How to Use Twin Needles When Sewing

Twin sewing needles are made with a pair of shafts extending down from a single needle shank. Used primarily for decorative sewing and stitching applications, there are many varieties of twin needles available for use in sewing. Check with knowledgeable staff in a sewing shop to determine what twin needles will work best for your specific purpose.

Things You'll Need

• Twin needle heads
• Sewing machine with zigzag capability

Instructions

Sew With Twin Needles

1. Make sure your sewing machine has zigzag capacity. Zigzag capacity is the machine's ability to sway the needle back and forth to create a zigzag stitching pattern in the fabric. You should also make sure that your sewing machine's throat plate (the part of the machine that protects the bobbin and underside) has an aperture of ample width for the needle.

2. Be certain that your sewing machine also has at least two thread spool holders. Each of the twin needles needs its own source of thread, so you will need at least two when using twin needles.

3. Check the numbering on the twin needle package to make sure they are suitable for the use you are intending. Twin needles generally come with a gap of 2, 4 or 6mm, though specialty shops may carry twin needles with wider or narrower gaps. Make sure to ask a sewing-shop sales clerk for guidance when you're unsure what size to buy.

4. Remove your sewing machine's regular needle according to the instructions in your owner's manual or equivalent guidebook. Make sure to take your time to do this properly, as the needle mechanism is one of your sewing machine's most delicate features.

5. Attach the twin needle to your sewing machine as directed by your instructions (which will be included in your owner's manual, on the twin needle package, or both). Double-check to make sure you close all open parts of your sewing machine, particularly the throat plate.

6. Start sewing! Twin needles are ideal for embroidery, decorative sewing or heirloom restoration projects. You can also get creative when using twin needles. For example, you can try using different colors of thread for each of the two needles to give your work a distinctive and unique look.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the numbering system on packages of twin needles differs slightly from regular needles. Twin needles use a two-number system: the first number on the package represents the space physically separating each of the twin needles, and the second number indicates the actual needle size.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish