lindaschipper

While looking for something on Nancy's Notions I kept seeing the double machine needles in various sizes. It made me wonder if anyone has ever used these needles while free motion quilting to lay down a double track of stitching. How did your thread work with the upper tension...did you have to loosen it to allow for the passing of two threads? Thinking of trying this...but should probably practice on scrap first. What are your thoughts? If you have done this before can you show a close-up photo of your work? Thank-you!

Queenbarbiej

I've used double needles before for hems but not free motion quilting. I had no problems with the top tension running two threads through.

ckcowl

When doing stained glass quilting with 1/4” black bias tape I use a double needle to sew my strips down. The backside is a zigzag. I’ve not had to make any adjustments other than the normal ones that the thread being used requires. If you don’t mine the zigzag back I don’t see why they wouldn’t work for free motion if you want double lines.i go around curves, shapes when stitching down the bias tape.

Irishrose2

My concern would be that there is a slight 'use' of fabric in the little space between the needles. Multiply that by many seams might change the size of the quilt top. I've only used double needles for knit hems and for decorative stitching on a dress.

Onebyone

I used a double needle and left one not threaded to do stitch in the ditch quilting or get precise top stitching.

linda8450

I use them for sewing all the time. Love the effect (can mimic a coverstitch hem quite well) and the little "bump" in the center is usually on knits or single layers of fabric. I don't have any issues when stitching on multiple layers. However, a friend did her quilt using double needles and she was not expecting the zig zag on the back! She was very disappointed in the look of the back. I don't think she had sewn with them before, so she was surprised. I would lengthen the stitch as much as possible without going to a basting stitch, because two rows are pretty strong and the zig zag on the back would be a bit larger and less tight looking. It can be a pretty effect.

mindless

Twin needles are fun to play with.
here are some youtube videos that are interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...eedle+quilting

mindless

I love this idea!

Tartan

I tried quilting with them once but didn’t like the look of the zig zag on the back.

lindaschipper

I didn't know about the zig-zag on the backside of the quilt. Well, scratch that idea!! Thank you ladies, once again you have saved me from spending time with Jack the Ripper.