Sewing with a Double or Twin Needle

Using a twin needle to sew a neat and stretchy hem on knit fabric projects, and also how the twin needle can be used for decorative stitching.
Find more sewing tips, tutorials and free sewing patterns at So-Sew-Easy.com
You can get the needle threading tool from Amazon at www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005....

[@barbarathulin8263]

I have been sewing since 5 and NEVER knew I could do decorative stitches with my double needle! Wow!! So beautiful! I AM VERY INSPIRED!!!

[@XxBloodyWenchxX]

lovely video. very clear and understandable, good camera angles, no superfluous chitchat, good light, ... well done! thanks!

[@dawidvlog3849]

⁰0000⁰0pp

[@nettashaw6472]

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[@mrs7872]

Yes, what Lu Na said. 3 years ago. LOL. Not too much chit chat-hate that. straight and to the point. Many praises. Thank you.

[@AnneWickman]

Thank you for this video! It was easy to see what you were doing and you did it at an appropriate speed to follow along. I never knew a twin needle could be used for decorative stitching...how fun!! Well done!!!

[@mooster47]

Thanks for a clear, concise and accurate explanation! For basting my hems, I have found that a washable school glue stick works well on many fabrics.

[@rjcard5429]

Debbie....I must say , you are a great teacher . Very easy to follow you, thank you for all your videos....I was intimidated by the twin needle,but now I can't wait to use mine.....keep up the good work....thanks

[@kathyfisher8494]

Rrz Can come

[@johannechampagne7332]

I learned SO many skills from this lady’s tutorials. I miss seeing them pop up in my feed.

[@chrisharrison5974]

Thank you for a great tutorial, very clear photography and concise explanation of each step 😍👍. Never ventured into the realms of using twin needles, I am just getting back into sewing and will definitely be using this for hemming and decoration. Xx

[@Carylanne927]

goodness, I've been using my twin needles for many years, and I didn't know until today; only one thread goes through the final bars, TY for showing this.

[@jenniferdenver792]

Finally someone that can speak nice and clear

[@janeallen5969]

This video clearly showed how to use the double needle. Nothing was unnecessarily added, the work area could easily be seen. The presenter showed just what was specific to the topic. She spoke clearly at an easily understood rate. I am really impressed. I appreciate this information. Will tell my friends that sew about this site. ( Thank you. )

[@bettygraham818]

What a wonderful easy to watch and listen to video. I don't have a modern sewing machine, just a pair of 50 year old Elna and a cheap Lidl but it has inspired me to have another go at t-shirt hemming!

[@violet2048]

For safety you can also leave the power on to your machine so you can take advantage of the light, but engage your bobbin winder as this will disengage your needle shaft. If you have small children in the house you can engage the bobbin winder every time you leave your machine or turn it off and not be worried they will start the machine. Even if they turn the machine on the needle shaft will not go up and down.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Great idea! Been sewing for decades never thought of that? Thanks.

[@scoutmcgee6385]

Thanks great idea my granddaughter comes over and sometimes she sneaks in my sewing room I always have the power off but you never know they are so smart. I will definitely be doing this from now on.

[@looloo4029]

That is such a clever idea.

[@matsprincess]

👍🏻 thank you

[@fionaezzy7719]

What great tip. Thanks for that 👍

[@lianefleury6377]

I never knew I could do decorative stitches with a twin needle and I’ve been sewing for over 40yrs. I didn’t think it would clear the sides of the foot. Thank you so much for showing this. Also I bought one of those needle threaders but mostly for putting the needles in. I haven’t been able to get it just right to actually thread the needle. Lol. Thank god my eyes are still good.

[@maydaymom3]

Great video! I have had the twin needle feature on my machine, and while I consider myself an advanced seamstress, have never used it. It's so clear now! Thank you for the lesson. I look forward to more tips!

[@wendyfay16]

FABULOUS! Thanks so much for a very informative video .... Not only did you cover everything, but you made it look so simple that is encouraging to someone new to knits & twin needles. I'm sure that years of experience helps to make it appear simple, but you have also blessed us with the knowledge that you will have gained through all your years of trial & error. Thanks again ... I can't wait to try them now! :)

[@GirlArmy21]

Those decorative stitching would be so nice on a collar or cuffs!! Beautiful.

[@Ty-zp9ms]

Thank you Deby, I can't wait to use my double needle now, I Littrally can't wait I'm searching through my sewing patterns as i type. THANK YOU X

[@andreawalker2535]

Thanks so much for this very helpful video. It has been years since I used the twin needles, and so this has helped me! I appreciate your method of teaching, with clear explanations and easy to see demo of all parts of the process. I love the hem tape your are using. It is a great product! Thanks again.

[@sueiverson258]

Only problem with the stay tape is that the hem doesn't stretch after its done either. I find that often just by taking the bobbin thread and disengaging the tension from it completely will give me a much neater stitch that does not ripple and has a good stretch without breaking threads. Of course every machine is different but this trick works for me.

[@jesshothersall]

Brilliant video! I have used my twin needle a couple of times to shorten hems on my partner's overlong polo's, but it wasn't that great a job. Now I know to use the sticky tape to find the edge, as I found some of the stitching had missed the hem edge on the inside. I do hate sewing without seeing! Also love the idea of using twin needle embroidery. I've never done much with my machine's embroidery as it was not that impressive and I couldn't get the fabric balanced when trying to do repeat rows, so they never quite matched. Looking forward now to embroidering lots of existing clothes :).

[@Locustskies]

My newest Brother machine looks very similar to yours and I feared that double needle until now! Thank you so much for this tutorial and lovely decorative stitches!! I will give it a go 😃

[@katrinsmenio7847]

Thank you for a very clear and easy to follow tutorial

[@charlenejutras1595]

You have the BEST technique videos I have seen! Thank you for sharing this and all that you do!

[@olii6382]

This is the 3rd video about twin needles I watched and it’s the first one that actually makes sense to me. Haha. Thank you!!!

[@mommabearuk]

Am about to sew my first Jersey and I do want to show the hem at the bottom so you have given me the courage to try my double needle for the first time. Also had needle threaders but just the normal ones had not seen the one you had so now found it and it will be here tonight, a pack of three which means a friend who takes an hour to thread her machine as no needle threader on hers sadly can try one and hopefully means most of her sewing time will be taken up with sewing not needle threading. So thank you x

[@fangir01]

I had no idea! Here I was wishing I had a cover stitch machine and all I need is a twin needle!

[@sayrenepaulsen6367]

Me too. This is amazing!

[@wildflower4795]

@@sayrenepaulsen6367 Me also!

[@wildflower4795]

Me too! All the time I have twin needles, and never used them! No need for a cover stitch machine........

[@ethelryan257]

I learned this trick from my grandmother - who was in her late '80s. She embraced then 'new' technologies with glee. I find these videos to be outstanding. No long lead-ins, no superfluous chit-chat, well lit, well paced, great moderation.

[@gormalfun99]

You have a peaceful voice.

[@ramitashrestha4118]

Thank you for sharing. Finally I got confident to use on my machine too. You are awesome. Looking forward for new ideas & tutorial.

[@cindyclark8998]

Thank you so much for telling me to use a wide-mouth foot for decorative stitching. I had tried once & shattered the needles ~ I didn't know there was a foot I could use.

[@loudandclear3308]

One hit me under the eye

[@selouaetouil1305]

First time I know there's a twin needle that explains how clothes are finished in a proper why thank you your english is slow which helps me to understand it since it is not my first language

[@LibertyLeslie]

Thanks so much. Very well done and informative...My mind has exploded with ideas.

[@hyacinthcross6729]

That was so clearly demonstrated. Thanks a lot Debbie. It is a must try

[@lindabrown7374]

I have been sewing for many years and have used the twin needle for straight stitching. Never thought about using it for decorative stitches. Will definitely be trying this out. Thank you so much!

[@Chasmont1]

Debbie, very excellent demo. Greatly appreciated.

[@reneeaustin5186]

This was a great instructional video. Quick, to the point, and answered many questions. Thank you!

[@violet2048]

Excellent tutorial, thank you for the suggestion of using the Knit Stay Tape.

[@alondrarodriguez1499]

Thank you for the great video, I did everything as instructed following exactly as you but only one needles is picking up the bobbin thread and seeing a stitch the other needle just making holes no stitch sewn. Any ideas as to what might be going on or suggestions that I can try to hopefully get it working like it should be? Thanks for your time

[@carolmasuch2195]

Thank you, never used a twin needle before, was always wondering how shop bought clothes have the nicely finished hem. Now I now

[@solehah]

Shop clothes use industrial machine whice is different than this portable machine in the video

[@trirain146]

They use coverstitch machine, not twin needle

[@grandmalovesmebest]

True ready made hems are done with coverstitch machines but you can buy home use machines for coverstitch as well as industrial. But, twin needle makes a nice substitute!

[@mmadhoo4465]

GC Durnin I guess they are expensive.

[@nineteen8122]

@@trirain146 Same use.

[@cfidellmt]

Thanks for this video. You're a great teacher! I'm excited to tailor some of my t-shirts to make them fit and look better.

[@Piecemaker1623]

Hello from 2020. Thank you for this video.

[@jasperchadband8270]

Great tutorial thankful u said it work by stitching upward most have not explained that

[@magrietkruger507]

For the first time I learnt how to use a double needle! Thanks so much! I just missed how to use two bobbins below? I will watch again. THANK YOU once again.

[@LuckyElement7]

I believe there's only one bobbin below. She has the 2nd up on top of the machine to be the 2nd spool of thread!

[@aynurunogunleriaustralia]

you made twin needle stitching look so much fun. Thanks for sharing

[@sabrinajynx4305]

so thankful here for your video! 😍 I LOVE IT! ❤ the procedures were so easy to follow and can easily be understood 😊 you got a new fan here! 😊😊👍 just started using my brother nv55-p and this video made me feel more excited in exploring it more! 😍❤❤ will be watching all your videos and will also wait for your upcoming ones! 😍 God bless you! 😊

[@altantuyatseyenregzen5314]

The stay tape is a great idea. Thanks great video.

[@elysiab2453]

I love love love your how to videos---I have a request...I saw there are only 2 videos in your serger playlist...will you please please fill that playlist up for me with how to's (ting--sparkly smile)....I also need a playlist for beginner projects for sewists and a playlist for serger and or accessory embellishments ...You are so thorough and wonderful...these would really help me and other new sewists...I have been trying to get more people in my area into sewing and I would love to be able to send them to your channel for all your wonderful instruction and insight :-) Thanks so much for all you do! I am a huge fan of your work...Many blessings! E.

[@nicsluckytw1]

Awezome video! Just what i am looking for! I have a nice general purpose singer machine that can do so much more than what i am doing now. I am making table top items and these techniques will give me a boost! Thank you for showing how easy it really is. Thumbs up!

[@jacquelinerutter900]

I am a novice... I would like her to teach me everything to do with sewing. So easily explained. Just bought a pack of footers on Amazon don't know how to use them. You tube going to help me! Thank you!!

[@elizabethburnside6393]

Thank you for showing this, I got a twin needle with my machine but the instructions don't explain it like you just have ,luv all your video's

[@margarettennant517]

Thankyou for the clear and thorough instruction and the safety tip pre needle change. I’m now going to have a go!

[@moon-ud8tq]

So easy to see and follow tutorial 👍🦋 ; examples of stitches with double needles and stretch fabric was extra info that was so useful too! Thanks !

[@reginavella4955]

Very well done so good to follow clear instructions

[@SoSewEasy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ElinT13]

Just ran across this little video of yours. Thanks so much for the nice and clear explanation!

[@lauraafrouzian2959]

Thank you for sharing. .! I have always been afraid to use double needles. . Not any more. . Thanks!

[@BetMey1]

Great video. I am so glad I watched it - did not know to use the fusible tape before this. I am going to make a few t-shirts for my grandsons and I am definitely going to go out and get some of this now. Also going to check and see if my sewing machine will take the double needle.

[@salimakhan4555]

Thank you very very much for this tutorial. I benefitted so much.. i was definitely afraid to use the twin needles before.. never knew u could have used it for decorative stitches too.. thank you

[@ushaanand4940]

Thanks for solving the problem of top stitch for knit fabrics

[@fuzzylon]

Many thanks for your video - I have a twin needle and use it on jersey fabrics, but I didn't think of stay-tape before - it will make it much easier to get a neat finish. Nice needle threader too.

[@SoSewEasy]

Hi Adilworth04. Glad you found it useful. You can get the needle-threader from Amazon. I've put a link in the video description because its not allowed in comments.

[@kathryncooper5726]

Thank you, I enjoyed your tutorial very much. Wasn't aware of the decorative stitches.

[@angelicamacasinag4845]

Thank you for this video! I've been wondering how can I make cover stitch without using an overlock and I stumbled onto this tutorial. I feel so lucky!

[@judyfrancis4701]

Thank you Deby..I did not have any idea how to use the twin needle..this was so informative.

[@SoSewEasy]

VioletGypsie - I already had my bobbin thread pulled up because I had been sewing a regular seam prior to switching to the twin needle. Yes, I think best to pull it through before starting. My machine has a little adapted which I can add onto a peg on the top to give room for a second spool or bobbin. If yours doesn't you might have room to add a regular bobbin on top of your main spool, or in a pinch, pop the spool of thread in a cup and just let it pull through as you sew!

[@bgood6930]

I like your voice and thorough instruction. I think I might be able to do this now.....with practice 😉

[@meyawu2017]

wish I saw this before I finished my easter dress this would have been a cherry on top. thanks for video

[@cynthiaalsup3585]

These tips are awesome but I wanted to look at her threading the top despite the variations in technique. I also can't see if both threads are being inserted into the front hook of the needle. It looks like one might be outside. I think there needed to be more emphasis of the double needle issues though I learned extra stuff I appreciate.

[@TheMinot60]

Different machines often have small variations on pathway for thread in twin needles sewing. It can make a difference. Check your manual. She also says that.

[@AshleyRobjohns]

Great instructional video. I did notice the 2nd thread didn't get passed around the hook just above the needle like the 1st thread was, is this intentional or should both threads pass through this hook?

[@TG-qf4ev]

My machine is similar and the manual says only one through the hook. Going to go try it now. :-)

[@thuy-happytolearn7778]

Thank you, now i can make the tshirt perfectly :)

[@stew9stew]

loved demo: first time to see how it sews on knit so that really helped me; didn't know you could do decorative stitches with twin. needle on stretch fabric too; just saw on another video about presser foot being wide enough to accommodate two needles & not the usual one for single needle (just in case the single presser foot is used before using twin needles).

[@stew9stew]

saw the wide presser foot at end.

[@michelleslowikowski142]

Hi Deby, I very much enjoyed your video and it was very helpful. But, I'm practicing on a tshirt and I tried using stitch length 4 but the inside of the hem doesn't look zig zag so I changed it to 6 and it still doesn't look like a zig zag. It almost looks like a blind hem. What am I doing wrong please? Thank you.

[@SoSewEasy]

Michelle Slowikowski It sounds like perhaps the tension is too tight and its pulling the stitches on the back. Try loosening your tension a little, and then a little more, and see if that helps. I have to do this with mine too.

[@carolweber573]

As always, your videos are so easy to follow. I like the fusible hem tape.

[@annrobinson6643]

Ive had my machine for 39 years and never been able to have a go with the twin needle cause the instructions were so poor! am going to give this a try now thank you x

[@sheryllovestobake9898]

Wow this needle is so amazing, you dont have to double fold the edge. Wow i love it, this is useful too for making babies bloomer or fabric diaper

[@smallfootprint2961]

I was hoping I had a twin needle a couple days ago, as I was shortening a long sleeve tee shirt. I managed to sew a double seem, so it looked ok, but thanks for the video. It helps a lot. I'll get over and buy one. Doesn't look so scary. lol

[@ashachebbi4131]

Very nice idea for neckline embrodriwork. Thank you.

[@buvanamurali4124]

Twin needle superb stitching machine also vry nice mam

[@avrilsheffield6928]

I did it! So exciting! Great video, thank you!

[@MariaGracieThompson]

Perfect! I liked a lots al the clear explanations! Congratulations

[@savvysista14]

Great video. Thank you for the stay tape tip. It looks brilliant.

[@petacunningham8340]

Thank you Deby for posting this wonderful clip. Ive shied away from using my double needle - there will be no holding me back now! thanks again.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much, I really really appreciate this, it’s so very very helpful and useful and, you really really showed us all properly, taken us through everything. xxx Mags stay safe and well too x

[@ritachaudhary2028]

Excellent and superb 👍

[@lorrainebailey7304]

Wow I love. Sewing but no good at it never know they have twin needle amazing thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@SoSewEasy]

You’re welcome 😊

[@rpfann1413]

I'm a beginner, can you tell me where the 2nd bobbin is place when threading the machine? Is there a spot for it? I didnt catch it when they were threaded. Tks!

[@JesusisKing222]

I was wondering that as well. I also didn't see her bring up the bobbin loop when she first threaded the machine.

[@gaylemae]

Some machines can handle 2 spools, or do as she did and put the bobbin of thread stacked on top of the spool

[@marilyn6068]

I have that tape but forget to use it.....must put in sight. Great video

[@chaldon2viewJ84M]

Love your video but can you help on a problem ...My new Brother, an LX17 (17 stitches. It came with one 2mm twin needle but I would like one that gives a wider gap between the rows for stretch fabric.. perhaps a 4 mm or 6mm. Please advise as the instruction manual gives no help on size of needle I can use and I don't want to damage my machine. Thank you, Julie.

[@maryloupowers1891]

Great video, but confused. How did you get to sew two straight stitches on front of fabric and a zig zag on back. That is exactly what I need to do to hem a few knit dresses. Please tell me what settings I need to use.

[@SoSewEasy]

There are no special settings needed. You simply select your regular straight stitch, and the double needle does the rest. As you can see, I'm not doing anything special, just sewing. One needle sews one line and the other needle sews the other line, so you get two straight stitches as if by magic. The zig zag on the back is where the bobbin thread is attached to both rows and zig zags between them for every stitch.

[@maryloupowers1891]

Deby Coles So to see if I understand correctly, you do not have to change to any settings other than straight stitch and the under bobbin just automatically does a zig zag?

[@SoSewEasy]

Mary Lou Powers Yes. that's right. Do check your manual to make sure your machine can accept a double needle. Assuming it can, install the needle, select a straight stitch and the rest is automatic. As explained in the video, you might need to adjust your tension settings until you get the look you need.

[@etoth19]

Any regular sewing machine can be used? I have Bernina 1008 and I couldn't find any mention about double pin application.

[@SoSewEasy]

+Erzsebet Suto No mention of a twin needle in your manual? I did a quick search and found this article where the lady is using a Bernina 1008 machine and a twin needle so it certainly looks like its possible - shwinandshwin.com/2012/08/sewing-with-knits-101.html There is also a topic here where a twin needle with the 1008 model is discussed. www.sewingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7840 I hope that helps.

[@evelynblack1210]

So Sew Easy

[@susandickson9869]

@@SoSewEasy I just used my Bernina 930 and it worked like a dream. I also used the straight stretch stitch and prefer that to the straight stitch - more give and less distortion. I am still leary of adjusting the bobbin tension. Old habits die hard, but I am sure it will look much better! Now to test my Singer Genie 353. My Baby Lock Decorator's Choice is in for repairs - she is 16 years old. BTW: I will be postponing buying the cover-stitch I want to see if I really need it now that I am more comfortable with the twin needle.

[@lynetterene]

Very informative to a newbie..thank you

[@GirlArmy21]

I was wondering how this all worked. Love your needle threader. Going to look for one of those. I was curious why I would need a double needle in my sewing (new to it). Great video. New subbie from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@twinsdownunder]

Hi could you please recommend what tape would be the best for hemming lycra or spandex garments , the one you have used ? Is that the best to get the greatest amount of stretch without the wavy look ? Thanks

[@SoSewEasy]

+Tam White Yes That is the best I have tried so far.

[@lulinus7170]

So Sew Easy

[@LEGODROIDEKA]

OOOHHHH so now I know how to use it THANKS:)

[@bellavu8885]

Thank you so much for sharing! You help me a lot!

[@tkarlmann]

Very useful video.

[@geethamenohn1]

woh! never knew... thankyou so much for sharing.

[@katieandberry]

Thank you very much Deby!

[@ccorbin83]

Nice, I have never used a double needle, and I have been sewing for over 40 years. I'll have to get me some double needles.

[@philanna38]

You can use just 2 regular needles but it's a bit harder to do.

[@ruthfreeman864]

THERE IS NO WAY TO PUT 2 REGULAR NEEDLES IN THE 1 HOLE... U WILL NEED A DBL NEEDLE

[@philanna38]

Well I guess I should have said if you have an OLD machine it can be done but it is hard to do.

[@MrsJWife]

Thank you, I have not used the double needle yet. This was a great, simple, yet useful video. The stay tape I don't have, and my first attempt of knit I used the Dritz Stitch Witchery ® Fusible Bonding Web. Would you find that to do the trick (already purchased) or should I definitely look for the Stay Tape?

[@donnarichey144]

What was the length of the stitch a 3? Can you use twin on regular materials also. Love the designs. Thank you.

[@sunriselg]

Just bought one the other day and one thing I had to do for it to work is to reduce both upper and lower tension.

[@jacklynszabo]

how do you reduce lower tension

[@gilliantelford6397]

Judith L b

[@susandickson9869]

@@jacklynszabo you need to adjust the screw on the bobbin case, but very little at a time. Remember, 'lefty loosey, righty tighty'. I was taught to keep my hands off the bobbin tension and adjust the upper tension conservatively. I am not as up tight about it as I used to be, but still cautious.