You always make things understandable and doable - you left a great legacy. I never knew you could run two spools of one spool feeder - a real revelation for me
Growing up this is all we had for sewing tips now a thousand Chanel’s about sewing but Nancy was on sat mornings very good way to learn. Glad the videos are here 👍
Most of this will be determined by the foot you use on your sewing machine. The best foot to use is the standard foot that comes on your machine. An open-toe foot will not provide enough pressure to hold the fabric in place, and a pintuck foot will create a raised area in the fabric. A couple of other tips are to starch your fabric before starting, and stitch slowly and evenly.
Thank you for the tip on using a bobbin for the second needle. I thought I couldn't stitch with a twin needle because my machine doesn't have two spool holders. Yay, now I can.
A double needle works with machines that can do a zig-zag stitch. The overall width of your zig-zag stitch will determine what size of needles your machine can accomodate. Double needles can range from 1.6mm to 6.0 mm. The sizes indicate the distance between the needles. Not all machines can make a zig-zag 6.0 mm wide. Measure the width of your zig-zag stitch prior to working with double needles.
Thank you Nancy for taking the time out to make such an informative video..now your favorite double needle tips are my favorite also. I am no longer afraid of using the double needle anymore. I only used industrial multi-needle machines but never@home. Thanks again:)
Yay! Nancy is on youtube! I used to watch Nancy's show on KAET in Arizona! Been watching for years but now just learning to sew. Good to see Nancy! :-)
For some reason I had it in my mind that threading a machine to use a double needle involved a great deal of manipulation and finagling - I had no idea it was so easy! After watching I ran downstairs, stuck in a double needle and gave it a try - I couldn't believe how easy it was, lol. Thank you SO much for this video -double needle stitching, here I come!
@bobsgirl93 The bottom will not look "exactly" like a standard zig-zag. It will be drawn into the center slightly. You should be able to see the top thread at the back. Often the fabric will tunnel or cause a tuck in the fabric. If you do not want the tuck to happen, you can stabilize the fabric slightly with a spray starch or sizing.
Thank you for this! I have been sewing since I was 12 self taught. For over 30 years I have never used the twin needle I am going to now thanks to you!
Found this video and was most grateful. I am having trouble though. I have a Kenmore Ultra Stitch-6 machine and it does zig-zag stitches. I have the machine threaded going opposite directions. The left needle is not stitching or skipping stitches. I have adjusted tension from top, tension from bobbin, tension on thread and stitch length. I have also used three layers of fabric instead of two. I have a 2,80 3,80 and a 4,80 needle. The fabric is light weight pajama knit.
wow what a great video tutorial!!! i've been looking for a while for a video to teach me how to use twin needles on my machine that's easy and clear! this is just the best! i followed the instructions and just made two perfect rows of stitches! thank you so much nancy! i am subscribing and watching the rest of your vids! God bless you!
Hi Nancy nice to meet you :) I am a beginner with sewing so need all the help I can get LOL!!!... so glad I came across your tutorials, very helpful and easy to understand, Thank you so much for taking the time to do all your tutorials appreciate it :) really like how the twin needles gives a decorative effect, I will have to try this, thanks to you using twin needles is a lot easier than first thought :) Thank you again, and please keep posting the tutorials they are great :) Have a wonderful day :) Magz :)
Thank you so much, this video is going to change my entire sewing game for the better! Only question though: I'm using a brother machine, and i'm wondering if i need to change settings for it to know that i'm using a double needle or will the machine just be able to know and work with it? Maybe a dumb question, but I'm a beginner and still getting to know my machine and my pace!
Nancy, I keep trying to do this, but 1 of the needles falsl to catch every 1/2 dozen stitches or so. Any suggestions. I have a a lot of shirts I want to shorten. Dorothy
Nancy demonstrates in the video how to line up thread spools, unwinding in opposite directions, for either horizontal or vertical spool pins. Refer to your sewing machine manufacturer's recommendations for use of magnetic items on your particular machine. If your owner's manual doesn't list recommendations, you can usually find that information on the company's website or by calling their customer service department.
Hello :D I'm new in this sewing world, so I bought a Singer Tradition 2250, and I've been looking for pages and videos like this one. Thanks (I still don't know if this machine can use this kind of needle)
Hello thank you so much for your very helpful reply. You may be right about the fabric in that it does feel like it has a high Lycra content. I'm going to try all of your suggestions hope it works I love knits and you make it look so easy
Thanks so much Nancy! Nancy, I heard that we should not use the metal seam guide on a computerized sewing machine. What are your thoughts on this? Please :)
what is the differnce between a stretch twin needle and a regular twin needle. I don't understand what is different about the needles that make the material stretch. Thanks.
Nancy when you get to the end of the stitching do you just back stitch to secure the stitch or do you take a hand needle to pull the threads through to the back and do a few stitches to hold it.? Thanks for the great videos...I'm learning so much from you.
My Mom is looking for a twin-needle sewing machine, and I have no idea where to start as I am the only son, and she speaks very little English. I want to get her one as a gift. What brand and model is your machine and how much is it? She has a industrial grade Singer machine 591 D300AD, but it is single straight stitch only. Thank you.
Hi there! Twin needles are compatible with almost any standard sewing machine--but you need to be sure the space that the needle goes through on your foot will accommodate the extra width (so use a zig zag-friendly foot). The type of stitch is still a locking stitch (because your machine is still set for a straight stitch--it simply has two threads running through at the same time on different needles). The only difference will be seen on the underside of the fabric: the bobbin thread will have to bounce back and forth to grab both of the top threads, and it will look like a zig zag stitch from the bobbin side. Therefore, it holds about the same as a zig zag stitch.
What gauge on the sewing machine do we use for this twin needle? I had changed mine and the needle broke! NO on shows the sewing gauge to us?? Do we use 2.5 or 3.00 and I have a Brother machine, so there is another set of numbers as well. Can you help please?
+Carol Ward Hi Carol, Would you please clarify what you mean by "gauge?" Do you mean seam width or seam length? Your needle may have broken due to one of these reasons: 1. The foot does not have enough clearance to accommodate a double needle--be sure that you're using a foot with a cut-out that can accommodate your widest zig-zag stitch. 2. The needle position needs to be right in the middle when using a twin needle. 3. The bobbin case may not be cradled properly in its shuttle. Make sure it clicks in place when you load it. With a double needle, you shouldn't be using anything other than a straight stitch, so do not adjust the stitch WIDTH (however, you may adjust the LENGTH of the stitch to your choosing). I hope this helps! :) -Emily (Creative Team at Nancy's Notions)
My Singer 4411 has a second spool holder for the second thread when using the double needle. Is this less desirable than having both spools in the same thread holder, but with the thread coming off in the opposite direction?
Hi Tina, Please reach out to our Sewing and Product Advisors for additional advice. You can click on the link below to get in touch with them: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor&intcmp=FFSA
Nancy, I'm not sure if you still answer questions on old videos, but I would really appreciate your input! I'm super new to sewing. My machine allows me to use a double needle. Can using a double needle on a hem take the place of a serger, or edging the raw edge of a fabric? Thanks so very much!
Hi Momzilla, Thank you for commenting. The double needle does not replace the overlock stitch a serger can do which secures the entire raw edge to prevent unraveling. In this video, Nancy is demonstrating on knit fabric which does not unravel and so the use of a double needle is fine. I find that over years and several washings that a serged fabric edge holds up much better than one that has none. If you have further questions on this, please reach out to our Sewing and Product Advisors here: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor thanks, --Laura
Hi Nancy's Notions. Thanks for pointing out that knit fabric doesn't unravel and all the other tips that make the difference between success and failure! I guess that I am really need to become familiar with my Edge/Overlocker Foot because I don't have a serger! I think that if I am going to work on a piece of clothing that I want to last a long time, I will ask my local tailor to serge the most important seams.
Hi Mary Anne, We have some books which refer to using a twin needle in various portions but not a twin needle exclusive book at this time. Our Sewing and Product Advisors can help you determine what book would be best for the instructions you need. Simply reach out to them by clicking on the link below: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor Thanks for watching!
Thank you for such an informative video. I have a question though, can you use twin needles on any sewing machine? Or can it only be used on specific sewing machines?
Hi Addy, We're glad you liked the video! You're asking a bit of a loaded question here. ;) Nearly all home sewing machines will accommodate a twin needle. The only thing to be mindful of is that some machines are straight-stitch only (vs. zig-zag, etc.), and the throat plate needs to have the clearance (width) to allow both needles to pass through to the bobbin area. Otherwise, you should be home free. If your machine does not have 2 spool pins, you can use a thread stand for the extra spool. I hope that helps. :)
Hi Nancy despite following advice I am no further forward after days !!!! Battleing with knits and tunnellingUsing my Bernina a walking foot stretch twin needle . Sewing liberty jersey hems my machine ....when not eating my fabric! I have extreme tunnelling please help ! Thank you
Extreme tunneling may be caused by the bobbin tension being too tight, but I have a hunch it may be the knit itself in this case. Does it have a high lycra content? There are a few things to try: 1. The twin needles may be too wide apart--try a different twin needle with a smaller width between the two. 2. Stabilize your fabric by saturating it with Best Press and ironing it (use a low temp and press cloth, please!). Allow the fabric to rest and cool flat before you stitch. 3. As a last resort, loosen your bobbin screw EVER SO SLIGHTLY. Try a quarter turn at a time and test, test, test! I'll run this by our sewing advisors to see if they have other troubleshooting ideas I can't think of. :) -Emily (Creative Team)
Hi Sharon, Do you mean the yellow fabric at 0:54 seconds in the video? I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean. The yellow fabric at 0:54 was stitched with a 1.6 or 2mm-wide double needle (most often used in heirloom sewing). If this isn't what you're asking, could you please give me the time stamp on the video so I can see what you're looking at? Thanks very much! :)
Hi - okay, I believe I understand now ... First, I must have a pressure foot that allows for zig zag stitching as the 'opening' is wider than a single stitch pressure foot; Then the first spool (or the one on the left) has the thread being going over the top of the spool, the 2nd spool, on the right, will have the thread coming off from the bottom (for my machine anyway); Then I must be sure to thread the 2nd spool of thread first thru the little metal eye some of the double needles have (found toward the top of the right needle), then proceed to thread right needle as usual ...
Wow - thanks for responding...I'm afraid something happened...the 'left' needle's point snapped off - yikes. No injuries, whew .. when I hand crank it falls in fine then after a few I notice that the needle shifts more to the left and catches on the plate every once in a while...boohoo -- Oh well... tried single stitch too...not falling right on this old old model ... bummer
This IS a bummer. Would you like to call our sewing advisors? They might be able to diagnose the problem for you--every machine is just a little bit different. Here's the info: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor Sending good sewing vibes your way!
Thanks for this vid - I was wondering two things: first, how to find out if my Singer model 9432 can use the 60 mill needles - couldn't find out - and second, the presser foot doesn't have to be changed to use these double needles?
Hi kraftyiam! The presser foot needs to have enough allowance to accommodate a zig-zag stitch (even though you will have your machine set to a straight stitch when using a double needle). Just make sure the area the needle goes through is wide enough to fit the double needle. As for your particular machine, that sounds like a question for our sewing advisors! Please give them a buzz or shoot them an email--here's their info: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor Thanks for asking! :)
I've been learning from you for a long time - watched you on TV once upon a time; magazines, now here. Thank you ever so much for replying, and the information you've imparted. Happy Holidays.
Hi Stella, The twin needle is universal and compatible with most machines. The hole area in the throat plate of your machine must be able to fit the size of the double needle. If you are unsure with your make and model, you may want to contact a Singer dealer. Thank you for watching.
Thanks, Nancy! I've spent about an hour trying to find out how to thread and use both thread spools on my Pfaff 1214, and am sure I can now adapt your information to my machine. Ellen
Uh-oh... Did you have your machine set to a straight stitch? Would you like to call one of our sewing advisors? Here's a link with their contact info: www.nancysnotions.com/jump.do?itemID=5&itemType=LANDING&page=sewing_prod_advisor
