Schmetz Universal Twin Needle
Schmetz Universal Twin Needle
Universal Twin Needles - for domestic machines
When do you use universal twin needles?
Using double or twin needles can open up new possibilities in your sewing projects. Whether for hems or decorative embellishments, they are easy to use and yield impressive results.
Tips and Tricks for Using Double or Twin Needles
Double or twin needles are a versatile tool in sewing that can enhance your projects. Here are some useful tips to get started:
Threading: Use two spools of thread - one for each needle. Make sure they are the same type of thread to ensure even tension and consistent stitching.
Bobbin: Use a single bobbin thread. The bobbin will get a bit more tension, so ensure it is wound correctly for smooth operation.
Needle Size: Choose the appropriate needle size based on your fabric. A smaller size works well for lightweight materials, while a larger size is better suited for thicker fabrics.
Stitch Selection: Experiment with different stitches. While straight stitches are common, decorative stitches like zigzag can add flair to hems and seams.
Tension Adjustment: You may need to adjust your top thread tension to accommodate the twin needle. Begin with the standard setting and gradually adjust to achieve balanced stitches.
Sewing Speed: Take your time and start at a slower speed to avoid skipped stitches or breaking needles.
Practice: Before committing to your final fabric, practice on scraps to perfect your technique and ensure you are comfortable with the twin needle.
Which size needle do you need for your sewing project?
Keep in mind that the thicker the material you are working with, the larger the needle size you will require to ensure smooth stitching and avoid any potential fabric damage!
Please note that some older Singer sewing machines take specialty needles. Please contact us to get guidance in these areas on 08 82727244 or info@allmakesewing.com.au
A few tips, tricks and notes….
Which one? How wide are they?
The width between the two needles is how far apart the stitches will be stitched, e.g. 1.6mm apart for the 1.6/80 size needle or 2mm apart for the 2.0/80 needle etc
Mostly it comes down to what you would like the finished product to look like as to which one you choose.
Threading up the two top threads
You do not need a ‘special’ machine to use twin needles, 99% of machines, new and vintage can stitch with a twin needle.
If you still have the instruction book, it should show you a diagram specific to your machine as to how to thread the machine up in preparation for twin needle. As a guide, ensure that when you thread the top threads, that one thread passes of the left side of the tension disk, and then eventually into the left needle, and the second thread passes on the right side of the tension disk and then eventually into the right needle. Other than these two areas, these threads can go through all the other guides together if there is no ‘left’ or ‘right’, and it won’t matter if they twist around each other at some points; the threads sort themselves out once they get to the needles. However, it is wise to not stitch as fast as normal as there is more going on!
Not too wide!
Ensure when purchasing the ‘wide’ twin needle that your stitch area where the needle passes through the foot and needle plate is 7mm or more, otherwise you might be snapping your new twin needle! Many sewing machines, especially those machines made pre year 2010 have a sewing area of 5.5mm (PFAFF is an exception to this rule as they made machines with 9mm prior to 2010). Most machines are either 5.5mm, 7mm or 9mm, use a tape measure to be sure!
If doing a decorative stitch such as zig zag, ensure that the twin needles you have will not hit the side of the foot/needle plate stitch area. E.g if you purchase a twin needle that is 2mm, and the stitch area where the needle passes through the foot/needle plate is 5.5mm, then you only have 3.5mm to play with in increasing the stitch width. If your machine has a 7mm stitch area, then you have 5mm to play with :)
A bit about needle life…
On average we recommend the sewing life of a needle is 6-8 hours. The tip can snap clean if it has hit the machine hardware, different fabrics can cause the tip to wear/blunten, the shaft will weaken over time as it penetrates fabrics and the hole can even wear a groove over time as threads rub in the same spot. Please be aware that depending on fabric type, thickness and thread used, this life time will vary.
A bit about Schmetz…
Since 1851 SCHMETZ has been the leading manufacturer of quality sewing machine needles in the world. A SCHMETZ sewing machine needle passes through up to 35 stages of production and after each production stage there is a semi- or fully automated check. There are plenty of other cheaper brands who haven’t got this strict production process in place, and we see time and again first hand that the dodgy needle can cause havoc with your sewing experience (the hook not picking up the thread to form a stitch, thread shredding and thread breakages to name a few).
Please see below for more information on which needle to use for which fabric, and a useful ‘colour chart’ for knowing which needle you have in your machine currently ( without the use of a magnifying glass!).
https://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-household-needle-chart/
https://www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/schmetz-needle-chart.pdf
Schmetz also have this handy app so you can get help 24/7 as to which needle would be best the fabric you are sewing on - for all your midnight sewers out there!