How to Use a Twin Needle on a Janome Sewing Machine
Have you ever looked at a double row of stitching and noticed that the stitches were perfectly even? This is not a lucky fluke. The secret to perfectly even narrow double rows of stitching is a twin needle. While many avoid twin needle work (also know as double-needle work) as it can look (from the outside) a bit complicated, however, there is an incredible saying that summarizes twin needle work, “Twin needles are only half as complicated as they look”.
What Is A Twin Needle?
A twin needle has two needles attached to a single shank.
Like standard needles, twin needles come in a variety of sizes. But where they differ is that their sizing has two designations, with the first being the space between the needles and the second being the size of the needles. For example, a 4.0/90 Twin Needle has a 4mm space between the two size 90 needles. While you can get numerous sizes of needles between 1mm to 6mm, the most common sizes are:
- 2.5/75
- 3.0/80
- 4.0/80
- 4.0/90
Interesting Fact: the two needles on a twin needle are slightly different lengths (with the right-hand needle being slightly longer). This allows for both needles to catch the bobbin thread as the machine turns over.
It is important to note when purchasing a twin needle that different machines have different twin needle size limits. A general rule when sewing twin straight stitch is that you can use a twin needle with a spacing of up to 1mm less than the machine’s stitch width. If your machine has a 5mm stitch width, you can use a 4mm twin needle and if you have a 7mm width, you can use up to a 6mm needle. If you are curious about what twin needle is best for your machine, you can refer to your instruction manual (or send us a message and we can assist). What should be noted is that if you can trying decorative twin stitching, the width of the stitch pattern will need to be subtracted from the size of the needle so that you do not strike the needle plate with your needles.
How to set your machine up for Twin Needle work?
Step 1: Inserting the Needle
Like a standard needle, the twin needle is inserted into the machine’s needle clamp with the flat side of the needle head to the back.
Step 2: Thread the needles
With two needles, you need two (top) threads. While the threading is similar to regular sewing, a lot of sewists ask “where do I put the second thread for twin needle work?” Depending on the sewing machine model this additional thread can be placed on the additional spool pin or a thread stand. On the top of most Janome sewing machines, there is a hole (it could be either square or circular in shape) designed to fit the additional spool pin.
From here, thread your machine as you would normally, one thread at a time. This will ensure that the threads do not get twisted around each other, which can result in poor tensions and thread and needle breaks.
Finally, thread the thread through the eyes of the needles.
Sewing Top Tip: When stitching with both needles using the same colour, instead of purchasing two threads, you can wind some thread onto an extra bobbin and use this as the second thread spool.
Which Stitches Can I Use?
While most twin needle work is completed with a straight stitch, there are many stitch options that can add some flair to the finished product. From ZigZag to decorative stitches, there is one consideration that a sewist must take into account when selecting a stitch; being the size of the twin needle.
As mentioned previously, when selecting a stitch that has a width (sideways movement), it is important that the stitch width and the twin needle size/width does not exceed the maximum zigzag width of the machine.
Some Janome computerised models have a Twin Needle Mode, which will disable stitches and settings that are not designed for twin needle work.
Now, all that is left is to create beautifully parallel lines of stitching.
If you need Twin Needles, we stock the full range of Schmetz Twin Needles in our Stores and online:
