It's refreshing to find someone who is a proponent of using twin-needles. I've used them for years to hem knits and even sew stretchy seams with a narrow set. It works beautifully and for me, negates the need for a cover stitch machine - they're way too expensive, take up more room and I simply don't need one.
Hi! I'd like to share this tip: in my sewing there wasn't a zigzag at the back, while many videos clearly had it. Instead, the bottom thread followed an almost straight line. After quite a while I finally learned that you can also change the tension of the bottom thread by loosening a bit the little screw in the metal bobbin case. It worked like a charm. Thank you for your thorough tutorial, it really helped me!
This is the absolute best, clearest, and simplest description of using a twin needle for knits that I have found on RUclips! Thank you Johanna. You are so personable and I really like your style of educating people!
THANK YOU so very much! I just shortened a hem on stretch fabric using your tips & techniques and must say it’s the nicest, near factory hem I’ve ever done on my straight-stitch domestic machine. The wash away wonder tape is FANTASTIC!!! Very clear & thorough instructions.
I've used twin needles with really good success in the past but once I got my little Juki coverstitch I never looked back! I have purchased your coverstitch book some time ago. It's great! ❤
Wow. This lady's videos are full of USEFUL information. Thank u so much. I'm sewing for about 5 yrs now and it's only today I learned that putting up the sewing foot while threading the needle makes it easier to thread. 🎉
This is the first time I've come across your channel and I instantly subscribed! You're very informative and personable. Like a really good friend who is also an expert in sewing! Thank you for your hard work! 💖
I watched this video three times before I hemmed my favorite pair of comfy knit pants. Thank you!! Also I found your sense of humor really charming and it helped me relax and have fun. Now my pants won't drag on the ground AND I have found a go-to resource as I take on more complex sewing projects!
thanks for this tutorial which is so informative. I also want to comment on your personality which is sweet and light and joyful. The world needs more people who can smile and be happy.
The main cause of tunnelling is the bobbin tension pulling the stitches together. You can use wooly nylon thread in the bobbin and just with that you will have improvements. If you are adventurous enough you can lower the bobbin tension on your sewing machine and with some experimentation you should get a perfect stitch with a beautiful zig zag and no thread showing on either side. Make sure to know where to bring back the tension to though!
Thanks Max. I've ordered a duplicate bobbin holder for just this purpose, so that I don't have to keep adjusting it once I've got my bobbin tension right for my stretch fabric. Thanks for suggesting the bobbin tension may help 😉
You are just the BEST! You've got me sewing again after giving up for (6 years!) on ever being able to sew knits after I'd purchased a VERY expensive new sewing machine. I just can't thank you enough for all your excellent videos and books!
I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know that twin needles were for certain stitches. Mine came with my new to me machine and I thought it was for fun appliqué stitches. I used them for a double embroidered line with different coloured threads, and found the stitch that looks like smocking made an interesting decorative pattern. These tips are a bonus!
Thank you for a very comprehensive explanation about how to sew knits & the twin needle saga. I feel far more confident now as I have a walking foot which I absolutely adore!
Thank you so much for this super helpful tutorial!! I just used it to shorten and hem the sleeves on my husband's polo shirts. The tips about how to adjust tension and stitch length to reduce tunneling were exactly what I needed!
Such a comprehensive guide - wonderful, thank you. I took notes so I'll have your guide handy when I need it. I'm very grateful to you for your time and effort.
I had to smile when you discussed stitches on the reverse side of your material, and not to get too hung up on it, as it’s really about the front and how good a job it’s doing…. I was given the job of teaching 7/8 year olds embroidery at school. They were so in fear of the work on the back, they literally were making zero progress. I,said ‘ if you see a beautiful lady in a ball gown, would you ask to,see her knickers?’. You get my point. They relaxed and the class became much more enjoyable. Actually I quite like a neat finish, but it’s as you say, not worth getting too hung up,about, plus with experience, that finish does become much better. You always teach so well, Thank you. I thought you would be talking about how to do tin needles for jeans top stitching, but I think there’s another video,for this.
Thank you SO much! A really helpful and well explained video. I’ve been home sewing for almost 60 years and have always avoided jersey/knit/stretch fabrics because I could never get a ‘good’ stitch. The advent of the internet and RUclips etc has been a life changing experience. I’ve now mastered the stretch stitch using the zigzag stitch on my Janome Memory Craft 4800, but am now about to have a go with a stretch twin needle. Wish me luck! 👍
Just found your site today. I want to thank you for all these tips on knit fabric and twin needles. I've been wanting to try mine but didn't have any source for good instructions. Thank you again.❤️
Thank you for such a clear tutorial regarding twin needles! I sewed a lot when younger but haven't in about 15 years. I've never had a server or worked much with knits so thus is helpful. I'm glad I found your video.
Oh thank you. I have wanted to shorten my tops for years. Now after your very clear instructions I am going to get started. I am making trouble locating the description box for ordering the products you suggested.
Excellent thank you. I have not done a lot of sewing with twin needle and especially on knits this was so helpful and I have a Verona walking foot so excited to try out.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I really appreciate you taking the time to go through all the options. I've really struggled with knits, and the twin needle, but after watching your video I feel encouraged to keep trying. And I'm definitely getting a walking foot! :)
Hej, Thank you for this video. I'm a completely novice sewer (I've taken the lid off. I've might have tried to sew some stitching on scrap pieces of damaged bed sheets), but I learned things that will come in handy in my future endeavors. Många tack. Hälsningar, Ann
Brilliant comprehensive guide! Other videos I've watched on YT were little use. Your sewing machine is much better than mine but thanks to your video I'm tempted to try my twin needle for the first time in 10 years. TY!
Me too. So glad to hear that I need not be ashamed to have had twin needles for more than a decade without ever feeling confident enough to use them 😂.
Thanks for a really informative tutorial. I hemmed a knit shirt for a friend and your instructions helped immensely! I first went to the Bernina site, but yours was the better instructions! Thanks!
Great information, I was taught in the new owner guide classes for my 930, yes we are both old, yet good, that one spool of thread should turn clockwise and the other counter clockwise on the pins, then one thread is fed through the left side of the tension disc and the other thru the right side. Maybe Bernina decided this where not necessary but I use them anyway. You might checkout Wawak for needles, lots of choices. Thanks
Very informative video. I am planning on sewing more knit fabrics and was eyeing a serger but dont think I will need it as often. Between the twin needle and overcast presser foot I should be able to do most of my range of sewing. Thanks for the great video.
After watching you use the double needle on stretch fabric, I had the confidence to hem a pair of yoga pants using the double stretchy double needle, came out perfect. Thank you for teaching me . 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Yeah, love the twin needle for jeans. It makes for beautiful and effortless topstitching. Thanks for the tutorial as I've been having issues with tangling. Problem solved!
Success! I used a second bobbin case to adjust the bobbin tension lower (as low as the case would go without falling apart) and I brought the upper tension down to the lowest setting. On a double brushed poly it works great. On a stretchier viscose knit, I had to bump the stitch length up or put a more stable knit inside the hem - like a 100 percent cotton. I think a knit interfacing would work, too, but I don't have any. Yay!
Thank you for your tutorial! Have had so many issues with trying to use the twin needle on more stretchy type of fabric but find that my solution is a single Jersey needle and pressing up the hem (this is on a long sleeve t'shirt) then applying fusible interfacing for multi stretch, iron on, then placing tissue paper over the hem and sewing the lightening zig zag stitch on my Janome 2160 DC and at last no wavy hem and have finally solved the heart ache of sewing the hem line on stretch fabric. If I could not get this right I was ready to forget stretch knit sewing and concentrate on woven and save up to buy a cover stitch machine in the future so as to be able to make these nice garments. I still will but now that I am confident with making outfits with cotton and elastane and have metres of this fabric can make these now and be confident I get good results. I knew that perseverance wins in the end! 😊
Thanks very much for this. It has really helped. I do have a walking foot but, to be honest, I prefer the 'knit' foot. It feeds both layers of fabric well, I've found, and so much easier to clip on, rather than to remove the whole foot/ankle piece. 😉
This was helpful. I’ve been sewing for 25 years, and I expect one day I’ll get a cover stitch machine, but first I want to upgrade from a regular home machine to one that runs over $1,000, mostly for the time-saving features and durability. Maybe it’ll last me the next 25 years. I am making part of my living sewing for people, so having a good machine is kind of important!
Success! I followed your instruction for hemming knit fabric with the twin needle and I must say for a first time ever sewing on knit fabric, it turned out pretty nice. Mine did not have as much stretch as your example did after hemming; but it does stretch. Thanks for the good instructions!
Great presentation. Thankyou very much for this valuable information. Now I understant better what to do while sewing Knit fabrics. These information will help me to avoid mistakes. ♥ Tx/PR
📄 Get your Free Knit Stitch Guide
www.thelaststitch.com/guide-knit-stitches
A good trick for running two bobbins on the same pin is to set them up to turn in opposite directions.
Maybe put a felt circle between the bobbins would help?
It's refreshing to find someone who is a proponent of using twin-needles. I've used them for years to hem knits and even sew stretchy seams with a narrow set. It works beautifully and for me, negates the need for a cover stitch machine - they're way too expensive, take up more room and I simply don't need one.
Hi! I'd like to share this tip: in my sewing there wasn't a zigzag at the back, while many videos clearly had it. Instead, the bottom thread followed an almost straight line. After quite a while I finally learned that you can also change the tension of the bottom thread by loosening a bit the little screw in the metal bobbin case. It worked like a charm.
Thank you for your thorough tutorial, it really helped me!
This is the absolute best, clearest, and simplest description of using a twin needle for knits that I have found on RUclips! Thank you Johanna. You are so personable and I really like your style of educating people!
THANK YOU so very much! I just shortened a hem on stretch fabric using your tips & techniques and must say it’s the nicest, near factory hem I’ve ever done on my straight-stitch domestic machine. The wash away wonder tape is FANTASTIC!!! Very clear & thorough instructions.
Yay, thank you! That makes me so happy to hear, I live for getting comments like this, so nice to hear I've been helpful
I've used twin needles with really good success in the past but once I got my little Juki coverstitch I never looked back! I have purchased your coverstitch book some time ago. It's great! ❤
Wow. This lady's videos are full of USEFUL information. Thank u so much. I'm sewing for about 5 yrs now and it's only today I learned that putting up the sewing foot while threading the needle makes it easier to thread. 🎉
This is the first time I've come across your channel and I instantly subscribed! You're very informative and personable. Like a really good friend who is also an expert in sewing! Thank you for your hard work! 💖
I watched this video three times before I hemmed my favorite pair of comfy knit pants. Thank you!! Also I found your sense of humor really charming and it helped me relax and have fun. Now my pants won't drag on the ground AND I have found a go-to resource as I take on more complex sewing projects!
Lots of information! So much to learn. I hope I can do it.
thanks for this tutorial which is so informative. I also want to comment on your personality which is sweet and light and joyful. The world needs more people who can smile and be happy.
I just got a sewing machine. Thank you for teaching us. 👍💖👏
Good luck with your new sewing machine. You're in for a great journey!
The main cause of tunnelling is the bobbin tension pulling the stitches together. You can use wooly nylon thread in the bobbin and just with that you will have improvements. If you are adventurous enough you can lower the bobbin tension on your sewing machine and with some experimentation you should get a perfect stitch with a beautiful zig zag and no thread showing on either side. Make sure to know where to bring back the tension to though!
Thanks Max. I've ordered a duplicate bobbin holder for just this purpose, so that I don't have to keep adjusting it once I've got my bobbin tension right for my stretch fabric. Thanks for suggesting the bobbin tension may help 😉
Thank you 😊
Hands down, the clearest and most helpful video I’ve seen covering twin needle use with knits!
You are just the BEST! You've got me sewing again after giving up for (6 years!) on ever being able to sew knits after I'd purchased a VERY expensive new sewing machine. I just can't thank you enough for all your excellent videos and books!
I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know that twin needles were for certain stitches. Mine came with my new to me machine and I thought it was for fun appliqué stitches. I used them for a double embroidered line with different coloured threads, and found the stitch that looks like smocking made an interesting decorative pattern. These tips are a bonus!
Thank you for a very comprehensive explanation about how to sew knits & the twin needle saga. I feel far more confident now as I have a walking foot which I absolutely adore!
Thank you so much for this super helpful tutorial!! I just used it to shorten and hem the sleeves on my husband's polo shirts. The tips about how to adjust tension and stitch length to reduce tunneling were exactly what I needed!
What a great introduction! I had no idea what double needles were used for and you explained them well. Thanks so much!
Such a comprehensive guide - wonderful, thank you. I took notes so I'll have your guide handy when I need it. I'm very grateful to you for your time and effort.
I had to smile when you discussed stitches on the reverse side of your material, and not to get too hung up on it, as it’s really about the front and how good a job it’s doing…. I was given the job of teaching 7/8 year olds embroidery at school. They were so in fear of the work on the back, they literally were making zero progress. I,said ‘ if you see a beautiful lady in a ball gown, would you ask to,see her knickers?’. You get my point. They relaxed and the class became much more enjoyable. Actually I quite like a neat finish, but it’s as you say, not worth getting too hung up,about, plus with experience, that finish does become much better. You always teach so well, Thank you. I thought you would be talking about how to do tin needles for jeans top stitching, but I think there’s another video,for this.
Thank you SO much! A really helpful and well explained video. I’ve been home sewing for almost 60 years and have always avoided jersey/knit/stretch fabrics because I could never get a ‘good’ stitch. The advent of the internet and RUclips etc has been a life changing experience. I’ve now mastered the stretch stitch using the zigzag stitch on my Janome Memory Craft 4800, but am now about to have a go with a stretch twin needle. Wish me luck! 👍
Same here! RUclips is great for home learning, and for improving 😊
This is the best video I’ve watched in a while. Thanks for being so thorough and informing!!
This is a great video not only for beginners but how to perfect sewing skills. THANK YOU!
Brilliant! Especially the use of fusible knit interfacing
I love wonder tape. It‘s a great tool to make sewing knit fabrics easy!
Just found your site today. I want to thank you for all these tips on knit fabric and twin needles. I've been wanting to try mine but didn't have any source for good instructions. Thank you again.❤️
Wonderful, thorough video about everything you can think of when it comes to using a double needle. Thanks!
That makes me so happy to hear, thank you 😊
Thank you for such a clear tutorial regarding twin needles! I sewed a lot when younger but haven't in about 15 years. I've never had a server or worked much with knits so thus is helpful. I'm glad I found your video.
Thanks, My twin-needle technique needs some help, and this was useful for direction of what to look at.
Oh thank you. I have wanted to shorten my tops for years. Now after your very clear instructions I am going to get started. I am making trouble locating the description box for ordering the products you suggested.
Excellent thank you. I have not done a lot of sewing with twin needle and especially on knits this was so helpful and I have a Verona walking foot so excited to try out.
Very helpful! Thanks. I've seen a lot of RTW knit tops with tunneling on the hems. Now I know why.
Thank you. I found that so informative and helpful. I will now return to my abandoned top armoured with your guidance and the necessary tape!
Best video on trouble shooting twin needles with stretch fabric Thank you!
Great video! I’ve been watching a lot of hem videos for knits. And this is one that’s made me really think I can do it!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I really appreciate you taking the time to go through all the options. I've really struggled with knits, and the twin needle, but after watching your video I feel encouraged to keep trying. And I'm definitely getting a walking foot! :)
I LOVE my Pfaff!
Hej, Thank you for this video. I'm a completely novice sewer (I've taken the lid off. I've might have tried to sew some stitching on scrap pieces of damaged bed sheets), but I learned things that will come in handy in my future endeavors. Många tack. Hälsningar, Ann
The best twin needle knit explanations I've every seen. Thank you!
I love my double needle. And I love your learning tips
Excellent video. I learned a lot & felt confident to try. Stacking two bobbins worked perfectly, a good tip. I am pleased with the results. Thank you!
Brilliant comprehensive guide! Other videos I've watched on YT were little use. Your sewing machine is much better than mine but thanks to your video I'm tempted to try my twin needle for the first time in 10 years. TY!
Me too. So glad to hear that I need not be ashamed to have had twin needles for more than a decade without ever feeling confident enough to use them 😂.
Thanks for a really informative tutorial. I hemmed a knit shirt for a friend and your instructions helped immensely! I first went to the Bernina site, but yours was the better instructions! Thanks!
Great information, I was taught in the new owner guide classes for my 930, yes we are both old, yet good, that one spool of thread should turn clockwise and the other counter clockwise on the pins, then one thread is fed through the left side of the tension disc and the other thru the right side. Maybe Bernina decided this where not necessary but I use them anyway. You might checkout Wawak for needles, lots of choices. Thanks
Your an amazing person; thank you for sharing so many helpful tips!
I find your videos to be excellent. You explain techniques and machine settings very clearly. Thank you so much.
I'm new to twin needles so I've been watching many videos for guidance. This is the best video I've found. Thank you!
What a wealth of knowledge to share. Thank you 🙏
I knew nothing about sewing with double needles.
Doing gods work. Thank you 🙏🏽
Excellent video!!! Thank you
Exceptional video on sewing with a twin needle, thank you!
I am learning so much from your videos! Thanks 😊
Thanks so much! Your videos are so clear and comprehensive, so much good information.
Very informative video. I am planning on sewing more knit fabrics and was eyeing a serger but dont think I will need it as often. Between the twin needle and overcast presser foot I should be able to do most of my range of sewing. Thanks for the great video.
After watching you use the double needle on stretch fabric, I had the confidence to hem a pair of yoga pants using the double stretchy double needle, came out perfect. Thank you for teaching me . 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you for yet another wonderful resource for sewing with knits!
Excellent information; excellent instruction. Very helpful tips and tricks. Thank you.
Yeah, love the twin needle for jeans. It makes for beautiful and effortless topstitching. Thanks for the tutorial as I've been having issues with tangling. Problem solved!
This was extremely helpful. Thank you so much.
Thank you for these tips. Going to tackle my first T-shirt. 🤞🤞🤞
Very helpful tips. thank you very much! 👍🏻😊
Thank you so much for sharing your deep knowledge! You are truly generous
Great to see you use a Bernina 1230, I love mine and have had it for many, many years! Going to try this technique again using the walking foot.
This was a wonderful video! I look forward to viewing all of your videos.
Thank you, was able to use my twin needle for first time and successfully hem stretch pants!!
Thank you for such a thorough video!
Always check the machine’s manual for setting the twin needle. There’s usually a button to press.
Thanks for those great tips. This video was very informative. I really appreciate this. Thank you 🙏 so much
Success! I used a second bobbin case to adjust the bobbin tension lower (as low as the case would go without falling apart) and I brought the upper tension down to the lowest setting. On a double brushed poly it works great. On a stretchier viscose knit, I had to bump the stitch length up or put a more stable knit inside the hem - like a 100 percent cotton. I think a knit interfacing would work, too, but I don't have any. Yay!
Thank you for your tutorial! Have had so many issues with trying to use the twin needle on more stretchy type of fabric but find that my solution is a single Jersey needle and pressing up the hem (this is on a long sleeve t'shirt) then applying fusible interfacing for multi stretch, iron on, then placing tissue paper over the hem and sewing the lightening zig zag stitch on my Janome 2160 DC and at last no wavy hem and have finally solved the heart ache of sewing the hem line on stretch fabric. If I could not get this right I was ready to forget stretch knit sewing and concentrate on woven and save up to buy a cover stitch machine in the future so as to be able to make these nice garments. I still will but now that I am confident with making outfits with cotton and elastane and have metres of this fabric can make these now and be confident I get good results. I knew that perseverance wins in the end! 😊
What a wonderfully detailed video! Thank you so much.
Best video ever on twin needle sewing. So much great info and tips to try, Thank you!
Fantastic tips! Thank you so very much for your expertise!
Great tutorial, and easy to follow and do. Thank you ⚘️
You are the best!! Thank you for all the great advice!
So great to learn about so many options to adjust the machine. I consider undoing the neckline facing tomorrow *sigh* and do it better ...
Many thanks I have learnt something today that I will add to my knowledge of twin needle sewing. Cheers Mary
That makes me so happy to hear, it really nice to do deep dives into topics like this!
Thankyou so much. Excellent information.
So much GOOD information! VER USEFUL!
Excellent presentation; I learned a few new things. Thank you.
best video tutorial on all aspects of the basics!
Thanks very much for this. It has really helped. I do have a walking foot but, to be honest, I prefer the 'knit' foot. It feeds both layers of fabric well, I've found, and so much easier to clip on, rather than to remove the whole foot/ankle piece. 😉
Excellent video. The suggestions are clear and helpful. Thank you. 😊
Great tutorial, as always!
Thank you for making this video!
Thank you so much for this informative video. I have watched several times learning something each time.
The awl is a game changer! Mine’s shaped like a uselessly small screwdriver so it always sat aside. Thank you for this valuable tool!
This was helpful. I’ve been sewing for 25 years, and I expect one day I’ll get a cover stitch machine, but first I want to upgrade from a regular home machine to one that runs over $1,000, mostly for the time-saving features and durability. Maybe it’ll last me the next 25 years. I am making part of my living sewing for people, so having a good machine is kind of important!
Success! I followed your instruction for hemming knit fabric with the twin needle and I must say for a first time ever sewing on knit fabric, it turned out pretty nice. Mine did not have as much stretch as your example did after hemming; but it does stretch. Thanks for the good instructions!
Thank you! Nicely explained for people like me who really need to understand.
Great presentation. Thankyou very much for this valuable information. Now I understant better what to do while sewing Knit fabrics. These information will help me to avoid mistakes. ♥ Tx/PR
Thank you, that makes me so happy to hear 😊
This was so helpful! Thank you.
I love your suggestion of using the awl to slowly move a bit of fabric towards the sewing foot. And to sew very slowly. Thank you.
Nice. Thank you so much. I think I can do it because of your instruction.
How truly delightful your are Johanna. Thank you so much for this really helpful, so clear and informative video. Yours in great appreciation.
Great advice. Thank you.
Really useful info...thank you so much!
Thank you, this video was so helpful!
What a helpful video! Thanks so much!
Well explained as always Johanna 👍
Thank you 😊