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Member since 9/8/03
Posts: 90
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Posted on: 9/6/07 12:14 PM ET
I have a question about topstitching. Do you use twin needles, and if so what size? I like the RTW topstitching, and am try to duplicate it on a woven fabric.
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 9/6/07 12:32 PM ET
In reply to mahalosu
I do. Use the widest your machine's throat plate and presser foot will accommodate.

I needles I use are Schmetz brand and are held to the shaft with - blue connector for knits and red for woven fabrics.

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Member since 6/2/03
Posts: 3
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Posted on: 9/6/07 3:48 PM ET
I have another topstitching question. If you use heavier topstitching thread in the needle, should you use the same thread in the bobbin or lighter weight thread?

Thanks.

Mary Gale
  
Member since 2/2/07
Posts: 253
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Posted on: 9/7/07 1:05 AM ET
I highly recommend this link for information on topstitching
Sew 4 fun blog

Belinda recommends individually sewing each stiching line as twin needles can't pivot at corners.
She recommends using edging feet and needle position to get accurate results. And Gütermann Upholstery thread for the topstitching with regular thread in the bobbin. HTH
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Member since 6/2/03
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Posted on: 9/7/07 8:43 AM ET
Thank you for the link. The tutorial was very helpful.

Mary Gale
  
Member since 3/16/07
Posts: 888
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Posted on: 9/7/07 1:29 PM ET
In reply to Happy go lucky
I would use the double needle for the straight seams. Even an armscye can be topstitched that way. It really will look better than using two passes with a single needle, no matter how carefully you do it.

Another alternative is to just omit the line of topstitching right next to the seam, and go with one. That can look just about the same, and except for things like navy blue denim jeans with gold thread, would look just as "professional".
  
Member since 1/23/06
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Posted on: 9/7/07 9:28 PM ET
In reply to mahalosu
I have used the edge stitching foot technique as well as the twin needle technique and a fair amount of each. I prefer the twin needle for my topstitching. I have not found it to have any drawbacks and have successfully used it on knits, crepes, linens, etc, etc. There is a perfection to the spacing that works for me.

Make sure your threads come off the spools opposing or facing each other, not both in the same direction. Use the two separate last thread guides as well, which I guess is common sense but just thought I would mention it. I rigged up a little self stick square above the last two thread guides to keep my threads separate.

As far as what thread I would use it depends on the fabric. I think some experimentation is in order here.
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