Decorative Stitching with a Twin Needle

First, Mary Beth Temple walks you through what you will need in order to thread and use a twin needle. Mary Beth demonstrates sewing with a twin needle, discusses the correct stitch length and tension for twin needle sewing, plus demonstrates how to change the sewing direction when using a twin needle in order to correctly turn corners without twisting the fabric.

Some decorative stitches can also be completed using a twin needle. Using the same color thread in each needle offers an attractive overall patterned look, but using different colors in each needle creates an interesting striped effect.

It is important to test the chosen decorative stitch first, as not all decorative stitches lend well to twin needle stitching. If working on a lighter weight fabric, test stitching will also help determine if any type of interfacing or stabilizer is required to ensure the fabric can handle the weight of the extra threads without puckering.

Twin needle decorative stitching allows you to achieve the texture, pattern, and color of embroidery without the embroidery machine.

A twin needle is often used when hemming a garment, to achieve a mock coverstitch look. Learn how to complete this technique in this video: Double Needle Mock Cover Stitch for Knits

Learn more about the different types of sewing machine needles with Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Needles.

For more tips and techniques for adding decorative elements onto fabric, check out these videos:
Techniques for Couching
Spot Stitches and French Knots