Stitching with Twin Needles
At this time of year, so many of us love to make fleece garments. The rich colors and great patterns combine to make these garments warm and fashionable.
If you would like to texturize a solid-colored fleece with a straight-stitch machine, try this:
Using a twin needle – size 4.0 to 6.0 - to topstitch, tighten your upper tension and increase your stitch length. Follow a ready-made quilting design pattern or make your own lines on the fleece to create stitching lines (straight lines, geometric patterns, random lines). Cut each pattern piece approximately 2” (5 cm) larger than the cutting lines before you begin: the stitching will distort and shrink the fabric somewhat. It is best to re-cut the pattern pieces accurately after all the twin needlework is done. Always experiment on a scrap first to get comfortable with the technique, to test different stitch combinations and to refine the machine’s tension settings.
The twin stitching will give you a raised trapunto look.
Choose a pattern with classic lines that will give you nice clean spaces for texturizing. Unique patterns 4025 (vest) and 8023 (pullover jacket) are excellent for this technique. For more choices, please visit the catalog section
Adapting Your Machine
If your machine doesn’t have a second spindle for the extra thread that is needed in a twin needle, adapt your machine yourself. Tape a safety pin to the back or top of your machine and set the second spool of thread in a small jar behind your machine. Feed the thread up through the bottom loop of the safety pin and through one of the un-used discs in the tension control. Then follow the remaining thread path. Most machines will allow you to feed the thread through either side of the needle assembly: your two threads will follow each side of the shaft and into the eye of the respective needle.
Send Us Your Tips
If you have any sewing tips or suggestions that you'd like to share with other members, please e-mail them to us at tips@uniquepatterns.com. We look forward to hearing from you!