The ins and outs of using a twin needle in the NQ900

Yesterday on QUILTsocial we used some of the neat features on the Brother NQ900 sewing machine to customize stitches. Tomorrow we’re going to use the regular utility stitches, but we’re going to kick it up a notch by using a twin needle. So today we’re going to talk about how to set the machine up for twin needle sewing.

The NQ900 comes with a twin needle, so we’re going to install it, and then we need to let the machine know what type of needle we’re using.

We go into the settings screen by pressing the button on the panel that looks like a page of the paper. Then we use the left hand +/- buttons to scroll through the pages until we find the twin needle setting. Use the +/- buttons on the right side of the screen to change the setting to “on”.

Now press the back button to return to the stitch selection screen.

Threading the needles

The left needle is threaded first with the regular top thread.

Note: The automatic needle threader CAN NOT be used with the twin needle.

Next, we have to attach the horizontal spool pin which will hold the second spool of top thread.

The horizontal spool pin easily attaches to the shaft of the bobbin winder.

Swing the spool pin toward the left so that it is horizontal. Slide on a spool of thread and then the spool cap. The thread should unroll from the top front of the spool. I’ve put a spool of WonderFil variegated Tutti thread on each of the spool pins.

Thread the upper thread for the right-hand needle the same as the thread for the left one. The only difference is that the right-hand thread does NOT pass through the needle bar thread guide. Manually thread the right-hand needle.

The last thing to do before we get stitching is to attach the zigzag foot “J”.

Now that the machine is all set up, I can’t wait to see what the stitches look like with the twin needle and the variegated thread! Make sure you come back tomorrow for more fun using the NQ900.