch.

Thus, a seamstress whose machine supports the use of a double needle must have such a component in her arsenal.

Threading the machine

To double stitch, you need to thread two threads into both needles. Accordingly, you will need a couple of coils. To obtain a neat seam, it is necessary to thread threads of identical thickness and quality into a double needle. You can choose any color, it all depends on your design ideas (this will not affect the quality of the stitching).

Threads into a double needle are threaded according to standard rules. The specifics of the procedure depend on the design of the specific machine. But all models are equipped with the following elements:

• thread tensioners;
• guides;
• thread guides, etc.

Therefore, to thread a double needle, you should use the instructions supplied with your specific sewing machine. Both threads are carried along the tensioners together, separating only at the very end, at the stage of threading through the eye of the needle. Threading the shuttle remains unchanged.

After completing the work, you will need to give a test line. It will help you make sure that everything was done correctly, and then you can sew with a double needle.

What should I do if my twin needle skips stitches when sewing?

It is not always possible to get a high-quality seam with a double needle the first time. If skipping stitches are noticed while sewing, do the following:

1. We wind the upper threads onto spools of equal size. This approach will allow you to achieve uniform tension on each thread when sewing with double needles. The coils are arranged on one spool pin.
2. Try increasing the upper thread tension. This should also be done if the stitches were uneven and the thread looped. Make sure both threads have the same tension and are threaded correctly into the needles. The bobbin thread tension should be standard.
3. Check that the threads are threaded correctly when sewing with a twin needle.

How to sew with a twin needle

Home → Machine sewing lessons → How to sew with a double needle

Have you ever had to sew two parallel lines? This happens when sewing sportswear.

It is very difficult to sew so that these lines are at the same distance from each other, isn’t it?

To simplify double stitch sewing, a double-rod needle has been created

There are different needle sizes and distances between them. The choice depends on the type of stitch you want to make. For example, for hemming the bottom of sleeves and garments, I prefer a needle with a distance of 4 mm. A stitch with this distance looks more professional on thick materials.

Read more about needles in the article Machine needles and threads for sewing clothes

Any machine that has a zigzag function can sew with a double needle.

This is due to the fact that a double needle requires an oblong slot on the needle plate

The same oblong slot must be on the foot

If this is the case on your machine, then feel free to insert a double needle. It is inserted in the same way as a regular needle.

Below, in the shuttle, nothing changes. You just need to thread the same thread that you will thread from above

Two threads are threaded at the top

There are some minor difficulties here. See how it's done.

If your machine has two spool holders, then you can take advantage of this opportunity and thread from two spools .

If this is not possible, then the photo option will help you.

Now take hold of both ends of the thread and thread them through all the thread guides as you would thread one thread, only in this case you have two threads in your hands.

But to thread the needles, you separate them

Here, of course, there are some nuances for particularly sensitive machines. In more detail, although it seems to be much more detailed, I tell and show at the training about sewing from knitted fabrics - Knitting Boom

In the meantime, we continue threading the needles

Let's try to flash it now. We will sew with a regular straight stitch, which, thanks to the double-rod needle, will turn into a double, absolutely parallel stitch.

In a product, it is usually laid on two (when hemming the bottom) or even three layers of material (for example, when sewing on a belt or pocket) But now, on one layer of material, it looks like this

And a view from the inside (click on the picture to enlarge the image) When the machine is well adjusted, it approaches a zigzag. Its strength in this case increases significantly. But more about this at the Knitwear Boom

In addition to its parallelism, this stitch is distinguished by elasticity and, therefore, it is indispensable when sewing from knitwear

For highly tensile materials, a double Hemline needle is suitable.

It is ideal for decorative stitching on fabrics with double-sided stretch (bi-stretch fabrics, lycra), especially those containing lycra elastic used in swimwear and underwear. A specially drawn needle prevents skipped stitches. It is recommended to use a reduced speed when working. BUY A DOUBLE NEEDLE

Finally, watch the video

Related Posts
• Hemming the bottom of the product with a hidden stitch on an overlocker
• Edging the cut with bias tape
• Why does the machine stitch meander!?
• How to overcast a section of fabric with a zigzag
• Correctly threading the machine - a beautiful stitch
• Hem seam on overlock, rolled or casting

Discussion: 102 comments

1. Olga:
   October 15, 2021 at 05:45

   Thank you. I was wondering how to use this double needle?! Finally I know. Thanks again!

   Best regards, Olga.

2. Eleanor:

   February 18, 2021 at 11:59 am

   Thanks a lot !!!!! I’ve been sewing for a long time, but I didn’t know that it was possible to use a double needle.

3. Elena:

   September 24, 2021 at 10:08 am

   Irina, thank you for the clear explanation.

4. Olga:

   August 27, 2021 at 04:03 pm

   Hello Irina! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. You explain everything clearly. I really want to take the Knitting Boom course, but it’s not possible yet. Best regards, Olga.

5. Irina:

   June 9, 2018 at 10:42 pm

   Irina, thank you very much. Everything is very clear

6. Irina Voroshilova:

   May 29, 2018 at 10:27 am

   Larisa, there are many nuances here that I talk about in detail in the training/course Knitwear Boom - Student

7. Larisa:

   May 28, 2018 at 09:37 pm

   Hello. I understand everything. Thank you. BUT!!!!! I have missed stitches under my left needle!!!! Why? Am I doing something wrong?

8. Galina:

   May 20, 2018 at 02:53 pm

   Dear Irina!

   I have been sewing all my life - since I was 10 years old for myself, my children and grandchildren - due to the non-standard figure of me and my family. I came across your site, and from the first minute I found several answers to questions about working with knitwear, about using a double needle, which I bought several years ago, but did not know how to use it. I will study your tips and recommendations.

   Be healthy - you and your loved ones!

9. hope:

   May 5, 2018 at 4:08 pm

   Everything is available, thank you very much.

10. Lyudmila:

    April 15, 2021 at 06:34 pm

    Thank you very much, Irina! The information is useful, I will try to sew.

11. Kuralai:

    April 11, 2021 at 20:00

    Thank you so much, Irina! Accessible, clear.

12. Tatiana:

    March 25, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Thank you! Very clear.

    Read also:  A simple option for sewing a bedspread for a children's bed
13. Maria:

    March 25, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    Irina, many thanks for the information.

    I haven’t sewed for a very long time - there was no need.

    Now I'm retired and want to create.

    I have never sewn knitwear.

    Thank you, it’s very clear, I got answers to all my questions very briefly.

14. Lyudmila:

    February 16, 2021 at 11:14 am

    Thank you, very short and clear

15. Anastasia:

    January 14, 2021 at 06:51 pm

    Thank you, everything is very clear!

16. Irina Voroshilova:

    November 28, 2021 at 03:04 pm

    Zhanna, “Collection of tips and secrets for sewing from knitwear”, as well as numerous information on sewing on the site, cannot be downloaded. But you can create such a folder yourself and copy it into it, which will be useful in the future. Better yet, keep a notebook (folder) of notes. In which you take notes on the fabric, make sketches of knots, and attach samples that you sewed according to the lesson. This will be really useful.

17. Zhanna Filippovna:

    November 27, 2021 at 10:47 pm

    I sew a little. But YOU have so many interesting and unknown things that your eyes widen. Of course, there will be questions and I am grateful to YOU ​​in advance for the priceless book. Is it possible to download it so as not to dive into the Internet every time? Sincerely, J.F.

18. Tatiana:

    November 22, 2021 at 09:23

    Irina, thank you very much for your advice. The first acquaintance with your advice is inspiring, everything is very intelligible and understandable. I am a pensioner, I sew (loudly said) only for myself and my charming dog Tim. I will definitely follow and study strictly according to your recommendations. THANK YOU.

19. Tatiana:

    October 30, 2021 at 01:55 pm

    Irina is a godsend for me! I am very grateful for the advertisement from which I subscribed, Irina has so much useful information here - everything is useful, and we will continue to learn how to work with knitwear.

20. Tatiana:

    September 10, 2021 at 01:44 pm

    Irina, there was just not enough knowledge of such nuances on knitwear! Thank you!

21. Galina:

    September 6, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    I also liked the knife, otherwise when cutting the material rises and you cut unevenly... Thank you!!!)

22. Irina Voroshilova:

    August 30, 2021 at 11:46 pm

    Marina, you can also sew on your Chaika with a double needle. I would recommend buying a serger first. Then your sewing life will be much easier and livelier!

23. Marina:

    August 30, 2021 at 07:36 pm

    Thanks for the lesson, I would also like to exchange the Chaika for a new car

24. Irina:

    August 14, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    I watched a video on how to sew with a double needle. I admit, I also have a double needle, but due to bad experience I don’t use it. I am self-taught in sewing, I was given a little knowledge at school, then I sewed a little according to Burda (I spoiled it a lot).

    I watched the video at work during lunch, but without sound. All clear.

    Today I’ll try to make a double stitch!

    Thank you very much for the useful information. I want to learn how to sew knitwear!

25. Faith:

    July 24, 2021 at 07:55 pm

    Thank you... You can always learn something new from professionals like you!

26. Irina Voroshilova:

    July 24, 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Irina, there is more than one reason for this, I invite you to the course or training “Knitting Boom - Apprentice” You will be informed, like a professional, about all the intricacies of sewing on a machine, including with a double needle.

27. Irina:

    July 24, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Irina, please tell me what’s wrong. Something happened to my machine and it started sewing only 1 line with a double needle ((Where could the failure have occurred?

28. Irina:

    May 10, 2017 at 07:52 pm

    Thank you very much. Very instructive lessons

29. Svetlana:

    April 17, 2021 at 02:22 p.m.

    My machine has one spool holder, thanks to your photo, I learned how to thread from two spools. Everything ingenious is simple. Thank you, Irina, for your good advice!

30. Natalia:

    April 3, 2021 at 03:46 pm

    Hello Irina. A long time ago, even with advice, I bought myself a double needle, not knowing why, maybe it would come in handy. I tried to sew it, broke one and that’s it... put two in a box and forgot. Now, after reading your article, I understand why it didn’t work. The machine was a single stitch “Podolsk”. Now I’ll look for needles and try again. Thanks for the science.

31. Svetlana:

    April 3, 2021 at 11:20 am

    Thank you very much! Everything is very clear and interesting. In my youth I sewed a lot and completed sewing courses. Then family and work took up almost all of my time. Now I'm retired and want to start sewing again. I really love knitwear, but I can’t sew on an ordinary machine (I have a Jaguar). I hope I can do it with your help. Thanks again!

32. Elena Muzaleva:

    March 31, 2021 at 09:16 pm

    Irina, thank you very much! I have been sewing for a long time, but have not used a double needle yet. Thanks to your clear and visual video, I’ll try it next weekend!

33. nati:

    March 30, 2021 at 02:34 pm

    Thank you for the lesson . It's nice to see the Master's work!

34. Zoya:

    March 24, 2021 at 09:29

    Thank you for the lesson. The advice on coil placement was very helpful.

35. Karina:

    March 23, 2021 at 4:16 pm

    Thank you, I really like that you don't pour a lot of water. Everything is specific and to the point. I sewed with a double needle, but I didn’t know that you could arrange the coils this way. Be healthy and Thank you!!!!

36. Elena:

    March 10, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    Hello, Irina. Today I discovered your site for the first time and, I think, I will stay here for a long time. I would like to learn how to sew decent things from knitwear. I’m just looking closely, but I like everything: it’s clear and simple.

    Thank you. Elena

37. Olga:

    February 20, 2021 at 08:25 pm

    Irina, thank you!

    I really liked the presentation of the material. Clearly. The comments are detailed.

38. Elena Petrova:

    February 2, 2021 at 08:36 pm

    Thank you! Very necessary and useful information!

39. Natalya Rusakova:

    January 31, 2021 at 03:37

    I like to wear knitted items, but many are too long, now I know what to do with it, Thank you very much for the lessons

40. Irina Voroshilova:

    January 19, 2021 at 03:53 pm

    Regina, hello! In fact, sewing knitwear is not difficult. But you need to know the subtleties. I invite you to take the Knitted Boom-Student+ training and all your problems with sewing knitwear will disappear.

41. Regina:

    January 19, 2021 at 03:29 pm

    So that’s the whole point - a double needle!!!!, but I suffered so much with this knitwear... THANK YOU IRINA!!!!!

    It’s just strange why there wasn’t such a needle in the standard “Singer” set? Hence the ignorance