Tips for How to Use a Twin Needle - VIDEO TUTORIAL

One of the best ways to finish off your knit projects is to use a twin needle to stitch the hem. The great thing about a twin needle is that it can be used on any conventional sewing machine (as long as the needle plate can accommodate the width of the two needles) but sometimes it can be challenging to use.

In today’s video, I’ll give you some tips that you can use to trouble shoot your twin needle stitching.

1) Use wooly nylon thread

2) Use wash away adhesive sewing tape

3) Adjust the bobbin tension (I’m a little reluctant to recommend this and have never actually done it so PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I suspect it could work because a lot of the issues around twin needles is that the bobbin thread is too tight. But, it could be challenging to change the tension back. So, research it. On my Brother CS6000i, the only way to get it to work with elastic thread in the bobbin is to adjust the bobbin tension and it was recommended to buy a second bobbin case expressly for that purpose.)

4) If your machine has it, use the twin needle setting. (I’m using a Janome Memory Craft in this example and it makes a noticeable difference when I use the twin needle setting.)

5) Thread the machine according to your machine’s manual. (And thread each thread separately, not both at the same time.)

6) If you’re still having problems, do a google search for your specific machine. Other people might have posted about it.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Adjust Serger Tension". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.

How to Adjust Serger Tension - VIDEO TUTORIAL

Let’s face it. Serger tension can be tricky AND it takes a lot of patience. All those threads create beautiful, and dare I say magical, overcast stitches but they also create more opportunities for a tension issue. Each thread has a tension dial that can either be too tight or too loose, meaning you have 8 different options for how to adjust the tension. In today’s YouTube video, I give some tips for adjusting the tension on your machine and show some common tension issues.

If you’re running short on time today, here’s a quick rundown of my top tips for adjusting the tension dials on your serger or overlocker:

1. Test out your tension on a scrap of fabric before you stitch your garment (and make sure to use the same fabric and number of layers that you plan on stitching)

2. Evaluate the stitches and consult your serger manual to identify the possible issue

3. Adjust only one dial at a time. Snap a photo with your phone if you tend to forget what adjustments you’ve been making.

4. Have patience. It’s a process of trial and error and will take a little bit of time to find the best tension settings for your fabric.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Thread a Serger". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube. Happy sewing!

How to Thread a Brother 1034D Serger - VIDEO tutorial

A few weeks ago, I did a poll on Instagram asking what people’s biggest problems were when sewing knits. One issue that kept coming up was how to use a serger. Threading a serger can often be intimidating but with a little practice, you’ll feel comfortable with it in no time. The video will show you step by step how to thread this machine. I can’t say it enough, so it bears repeating that the most important thing is to thread the machine in the correct order. I also recommend practicing threading the machine so that you become comfortable with the process.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video 6 Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics. And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.