About sewing...and using double needles?

Question

does anyone one know any good websites or tips that will help me figure out how to use a double needle in my sewing machine..thanks

Answer 1

They are usually for decorative topstitching or an extra seam. I'd look for a sewing class or a friend that could help.  Libraries also have loads of instructional books on sewing.

Answer 2

Not all sewing machines will be able to take a double needle.  Basically, the machine must have zigzag capabilities and the bobbin needs to be toward you as you're sitting in front of the machine, not on the side.*

In the most basic use, you'll thread up with two spools of thread on top, and one bobbin thread.  Sewing a straight stitch will then produce two parallel lines of straight stitch on top and sort of a zigzaggy effect behind.  This is the method used to imitate serger coverstitching on a sewing machine -- to be most successful for that, you'll probably need to hand wind a bobbin with Wooly Nylon or Polyarn.  It will not have as much natural elasticity as a true coverstitch.

Make sure the needle width you choose is less than your widest zigzag stitch.  I believe the widest twin needle I've seen is 8 mm.

For more information: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00...

Also check your library for the July 2003 Threads magazine, which has a very nice (and thorough) article by Carol Ahles on twin needles.

http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/sto...

*Some side-bobbin Elnas can use a twin needle, but you get two lines of stitching over each other, not parallel rows.