If you’ve ever wanted your sewing projects to look more polished, structured, or even store-bought, it’s time to explore the twin needle! Also known as a double needle, this accessory is a simple way to elevate your sewing, especially for hems, topstitching, and decorative details.

Designed to work with compatible sewing machines like the JUKI HZL-HT710 and HZL-HT740, a twin needle opens up new creative possibilities while offering practical solutions for garment finishing and embellishment. Whether you’re sewing with knits or experimenting with quilting lines, this tool is a must-have for any growing sewing toolkit.

What Is It?

A twin needle is exactly what it sounds like: two needles mounted onto a single shaft, designed to sew two rows of parallel stitches at the same time. This clever design lets your machine create clean, even rows of stitching that mimic the look of professional hems.

Originally developed to help home sewists replicate the durable finishes seen in commercial garments, especially those made from stretch or knit fabrics, the twin needle made this polished look accessible without expensive, specialized machines.

The genius of the twin needle lies in its ability to combine form and function. While the two top threads sew neat, parallel lines on the fabric surface, the bobbin thread creates a zigzag underneath. This adds flexibility, making the seam ideal for stretchy garments like T-shirts or activewear. At the same time, it delivers a polished, professional appearance that enhances any project.

Over time, twin needles have become popular for much more than hemming. Sewists now use them for decorative topstitching, pintucks, quilting, and more. Their versatility makes them a favorite for JUKI users looking to expand their sewing possibilities, without investing in another machine.

Benefits and Uses

Twin needles offer a unique combination of durability and decorative appeal, making them a valuable tool for a variety of sewing projects. By stitching two parallel lines at once, they create hems and seams that are both strong and flexible, especially important when working with stretchy or delicate fabrics. Beyond functionality, twin needles can also add eye-catching details, giving your projects a professional, polished finish.

Ideal projects for a twin needle:

• Hemming knit garments (like T-shirts or leggings)
• Decorative topstitching on home décor
• Echo quilting or parallel lines in quilting projects
• Creating faux pintucks on lightweight fabrics

Tips for Using a Twin Needle

Using a twin needle is easy once you’ve practiced a bit. Here are a few tips to help you get started with confidence:

• Use two spools of thread. Position them side by side and thread them through your machine together, separating only at the needle.
• Adjust tension and stitch length. Slight tweaks may be needed depending on your fabric and thread.
• Stabilize stretchy fabrics. Add a strip of fusible hem tape to avoid tunneling or stretching.
• Always test first. Run a test on scrap fabric to ensure settings are correct before sewing your final piece.

Project Ideas Using the Twin Needle

Once you’re comfortable with your setup, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few fun and practical ways to explore twin needle sewing:

• Sew hems on T-shirts or knit dresses
• Add double-lined details to tote bags or zipper pouches
• Create pintucks on linen napkins or blouses
• Topstitch quilt bindings for a clean, modern look

Try the Twin Needle on Your HZL-HT Series Machine

If you’re ready to elevate your sewing, there’s no better time to try the twin needle! Whether you’re working on wardrobe updates, creative embellishments, or finishing projects with professional polish, this accessory adds dimension and refinement to your work.

Watch our full video tutorial here:
How to Use a Twin Needle on the HT Series

And don’t forget, our August Summer Sale is live now! When you purchase a JUKI HZL-HT710 or HZL-HT740, you’ll receive a free extension table to support all your summer projects. Visit JUKIHome.com to find your local JUKI dealer and explore this limited-time promotion.

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to lean into sewing as self-care, and what better way to refresh your creativity than by stepping away from home and joining a retreat, hands-on class, or sewing event! Whether you’re looking to finally master your longarm, connect with other makers, or simply break out of your routine, the season of learning and community is just getting started.

At JUKI, we’re excited to support your journey with not only the tools you need but also the experiences that bring your skills and confidence to life. With our longarm events, consumer training, and travel-ready accessories, we’re making sure you’re set up to thrive wherever you stitch.

Upcoming Longarm Events with Jackman’s Fabrics

If you’ve been curious about longarm quilting or are ready to take your skills further, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 16^th! Our very own Kelly will be hosting two Longarm Events in Missouri with Jackman’s Fabrics:

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Jackman’s St. Louis location
• 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Jackman’s Fairview Heights location

These events are perfect for new or experienced quilters looking to explore longarm capabilities, ask questions, and get inspired by hands-on demonstrations! Whether you’re considering investing in a longarm or simply want to see what it can do, these sessions are an incredible opportunity to learn.

Consumer Longarm Training: Go in-Depth with Ginny Storm

To go even deeper into longarm skills, we invite you to join us this September for a four-day Consumer Longarm Training with Ginny Storm, hosted again by Jackman’s in St. Louis. This training is perfect for current longarm owners who want more confidence using their machines, or for soon-to-be owners who want to hit the ground running.

Training Schedule – Jackman’s St. Louis, MO:

• 9/24 (Wed) – Basic Longarm
• 9/25 (Thurs) – JUKI Quilting Robotics
• 9/26 (Fri) – Basic Longarm
• 9/27 (Sat) – JUKI Quilting Robotics

You’ll learn everything from machine basics to robotic quilting techniques, making this an ideal retreat-style experience that packs education, inspiration, and community into one focused week!

Connect with Your Local JUKI Dealer

Not every retreat requires a road trip! Sometimes, the best opportunities to grow your skills are right in your neighborhood. Many JUKI dealers host their own events, including monthly clubs, skill-building classes, and hands-on workshops designed to spark creativity and build community. From garment-making groups to longarm quilting circles, these gatherings are a great way to stay motivated and keep learning year-round.

Reach out to your local JUKI dealer to see what they have planned for late summer and early fall. You might discover a class that fits your schedule, a project-based club that keeps you inspired, or a free-motion workshop that builds your confidence behind the machine. Every dealer is different, but they all share the same mission: helping you get the most out of your sewing journey!

Travel Light, Sew Big

Preparing for classes and retreats means packing smart, and JUKI has your back with two must-have accessories: the JUKI Trolley Bag available in Large or Small and the Free Motion Table.

The JUKI Trolley Bag is built for safe, stylish travel with your sewing machine. With a padded interior, smooth-rolling wheels, and convenient storage space, it’s ideal for sewists on the go. Whether you’re driving across town or flying to a show, this bag helps you arrive in style, with everything protected and ready to go.

If you’re bringing your own machine to a retreat, the Free Motion Table is a game-changer. It adds stability and extra workspace to your setup, especially helpful for quilting retreats, large projects, or free-motion work. This smart add-on transforms your compact machine into a full sewing station without compromising portability.

Make Room for Creativity

These upcoming months are the perfect time to reconnect with your creativity, sharpen your skills, and give yourself a break that’s both fun and fulfilling! Whether you’re signing up for your first JUKI event or planning a full training trip, there’s something powerful about sewing alongside others who share your passion.

JUKI is proud to support you on that journey with the right machines, accessories, and hands-on events to help you grow! Be sure to visit JUKIQuilting.com or Jackman’s Fabrics to find more details, connect with your local dealer, and explore the tools that can make retreats even better.