Seamstresses have a special relationship with the double needle for a sewing machine. Novice craftswomen are alarmed by its unusual appearance. They wonder how they can install it and use it effectively. But professional seamstresses are sure that they cannot do without such a needle if they want to make beautiful and even parallel lines, decorative double patterns, neat gathers and pintucks.
The needle can be easily installed on most models of sewing machines, making sewing a pleasure.
Types and purpose of double needles
The appearance of the needle is directly related to its purpose - to sew a double stitch evenly and accurately. Moreover, on the front side the stitches will run like two parallel lines, and on the back they will form a zigzag stitch. This is very convenient when you need to sew on an elastic tape or braid - for example, when sewing underwear or children's clothes. When processing the edge of a knitted product, such a needle can completely replace a flat-stitch machine, producing a neat and beautiful stitch. Stitching an even double seam on jeans is also a job for this needle. It is also used for stitching the edges of collars, cuffs, and pockets. It produces quilted products effectively and quickly.
If you thread different colored threads into a needle, you can get original decorative embroidery. When the distance between the needles is small, the second thread produces a shadow effect, and the lined outline gives the impression of a three-dimensional pattern.
The types of devices differ in the gap between the needles and the lines created. This gap ranges from one and a half to six millimeters. Needles differ in thickness and eyelet size, depending on what fabric they are intended to be used for. To sew denim, suiting or other thick fabric, you will need the appropriate JEANS model needle. It is slightly thicker than usual and has a very sharp tip. For stitching on knitwear or processing a knitted product, use the STRETCH model. It has a rounded tip that does not damage the fibers of the material. When you need to make a seam with metallized threads, the METALLIC needle model is used. The UNIVERSAL needle is suitable for sewing cotton, silk, tulle and most other types of fabrics.
How does a double needle work?
The peculiarity of the double sewing accessory is that two identical needles are fixed parallel to each other on one flat polyamide holder. The distance between the fixed needles differs for different models, is measured in millimeters, indicated on the packaging and on the holder.
Otherwise, the needle structure does not differ from the universal model. It is made from hardened steel and coated with nickel or titanium for added strength. On top, above the holder, it has a standard flask for strengthening in the needle holder. It is cylindrical in shape, with one beveled side, which must be turned away from you during installation. Each needle is equipped with an eye for thread, a long groove to protect the thread from chafing, and a short groove to help the thread form a loop.
How to choose the right needle
Before purchasing a needle, you should carefully read the instructions for the sewing device and find out which models of needles it is compatible with. For example, for Janome machines, manufacturers recommend using needles from the Japanese brand Organ. And in the Janome 2041 S model, a double needle is included in the package. You can ask the seller in any specialized sewing store in Moscow about which needle is best suited for your home machine.
The needle you choose should match the weight of the fabric and the type of thread used. Another condition that you need to pay attention to when choosing an accessory is the distance between the needles. When the machine has a zigzag width of 5 mm, the gap between the needles should not exceed 4 mm, and you will only have to sew with a straight stitch. If you want to stitch with a zigzag, then a gap of no more than 2 mm is allowed between the needles, and the zigzag width will have to be adjusted to 3 mm. Otherwise, there is a high risk of damaging the needle.
Installation Rules
Before installing the needle, you need to make sure that the sewing device model is adapted to work with such an accessory. Machines of the Podolsk 142 model cannot sew with a double needle. In the needle plate they have only one round hole for the needle, and a slot is required for the movement of the double accessory. There is such a narrow gap on some models of “Seagulls”, but during installation you must carefully check that the needle passes exactly in the center of the gap.
To be able to install a needle, the machine must have the ability to sew with zigzag and install an additional spool stand. For example, the Jaguar 979 has a reel seat disk in its basic set of accessories, while the Brother X5 and Janome 6125 QC have an additional reel seat. And the Janom models JUNO 1615, 2030 DC or 4030 HC are already available with two such holders, as well as paired devices for driving and guiding the thread.
Installing a double needle in a machine is no different from the routine process of replacing a universal needle. The accessory is taken with your fingers so that the cut of the flask is turned in the direction opposite to the user, and inserted all the way into the needle holder. The fixing screw is carefully tightened with a special screwdriver from the machine tool kit. Before starting work, be sure to check the progress on the scrap and, if necessary, adjust the position of the needle and the tension of the threads.
Twin needle sewing methods
The double type of needle is most often used to sew a straight seam, with the help of which the edges of parts are connected (for example, in jeans), a neat edging of a collar or sleeves is made. Zigzag sewing is also possible; for this, the appropriate mode is set on the machine.
Another way to sew is to thread needles with different colored threads and use an accessory to decorate the piece.
To sew with a double needle, you need to insert the threads correctly. Some machine models, such as the Janome 7518 A or 7524 A, have paired thread feeders and thread guides. In them, a thread is pulled from each spool, and then their tips are inserted into the needle eyes - each thread in its own, left and right.
When all the thread devices on the machine are single, then two threads are passed through them together and only at the base of the needle are they separated. The left one is passed through the lower thread guide and threaded into the eye of the left needle. The right one is passed without threading near the thread guide and threaded directly into the eye of the right needle.
How to sew with a twin needle on a sewing machine:
- Place the product under the foot, move the handwheel towards you and lower the needle into the fabric so that it pierces it in the desired place at the beginning of the seam.
- Extend the working threads beyond the foot by at least 10 cm.
- Lower the presser foot and start working, controlling the thread tension.
- The edge to be sewn should go to the right of the needle, and the entire product to the left.
- Having completed the stitching, raise the needle and presser foot and cut the thread.
Features of working on a sewing machine with a double needle
Before starting work, you need to loosen the tension of all threads - the upper and especially the lower. When creating a seam, the top two threads use one bottom thread. To avoid constant tears, it should not be pulled too tight. The thickness of the lower thread should be one number smaller than that of the upper threads.
The spools must be installed so that the threads unwind from them in opposite directions, otherwise they will get tangled when sewing. When piercing the fabric with a needle, rotate the flywheel towards you, do not forget to bring the long ends of the threads behind the presser foot - at least 8-10 cm. To ensure a neat stitch, you need to sew at a reduced speed.
Safety at work
Before stitching with a double needle, you need to check the position of the switch responsible for selecting the desired stitch. If the distance between the needles is 4-6 mm, then it should only be in straight stitch mode. The width of a possible zigzag in sewing devices usually does not exceed 6 mm. If zigzag or other offset mode is selected, the needle will hit the needle plate and break. A plate scratched by a needle will further damage the fabric, leaving puffs on it.
The needle, which lowers during sewing, passes next to the shuttle at a distance of several hundredths of a millimeter. This is how the manufacturers intended it so that the shuttle could pick up the thread from the needle and form a loop. If the needle is installed incorrectly or does not match the machine model, this can cause the needle and hook to break. To avoid troubles, you need to select a needle that matches the model of the sewing device and the density of the fabric. The installed needle should not wobble or have any play when moving.
How to sew various products with a double needle, see the video below.
Hello, dear readers of the blog “site”. Today we'll talk about the delights sewing on a machine with a double needle.
How do you know if you can install a double needle on your machine? If your machine can sew zig-zag, then you can safely use a double needle. But before you purchase a double needle, you need to measure the size of the gap on the needle plate in order to know what the maximum distance can be between two needles.
How does the sewing process itself happen? Instead of one upper thread, two threads will pass through the tensioner; to do this, you need to install a holder for the second spool (must come with the machine) and thread the second upper thread in the same way as the first.
Using a double needle, you significantly increase your sewing capabilities and make it easier for you to process products with double finishing stitches. After all, most often a double needle is used for finishing pockets, on jeans, on shirts, and at the same time, for two perfectly even lines it is enough to make just one pass with a double needle. Saving time and effort is obvious).
How to sew with a double needle?
In order to sew comfortably with a double needle, you must not only thread the top two threads well, but also be sure to reduce the tension of the bottom thread in the bobbin, since the bottom thread will stretch on the wrong side of the fabric between both top threads. It is also necessary to loosen the tension of the upper threads a little in order to avoid tearing the upper threads from the tension.
If possible, use a thread that you will thread into the bobbin that is one number thinner than the top ones. This way you will create ideal conditions on the machine to produce a high-quality stitch.
When installing the needle, make sure that the machine is in straight stitch mode so as not to accidentally break the double needle.
Double needles for Janome machine
Japanese sewing machines Janome, Juki and Brother and other modern models are equipped with two spool pins and paired thread guides. An additional pin for the coil is installed in a special hole on the body of the machine.
How to thread a double needle? 
We have already looked at how replace the needle And thread the sewing machine, but now we need to figure out how to install double needle.
The cut of the needle should be installed towards the back of the machine, and the round part of the needle flask should be directed towards itself. We pass the threads from both spools through the tensioner and through all the thread guides; the threads are separated only at the base of the upper part of the needle. Thread the right thread into the right needle, and the left thread into the left needle.
If you are installing a double needle on a Chaika machine, then pass the left thread through the lower thread guide, and simply pass the right thread next to it, since this model has one lower thread guide.
How to use a double needle?
Surely you already know that double needles differ in the distance between the needles, and the final appearance of the resulting stitch depends on this. Stitches made with double needles of different widths look completely different. This makes it possible to make various finishing stitches on clothes.
Most often, double needle stitching is used when hemming the bottom edge of items made from stretch fabrics, in decorative work, in finishing stitches on pockets and flaps, and in processing seams on jeans.
Twin needles can be of three types:
- Denim
- Stretch needles
- Metallized
When choosing a needle, proceed from the specific task assigned to you, but it is better, of course, to have several types of needles so as not to limit yourself and choose the best option.
Also, a double needle is in great demand in embroidery work, since a double needle is indispensable for creating parallel lines. And if you also “play” with the color of the threads and the width between the needles, you can get unexpected options with the effects of shadows from the threads, etc.
Watch also the video about the sizes, types and capabilities of double needles:
To simplify and speed up the sewing process, various devices are used. These include a double removable accessory for the machine, containing 2 needles. With it you can make 2 parallel lines, which can be seen on the front part. And on the inside there will be a beautiful zigzag stripe. The result is a beautiful seam used to work the bottom of the garment. The rules for working with a double needle for a sewing machine are described in the article.
How does a double needle work?
This device consists of:
- Thickenings (flasks). On the back of the cone there is a flat (flat part) that rotates back during installation.
- Cases. With this part, 2 needles are soldered into one.
- Rod.
- Long groove.
- Short groove.
- Ushka.
- Points.
Double needles are available in different brands. They differ slightly in appearance, quality, and price. Popular manufacturers include SCMETZ, HEMLINE, PRYM, SINGER.
Features of work
Please note that not all machines can work with such a tool. It is necessary that the device performs a zigzag seam. Many of the newest devices are designed for its installation, and already include 2 thread racks in the design.
When purchasing such a tool, one must take into account the design aspects of the device, since the gap between the needles cannot be greater than the width of the hole for them. To measure the distance manually, you should read the instructions, which indicate the maximum zigzag width. Only this parameter is the main thing when purchasing.
We can highlight the main points without which a double needle for a sewing machine cannot be used:
- The device has a zigzag stitch function.
- The gap should not be larger than the probable width of the zigzag.
- Front filling type.
Separately, you should look at the features of threading with a double needle with a sewing machine. When doing this, you should not pull the upper threads very hard, since the only lower thread is attached to 2 upper ones. Due to improper tension, they may rupture.
Types of needles
According to their intended purpose, double needles for a sewing machine are divided into the following types:
- Universal, suitable for different materials.
- Jeans. The devices are used for sewing on thick fabrics.
- Super stretch. Used for knitwear, its special feature is the rounded tip, which does not pierce like an awl, but pushes the threads apart.
The numbering of these needles is standard. The marking indicates 2 numbers separated by a fraction: the first means the diameter, and the second means the distance between them.
Installation Rules
How to thread a twin needle into a sewing machine? Its installation is no different from the placement of a traditional needle. It must be taken into account that the cut is at the back, and the round side is turned towards the dressmaker. It is advisable that the coils have separate holders.
When passing through all the holes and thread guide holders, you need to do this for 2 threads at once. And the division is before the last thread guides, and then threaded into the eyes of the double device. Some models only include 1 lower thread guide. Then the left thread is passed through it, and the right one is next to it and threaded into the eye.
During operation, it is necessary to monitor the position of the sewing mode setter. The twin needle is used for straight stitching only. If you make a seam with an offset, for example, a zigzag, the needle will be broken on the plate. It is advisable that the coils be positioned so that one unwinds clockwise and the other counterclockwise. This will serve as protection against tangling of threads during work.
How to sew with a double needle on a sewing machine? Many people believe that this device is used only limitedly: only for finishing and hemming stitches, including 2 straight stitches. But that's not true. The tool allows you to make many decorative and necessary seams.
How to sew?
After the needle is inserted, you need to get to work. This is done according to the following rules.
- The flywheel rotates towards itself.
- Thread and needle thickness should be selected based on the fabric.
- It is important to control the tension level of the upper thread and the stitch size.
- Threading must be done according to the instructions for the machine.
- When sewing, the piece of the product should be on the left side, and the seam allowances should be on the right.
- You need to put material under the foot, make a puncture and lower the foot, bring the threads behind the foot with ends 8-10 cm long.
- At the end of the work, you need to raise the needle and foot, move the material, tighten the threads and cut them using a knife located on the sleeve of the sewing machine.
- You should stop working when the material comes off the teeth of its rack.
- After completing the work, a piece of fabric is placed under the foot and the machine turns on.
These are the basic principles of operating any sewing machine at home or in production. Using a twin needle, you can perform various functions, which are described in detail below.
Decorative designs and finishing
How to use a double needle on a sewing machine? Using this device, decorative seams and original stitches for decoration are made. Features: The result looks beautiful if different colors are used. The tool is in demand for embroidery; it can be used to create identical patterns.
Sewing on braid
This device allows you to conveniently sew on the braid. In this case, the work will turn out much more elegant. It is enough to correctly install the thread and needles and attach the accessory to the right place in the material. With the help of an even parallel double seam, the braid will be fixed beautifully and neatly.
Assembly with elastic band
Sewing with a twin needle on a sewing machine allows you to perform other operations. It is easier to assemble the material using this elastic seam. You need to wind a thin elastic band onto the bobbin of the machine, you need to use threads that match the fabric.
After this, you can start sewing. It is advisable to set the pitch to 2.0-2.5 mm. This way the elastic is placed in the shuttle mechanism, and a uniform and beautiful assembly on the fabric will be ready. This element will perfectly decorate any product.
Relief protection
Decorative patterns are made using this device. To do this, you will need a special foot for creating tucks. It differs from the usual one in that it is equipped with grooves on the sole, which lift the material when performing work.
When creating this stitch, the pattern is influenced by many reliefs on the foot itself, as well as their depth. The larger it is, the more embossed the fabric will be. The thread tension regulator is set to maximum. Material consumption during pattern creation increases.
Reliefs with cord
To do this, you need a foot designed for embossed pinching or sewing in beads. In the area where the cord will be located, you need to draw a line with chalk or a felt-tip pen. The cord needs to be pinned from the inside out. Then the fabric is placed under the foot so that the cord is located between the needles. After this you can start sewing. The result is beautiful reliefs that can decorate any product.
Decorative hem
You can sew a variety of fabrics with a twin needle on a Janome sewing machine or other similar equipment. It is ideal for hemming knitwear. When performing this operation, you should take a zigzag or satin stitch foot. Parallel lines are laid from the face, but you need to leave a small one free, which will be cut off in the future.
Safety at work
With double needles, as with others, you must follow safety rules:
- Store in a special needle bed, which must be closed. It is advisable to wrap them with thread.
- Place the broken needle in a separate box.
- Know the number of needles that are used in the work. After finishing work, it is recommended to check their availability.
- Do not stick needles into foreign objects.
- Do not use a rusty needle. It does not pass through the material well, leaves stains, and can also break.
Thus, the double needle allows you to perform different types of stitches. Every seamstress should have this device in her arsenal so that all options for decorating products are available to her in her work.
To make sewing easy and simple, many devices have been invented that significantly increase the speed of work and improve its quality. One of them is a double needle for a sewing machine. This is a removable device consisting of two needles on one holder, which simultaneously sews two parallel stitches on the front side and a zigzag stitch on the back. Often used when processing the bottom and armholes of the product. The seam turns out elastic, similar to a flat one, that is, the one with which the bottom of T-shirts is processed. If you are thinking about how to sew knitwear without an overlocker, then know that you can sew it with a double needle. It is only necessary that your sewing machine can perform a zigzag seam.
There are double needles
- Universal - suitable for various types of fabric,
- super-stretch - for sewing knitwear. The tip of such needles is rounded, due to which they do not pierce, but push apart the threads of the fabric, preventing “arrows” from appearing.
- Jeans - more durable, suitable for denim and other dense fabrics.
Needle numbers for sewing machines are standard; for double needles, the markings indicate the needle diameter / distance between them. For example, No. 75 / 2.5 - two number 75 needles are fixed at a distance of 2.5 mm. from each other. The denser the fabric, the larger the needle diameter.
Typically, a set of twin needles is included in the accessory kit included with the sewing machine when sold. But rarely does anyone know how to sew with a double needle, but in vain. Its possibilities are wide and it can help you decorate your products in a beautiful, unusual and varied way.
Topstitching It will work out much faster and more beautifully if you have a double sewing machine needle at your disposal. Using threads of different colors for this, you will get a more elegant seam.
If your machine can dodecorative stitches, then using a double needle you can decorate clothes with very impressive multi-colored patterns, embroidering two parallel patterns at the same time. By using not only threads of different colors, but also choosing needles of different sizes, you can get a wonderful result.
You can sew easily and simply beautifulruffles with elastic. To do this, you need to wind a sewing elastic band around a bobbin and thread it into the shuttle mechanism. The upper threads are ordinary, matching the fabric. Choose a stitch length of 2-2.5 mm. and sew with a straight stitch. You will get a lovely even frill. It can be used to decorate summer blouses, underwear, children's clothing, etc.
It will be much easier for yousew on braid, but to do this you need to replace the standard foot with a special one for satin stitch and select a needle whose width is slightly less than the width of the selected ribbon. Pass the end of the ribbon through the hole in the foot, bring the fabric in and sew with a straight stitch. The braid will be attached evenly, simultaneously on both sides.
The different ones look very impressive tucks , in addition, they contribute to the perfect fit of the product. But not everyone will undertake to carry them out, since production is very labor-intensive, takes a lot of time and does not always turn out accurately. But not with a double needle! Using it and the paws for large or small relief tucks. You can decorate the necessary details with them without much difficulty.
-Designing fleece clothing reliefs made with a double needle, you will get an imitation of a knitted product. Agree, it’s not bad to make a warm and fashionable pullover, decorated with intricate plaits, in a few hours of work. Such reliefs also look good on velvet. In order to perform them, you will need a thin cord and a double needle of at least 5 mm. wide, taking into account that the cord should pass freely between the needles, and a foot for sewing on beads or for large embossed tucks. Draw the desired pattern with chalk on the front side of the fabric, secure the end of the cord on the wrong side, bring the fabric under the foot so that the cord fits exactly between the needles and sew with a straight stitch, following the drawing.
Now you know how to sew beautifully, having such a simple device - a double needle for a sewing machine. Just remember that any machine is designed to work with one needle, so sew carefully and at minimum speed, and be sure to adjust the stitching. Otherwise, not only the needle may break, but there is also a possibility of damage to the sewing machine mechanism. Be careful and careful, and you will get a good assistant in decorating clothes.
To simplify and speed up the process of sewing on a sewing machine, many additional accessories are available. One of them is the double needle. This is a special removable accessory for the machine, which contains two needles at once and allows you to make two parallel lines, which are displayed on the front side. And on the wrong side you get a beautiful zigzag stripe. As a result, you can get a beautiful elastic seam, which is often used when processing the bottom of products. Buying this tool is an excellent alternative for owners of machines without an overlocker. Let’s figure out how to properly sew on a sewing machine using the “double needle” tool.
First, it should be noted that not every machine is designed to use this model of tool. It is important that the device can perform a zigzag seam.
Some modern devices are initially designed for its installation, and already in their design have two racks for working threads.
When choosing such a tool, it is necessary to take into account the design aspects of the device itself, since the gap between the needles should not exceed the width of the hole for them. In order not to manually measure the distance, you can look at the instructions where it is indicated maximum possible zigzag width. It is this parameter that will determine the purchase.
Thus, we can highlight the main points without which it is impossible to use a double needle:
- The device provides for a zigzag seam;
- the gap should not exceed the maximum possible width of the zigzag stitch;
- filling type - front.
It is worth mentioning separately features of threading. When performing this, it is important not to pull the upper working threads too tightly, since the only lower thread is secured simultaneously by the two upper ones. Incorrect tension can cause rupture.
Types of needles
According to their intended use, double needles can be divided into the following groups:
- universal devices that are suitable for any fabric;
- jeans– this model is intended for use when sewing thick fabrics, such as jeans;
- super stretch used when sewing knitwear, its peculiarity is the rounded tip, which does not pierce like sewed, but gently pushes the threads apart.
The numbers of such needles have a standard numbering. When marking, two numbers are indicated separated by a fraction: the first indicates the diameter, and the second the gap between them.
Installation
The installation of such a device is no different technically from the placement of a traditional needle. It is worth remembering that the cut should be located at the back, and the round side should be facing the seamstress. It is best if each coil has separate holder, but if this is not the case, then you can do as shown in the image.
When threading, the actions are no different from regular sewing. Simply, when passing through each hole and thread guide holder, you should do this for two threads at once. But you will need to separate the threads before the last thread guides, and then thread them into the eyes of the double device. Some models have only one lower thread guide. In this case, the left thread is passed through it, and the right one goes next to it and is threaded directly into the eye.
When working, you should monitor the position of the sewing mode switch. A double needle is used exclusively in straight stitch mode. If you install a seam with an offset, for example, a zigzag, the needle will simply break on the plate.
It is best to place the spools of thread in such a way that one unwinds clockwise, and the other counterclockwise. This will protect the threads from tangling while working. Using the minimum speed will also prevent them from getting confused.
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 various 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.
Such decorative patterns can also be made using the tool in question. True, this requires special pintuck foot. 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 such an operation, you should take 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.
The twin sewing machine needle is ideal for hemming knitwear. When performing such an operation, it is best to use zigzag foot or satin stitch. 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.