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From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-30-2006, 07:46 PM (1 of 39)
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I bought an LJDesigns pattern online and it came in the mail tonight. It calls for the use of a twin needle. Boy, buying patterns in the store sure has its benefits! I would have read it over and thought twice before buying!! Can someone give me a few bits of info on twin needle sewing? --Do you need a special feature on your machine to do twin needle sewing? It's not for a serger, is it? (I don't khave one.) --What's it for, anyway? --Do you need 2 top threads, or is one thread strung through both needles? Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-30-2006, 08:15 PM (2 of 39)
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A twin needle can usually be used in any machine that can do zig zag stitching and that you thread the needle from the front to back. You sew using two spools of thread. Twin needles can have different amount of space between the two needles. A twin needle can be used to do decorative stitching but you have to be careful with the pattern you choose. A stitch that has a dense patttern or one that is too wide doesn't work...could hit the sides and break the needles. Top-stitching can be done with a twin needle...it has two identical rows of stitching. Once I did decorative stitching around a picture frame using a light blue thread in one needle and a dark blue thread in another. I really liked the way it turned out. This is the best link I found about twin needles. Hope it helps. http://www.lydias.com/sewtwin.html Found another one http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/qa/aaqa1103c.htm TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-30-2006, 10:06 PM (3 of 39)
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I didn't know that about decorative stitching. That sounds like something fun to try once my skirt project is finished. Thanks for the tips!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: paroper
Date: 01-31-2006, 02:59 AM (4 of 39)
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For most machines, it is one post with two needles attached. For some of the older machines, you have two holes for regular needles. The only bad thing about the twin needles is the cost. They usually run about the price of a whole pack of regular needles, so take care of it. The beauty of twin needle sewing is not only does it perfectly align the stitches but you only have to make one pass. You should have two spindles on your machine. You thread first one spindle, then the other, going through the same holes and tension. When you get to the last thread guide, you should have two. One goes to the left, one to the right. Needles come in different widths (apart) you need to make sure that you know the width of your zig zag stitch plate. Most plates are 5.5 mm or less. The needles will tell you how far apart they sit. If your needles are farther apart than your plate, they will shatter when you use them. Be sure and use the zig zag plate, not the straight stitch plate (if you have one). If you can't find the size of the opening, you could just compare the plate and presser foot. If they have the same size opening, take the presser foot with you to check. If they aren't, take the smaller opening with you to the store or just plan to buy the more narrow opened needles. Also, there are twin needles and twin needles where one is a wing needle. Be sure that you get the ordinary twin needle. The other is for heirloom sewing (in particular). If you choose not to use the twin needles, you can just make two passes, one at 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch and one at 3/8 inch. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-31-2006, 09:56 AM (5 of 39)
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Pam, did you mean that at the very bottom, before the thread goes through the needle eyes, there should be two thread guides? I only have one. And I only have one spool holder, although I'm certain I could fashion something. I'm glad you pointed out that I can still make 2 passes to gt a similar effect. In the pattern I'm using, it's called for for sewing the elastic onto the waistband, so if the stitches aren't exactly lined up, I think it's ok.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: paroper
Date: 01-31-2006, 10:06 AM (6 of 39)
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If you just happen to have a spindle like they put receipts on in a store, you could use one of those for a spindle, just put it to the left of the machine. Most commonly people put their thread in a glass or cup if they don't have a second spindle or they don't have one large enough. Most machines have two spindles although sometimes they slip into an open area in the back or one is laying down and one is standing. I don't recall seeing a machine that didn't have some sort of double hook for the last thread guide. Often it is on the part that holds the needle (name of the part escapes me at the moment.) The machine companies will do almost anything to save money and not having a little piece of wire at the bottom of the guides or not putting in a second spindle might be two of those features.) However, if you don't have one, try a double needle on one shaft and thread one then the other to help keep the tread apart. It always amazed me that the thread didn't tangle. Sewing elastic directly onto a waistband is not my forte. That is one trick I have never mastered, but it is something commonly done and I know that I have attempted it in classes without a double needle...others have been more successful...I'm sure that there is someone here who will know that trick. Mine always looks tacky when it is done. I use casings instead and avoid the other application like the plague, which doesn't help if you need to learn a procedure. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-31-2006, 12:25 PM (7 of 39)
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My big twin needle hint is use the zig zag foot.......you can imagine how I worked this out... It is realy cool the way you get 2 lovely parallel lines at the front and a zig zag at the back MAGIC! Do practice thoroughally before topstitching anything - small mistakes seem twice as obvious love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-31-2006, 02:47 PM (8 of 39)
Thanks all  Unfortunately, nothing grabbed me at the fabric store (when was the last time THAT happened???)  So I'm going to go back to my home dec project in my DD's room, and then I'll get back to this skirt pattern. I will be back to let you know how I do with that twin needle!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: LauraM62
Date: 02-01-2006, 08:46 AM (9 of 39)
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You might want to see if there is a spot on the top of your machine where a post should or might be added. When I got my machine there was an empty square looking area at the top. In the acceressories was a toothpick looking pieces with a square looking end, it locked right into the spot, giving me my additional stand up spool. I love twin needles! I use them as my faux coverstitch  like making knit items as when you see that double stitch on RTW on hems. Or of course on jeans! Then they work wonderful adding things like rick rack, trims, fold-over elastic, and yes the decorative stitches. Personally I keep the different sizes of the universal twin needles, plus some of the stretch twin needles too (swimsuits). Using the twin needles helps with the time in the double top stitching, gives nice spaced lines, then with the zig-zag underneath helps in keeping things like hems down better in things like knits. Although they do cost more then a regular needle I feel I don't use them as often so I'm not replacing them as often, so an offest
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: paroper
Date: 02-01-2006, 11:22 AM (10 of 39)
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Sometimes it just is a loose spindle that screws into a screw hole in the top of the machine not usually too far from the other. One of my machines had a spindle with a small flat bottom. It slid into a space between the top and the body of the machine at the back. That machine had a spindle that laid down in the top and then you used the stand up spindle in the back (after you figured it out.) Most machines have two spindles. The later models usually have one that lays down and one that stands. The older machines almost always have two that stand. (We didn't have crosswound thread for many years.)
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-01-2006, 01:12 PM (11 of 39)
Thanks ladies! Now I'm really looking forward to trying this out! I just got a nice coupon for JoAnn's. I'll save it for the twin needles. 
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: mommydionne
Date: 02-01-2006, 03:45 PM (12 of 39)
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I like twin needle sewing too, but if you break one it is so $$$$. They do such a nice job for hems on knits etc. I also use them for pintucks etc. very pretty for kiddie stuff.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-22-2006, 04:44 PM (13 of 39)
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I'm just now ready to start that skirt project that calls for a twin needle. I picked up my machine manual today and found that it does accommodate a twin needle! I found the gizmo that holds the second spool, and I found instructions on threading for this machine as well. I also managed to squeeze in a trip to the fabric shop and picked up a twin needle. Now I'm all ready to go!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: paroper
Date: 02-22-2006, 05:08 PM (14 of 39)
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Cool! Keep us posted!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 02-22-2006, 06:28 PM (15 of 39)
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Great tips here, I just want to add that sewing with a twin needle, while it sounds intimidating, is as easy as sewing with a regular one. You'll do great!
see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-23-2006, 08:28 AM (16 of 39)
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I was surprised how easy it is -- I used zig zag and decorative stitches and it worked great. I'd never bothered with it before because top stitching is one of the things I do rather well and would just have two go-arounds instead of one. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-23-2006, 08:49 AM (17 of 39)
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The beauty of it is that it is so quick and that any small imperfections are perfectly aligned so they don't show at all.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-23-2006, 09:07 AM (18 of 39)
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Pam I find my "imperfections" are rarely small. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 02-23-2006, 04:54 PM (19 of 39)
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What a quick learning curve! I used the twin needle with a zig zag stitch to sew my elastic right onto the fabric, forming a waistband in no time flat. It gathers so evenly and looks so professional. I used to struggle with this technique, b/c a) I didn't have a twin needle, and b) I didn't know how to distribute the elastic evenly across the waistline. Before sewing in the zipper of this skirt (while I still had one flat piece instead of a tube), I pinned the elastic to each end. Then I pinned the middle of the elastic to the center back. Then I pinned in the middles of those two sections too. To sew, I stretched each section taut, both in front of the presser foot and behind it, and I let the feed dogs do the feeding, from one pin to the next. Thanks everyone for the encouragement! Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: plrlegal
Date: 02-23-2006, 08:29 PM (20 of 39)
Good going Andrea!!! That's the way i learn also, by doing and experimenting. Now, if my attempts at free motion quilting would only have that short and quick of a learning curve.  Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: banglemail
Date: 07-16-2006, 06:09 PM (21 of 39)
| I have a Kenmore sewing machine and the manual says to "push the twin needle button" to sew with twin needles but there is no button. Nowhere else in the manual does it mention or show any type of button. I went to Sears and the salesperson couldn't find any button either. I would assume it's a typo except by twin needle sewing looks crummy. First, it tunneled (sewing on knits) and so I used everything from paper to a spray stabilizer to help. It helped a little but they're still kind of bunched up looking and my thread keeps breaking. I've tried every range of tension I have and it hasn't helped. Any suggestions???? Thanks. Rebecca. |
User: banglemail
Member since: 07-12-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-16-2006, 07:10 PM (22 of 39)
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Rebecca, 1. Are you using a ballpoint twin needle on knits? 2. How does the twin needle stitch look like on cotton wovens, when you correctly adjust tension etc? I have two Kenmores and there's no "twin needle button" involved. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-16-2006, 08:15 PM (23 of 39)
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If your Kenmore is an older Kenmore, check and see if you have two needle holes for twin needle sewing. My old one (bought new in 1974) took two needles, not a twin needle. I don't know how much it would matter but it would effect the alignment of the needles if it was one with two rather than two side by side.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: stephi
Date: 07-17-2006, 02:17 PM (24 of 39)
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Andrea, I saw noodling and all I could think of was this... http://www.dto.com/fwfishing/methods/method.jsp?Articleid=152&Articletypeid=107 Kinda redneck huh??!!
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-17-2006, 04:51 PM (25 of 39)
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haha! Hey, Stephi, think you might make it to the sewing expo in Chantilly VA this Sept?
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: joni lowe
Date: 07-17-2006, 08:15 PM (26 of 39)
| If topstitching a collar for example, how would you pivot at the corner using a twin needle? Joni |
User: joni lowe
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 75 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-17-2006, 09:16 PM (27 of 39)
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I don't think you can pivot. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-17-2006, 09:40 PM (28 of 39)
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You can pick it up and place the needles so that the lower needle touches the outside thread and the upper needle is near the corner so you'll have a bit of an "X" on the inside thread. I usually just run off the edge and come back onto the edge with the next side.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: stephi
Date: 07-18-2006, 08:22 AM (29 of 39)
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I am taking a week off in august to help put up siding and windows inmy house, but sewing expo sounds like more fun. Its been a while since I have been to chantilly Maybe I can con my hubby into driving up there with me. Do you have any info on it?? I havent seen anything here, but thats probobly becausse I go to walmart 90% of the time and they wouldnt get info on that kind of stuff.
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-18-2006, 02:17 PM (30 of 39)
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Nah, I'm on a mailing list. It's annual, so people around here start planning this year for next year, to make sure they can go! They have the expo all over, but end of Sept is typically here in Chantilly (Near Dulles Airport)Original Sewing & Quilt Expo (http://www.sewingexpo.com/index2.html)
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: stephi
Date: 07-18-2006, 03:03 PM (31 of 39)
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Wow thats alot of stuff going on!! Theres even stuff I could help my D do. I want to make the yoyo ornament, whats up with that not being in chantilly!!!???? I guess we shall see, I would have to convince my hubby he wants to go...Maybe hit the DC zoo while we are there. Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-18-2006, 08:22 PM (32 of 39)
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I would have to convince my hubby he wants to go...Maybe hit the DC zoo while we are there. Sure. Or the Udvar Hazy Air & Space Museum, just about 3 minutes down the road from the Expo Ctr. You might be interested in the Textile Museum as well, which is in DC, not too far from the Nat'l Zoo. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Roy
Date: 07-19-2006, 06:31 AM (33 of 39)
| I have a Husqvarna Viking Prelude 360. Can I use a twin needle on this machine? It is not mentioned in the manual. |
User: Roy
Member since: 04-28-2006 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-19-2006, 09:07 AM (34 of 39)
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I do not have/own your machine. However, most machines will now take a duel needle since you no longer have to insert two needles in two seperate holes and they come as one. The main thing is to make sure that it is not wider than the opening in your throat plate or wider than your foot opening. The feet come in different widths. Look at the top of your machiune. One hint would be if there is a spool pin and a hole for another. Many MFG leave an opening for a second spool pin but may or may not include it in the accessories.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: stephi
Date: 07-21-2006, 08:36 AM (35 of 39)
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My hubbie gave me the well if its something you really want to go to then we can. I dont think I will take any of the classes because I will have my 4yo D with me and it says no one under 8 allowed in classrooms. But it looks like a few of the make and take projects would be fun and easy for her to do with me. I really like to shop around and see whats new. I love looking at fabric too so I am hoping that they have some fabric dealers there. We still havent 100% decided to go but I think maybe it will be a good family vacation...a short one
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
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From: Roy
Date: 07-21-2006, 08:45 PM (36 of 39)
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Thanks Pam. I will get several sizes and carefully try to see what works.Will let you all know. I have found out that I can't learn to play the piano by reading books on piano playing. I just gotta practice
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User: Roy
Member since: 04-28-2006 Total posts: 25 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-21-2006, 08:53 PM (37 of 39)
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That's true but once you've learned you can learn to play a piece by reading the music and playing it in your head...great way to practice piano if you don't have one handy (FYI).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-22-2006, 10:47 AM (38 of 39)
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Roy, when I went shopping, I brought my presser foot with me to the store to compare. Then you won't need to buy extra sizes, open up packages at home, go back for returns...
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: gmcsewer
Date: 07-24-2006, 09:45 AM (39 of 39)
| For those ofyou who do not own a twin needle and want to try it, you may put two regular needles in the needle hole and tighten the screw. I did this before they had twin needles. That way, you can have regular needles or ballpoint needles to use on knit. This makes a very narrow channel between but does work on knits. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
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