Not too long ago, I did a YouTube video on this process, but I also wanted to write a blog post. I want to give you readers some twin needle stitching tips. These are things I do myself that really help. Using a twin needle in your regular sewing machine can give a nice professional looking finish. I don’t have a coverstitch machine, so that is the reason I like this technique.

Twin Needles I Use

More often than not, I use the first twin needle pictured. I like the spacing of the needles and how the finish looks. I also get less tunneling (I’ll explain later).

When To Use Twin Needles

I use the twin needles for hemming knits and for stitching around necklines on knit tops. These tops were finished with a twin needle at the sleeve hems, bottom hem and around the neckline. It’s something I do for t-shirts especially. This is a way to get a nice looking finish on your knit projects.

Machine Settings

Some sewing machines will have special setting for using a twin needle. I have a Brother sewing machine that you must make sure to choose the twin needle, rather than single needle. If your sewing machine is like this (you can check your manual if you aren’t sure), be sure to make that change. You will also need to make sure that your stitch plate is not for a straight stitch only (it usually has only one narrow hole). Most regular needle plates have a wide opening that is good for straight, zigzag and twin needle stitching.

Stitching

Once everything is set, it’s time to sew! This is the fun part. You’ll need two spools of thread to thread the needles. If you don’t have two spools of the same color and you are trying to match your fabric, you can wind an extra bobbin. That bobbin can be your second spool. It’s important to note that all stitching is done from the right side of the fabric.

Here is an example I made using the two twin needles showing how the widths look compared to one another.

For most of my sewing, I prefer the narrower needle. It’s just a personal preference but I think it looks good for most fabrics and projects. The tunneling I mentioned earlier is when a raised area (ridge) forms in between the two needles.

Trimming

After you’ve sewn your hem, there may be excess fabric on the wrong side. I usually fold up my hem and sew within that in order to make sure I’ve caught all the fabric (remember, stitching from the right side). I trim off the excess fabric using either duckbill scissors or curved scissors.

Here is a link to my YouTube video where I show the processI use for sewing and trimming when I use a twin needle.

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This is a process that will give you some really nice, professional looking results. It may take a bit of time and practice, but it’s an easy process.