Two threads; one needle

It's been many years, probably 50+ since I used two threads in a single needle, to add some decorative stitching on both my sisters and later, DDs dressy clothes. In those days, I only had a Singer treadle with not even a zig-zag. My, how times have changed; now for the DGDs, I have 2 embroidery machines plus a 1961 Singer with all sorts of cams, that I love. I often use the twin needle for similar stitches, but they sew two distinct seams, and sometimes I hem knits with them, when I'm too lazy or too busy to pull up the serger and thread it. It lives on a lower shelf of one of the cabinets. One thing, I always use wooly nylon in the bobbin when using twin needles on knits. These can be purchased in different widths between the needle points, up to 4cm, I think. HTH, Emily

I used to sew with a double thread when I wanted a stronger or thicker thread and didn't have one. I believe that it's also done when one wants to top-stitch with a heavy thread that precisely matches thread used elsewhere.

I just threaded my machine as for double-needle sewing down to the needle, then ran both threads through the same eye. Never a hint of trouble on the top of the machine.

The bobbin could give trouble if the two threads wound on it got out of synch. But only once did I have to cut the thread off the bobbin; it didn't take long to learn how to keep them in synch. Tying an overhand knot in the ends of the threads before putting the bobbin away helps a lot.

I still use a double-wound bobbin for gathering; a doubled thread is easier to draw.

Joy Beeson

I suppose you can just use two diff colours in the top, and leave the bobbin with one thread as normal.

Katherine

Thanks, Joy I had't thought of using double threads on the bobbin as well, which would be used when the "bottom" is going to be visible. Nice tip on tying off the two bobbin threads upon removal, too. JPBill