double needle quilting
 

I've been told that I can use a double needle for quilting. I believe this. But...when I use a double needle I get a zigzag on the bottom. I don't want that on the back of my quilt. I'm told I need to thread my machine differently and I will have a double row on top and a double row on the bottom but I wasn't told how. Anyone heard of this? Can someone tell me how to do this?

I'd be interested in this also.
The only way I've seen it is with the zigzag from the bobbin. You only have one bobbin thread, so I'm not sure how this will be accomplished.

You can do 2 rows of straight stitching close together to give the double needle look. I have the zig zag look on the back when I use a double needle too.

Since there is only one bobbin I do not see how it give you 2 rows on the bottom.

I do not believe there is a way to use a double needle and not get the ziz zag on the bottom there is only one bobbin thread

This is so interesting! I have never used a double needle in over 50 years of sewing, but I have several -- being ever the optimist that "I might, you know". Something about it always made me feel like I doubted I'd like it and I didn't really understand the purpose of one.

Now that I know the mechanics as you dear ones have stated, I KNOW I won't like it! Into the garage sale they'll go!! Thanks y'all. :thumbup:

Jan in VA

I used to use a double needle when I made my children's clothing -- for looks -- & I don't remember a zig zag on the back, but maybe I never looked on the back! And I never heard of anyone using a double needle for quilting -- & now I know why. Stitching a double row as MaryB suggests is a good solution.

Never occurred to me to check the backs. I've used double & triple needles for bags and home dec, but not yet for quilting. I did see one online video that talked about using 100wt thread with a triple stitch. I guess that would make it so the stitching lines were much more apparent than the zig-zag part but I suppose it would still be visible. I've been meaning to give it a try. May have to give it a try & post the results.

I can't see how you can avoid the zigzag on the back as the bobbin thread has to jump from one needle to the other to produce a stitch. You could do one straight line then shadow a set distance away to give the same impression without the back zigzag.

You'd need 2 separate bobbins or 2 of whatever the chain stitch system in the toy singers that were passed out when you bought a Featherweight. There's no bobbin in those.

Even if you use a cover stitch, you will get a back that looks like a serger stitch. Also zig-zagged.