I want to spend a few minutes talking about the double-eye sewing machine needle which has just become available for purchase. It was featured in a recent issue of Threads Magazine (Threads Article -Click Here) . The link is to the first part of the article. You can read the entire article if you are a subscriber.

This new needle is made by Schmetz. It is a single needle with two eyes to carry two different threads. It comes in only one size, 80/12. The main effect the needle produces is texturing and shading of top stitching or decorative stitching. Schmetz describes the needle as a basting needle. This needle is an updated version of a previous needle, Magic Needle.

Here are some of my experiences with this double-eyed needle:

Threading the machine- You need to thread your sewing machine in the same manner you thread if for using a twin needle. If you have a computerized machine, you need to tell it you are using a twin needle before threading the machine.

Threading the needle- You need to thread the needle manually; you cannot use the automatic threader on your machine. Depending on your vision, this can be challenging.

Stitch Length- for straight stitching, I found having a length of 3.0 or longer works best. For decorative stitching, I used the preset length and it worked well. For basting, I used the zigzag stitch with thread only in the top eye. The thread must be 40 weight or lighter. The zigzag is set at a stich width of 4.0 or wider; stitch length is 4.0 or longer. N.B. When basting with zigzag, you may have one or two peaks before the stitching becomes a straight line.

Thread tension- I found that my normal thread tension worked well for straight stitching and decorative stitching. The Threads Magazine article states you may have to loosen the upper thread tension to get your desired stitch.

Sewing Speed- You need to go at a slow-to-moderate rate of speed when sewing. If you go too fast, you may see some skipped stitches. This is particularly true for decorative stitching.

My impression is that this needle is great for blending two threads of similar color. For example, if you have a light yellow and a dark yellow thread, but neither thread matches your fabric, the double-eye needle will blend the colors so they will more closely match your fabric.

I hope you have found these comments helpful.

Regards, Nancy

nvkarp@gmail.com