Double the fun with SCHMETZ Twin Needles and Bias Tape

Yesterday’s post was all about different types of SCHMETZ needles and which fabric they should be used with. Today, I’ll share some fun with SCHMETZ Twin Needles!

There are 16 different SCHMETZ Twin Needles available. The 4,0/80 and similar codes found on the needle’s representation indicate the distance in millimeters between the needles and the needle size.

On the case of 6,0/100 it tells me it’s 6 millimeters between the needle and the 100 is the European size of the needle (which is equal to an American size 16).

SCHMETZ Twin needles are easy to use. The machine is threaded in its normal manner, but with two threads. The only slight difference while threading is that one thread goes to the left of the tension disc, and the second thread goes to the right of the tension disc.

Threading of the needle must be done manually, as automatic machine threaders are not designed to thread twin needles.

My all-time favorite use of twin needles is to secure the CLOVER 700/1128 – Quick Bias Tape – 6mm x 10 m (¹⁄₄″ x 11yds) – Black (also available in silver and gold) using the SCHMETZ #1794 Twin Needle Carded – 80/12 – 4.0mm – 1 count. These are made to work together along with an open-toe embroidery foot.

The twin needles will sew along each side of the bias tape. I like using the open-toe embroidery foot as it fits perfectly over the bias tape.

Once the bias tape is sewn in place, there are two parallel lines on the top and on the bottom, which appear like a zigzag stitch.

Here’s a quilt I made using a SCHMETZ #1794 Twin Needle Carded – 80/12 – 4.0mm with some CLOVER – Quick Bias Tape – Black. This quilt was featured in the nautical-themed issue of A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine, Issue 60.

I’m sure there are multiple uses for the SCHMETZ Twin Needle. Other times I use twin needles include when I want to create a French seam or when I’m working on a quilt block and want to add interest to it. Using a size 100/16 needle with a heavy-weight thread, like a 28-wt, can really add interest to a quilt or garment.

Do have fun using SCHMETZ Twin Needles! Join me tomorrow, I’ll show you some quilts I made using a twin needle and how cool the effect can be! I’ll also let you know the needle size and thread weight.

This is part 4 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 3: Explore SCHMETZ Needle Types and Multi-Packs for every sewing project.