Sewing 101 with Katy, Sewing with a Double Needle

I'm thrilled to introduce this month's timely Sewing 101 post. Please welcome Katy of No Big Dill fame!

Hello, Pickup Readers!  I am delighted to be here to talk a bit about my sewing passion.  This is such a great series to help demystify some of those techniques you frequently see, but not explained. When Chris asked me to guest post last month, I knew I wanted to talk about double needles.  Double needles might look intimidating, but they are so versatile and helpful, especially if you don't have a serger, but still want that professional looking finish.  So, today I will just be going over one use of the double needle that I frequently utilize in my sewing of swimsuits for my girls.

There are several different sizes of double needles as well as types, such as stretch and denim.  I use the regular double needles and prefer the 4/80 size for most of my projects, but you can order the others online.  The double needle is flat on the back above the red bar, just like regular needles and goes in the same way as a conventional needle does, with the flat part facing the back as you slide it up and tighten the screw to hold it in.

You will load the top of your machine with two spools of thread.  If you don't have the same color, just load an additional bobbin and stack on top of the other, making sure they are unwinding the same direction.  Load them both through the top of your machine together, just as if it were a single thread.

Once you get to the thread guide just above the needle, you separate the threads on either side and bring them down to the two needles in corresponding positions.  The bobbin with thread as normal, just one!

Increase your stitch to a 3, as that gives it a more professional look.  You will stitch your fabric without stretching it  and only on the right side of your fabric.  The back does not look the same!

In fact, the zig zag that the bobbin thread creates on the back is what helps maintain the stretch-ability of the fabric, while the front looks professional and tidy!  It's that easy!

Thanks for having me Chris, and if you'd like to now use your newfound skill of double needles, I've got a swimsuit tutorial to go along with this over at no big dill!  Even the swim instructors will be impressed with your child's homemade suit ;)

Thank you so much Katy for demystifying double needles! I recently acquired a few in a steal on ebay, but was a bit intimidated. Please be sure to check Katy's blog for her swimsuit tutorial. While you're there, be sure to read through her amazing Once Upon a Thread series. You want to know how I found Katy's blog? This amazing ruched headband!