What are double needle lockstitch machines?

What are double needle lockstitch machines

In the past, people used to sew by hand, and sewing tools were limited. Sewing has become more accessible thanks to numerous sewing machines. Among them, industrial sewing machines are the most common and are used in industries to fulfil the country’s needs.

To provide you with knowledge about this, I will explain a particular industrial sewing machine known as a double needle lockstitch sewing machine.

The name of this sewing machine may have given you an idea of what it is, but wait. What you think is not the whole story. Therefore, many users and readers always ask, what are double needle lockstitch machines?

Let’s jump right to the point. 

What are double needle lockstitch machines?

Unlike single-needle lockstitch sewing machines, double-needle sewing machines utilize two needles and two bobbins to stitch two symmetrical stitches. 

These industrial sewing machines can make sleepwear, light jeans, jacket box pockets, and many other garments. 

Characteristics of double needle lockstitch sewing machines

  • This sewing machine has two needles and two bobbins, which is why it’s called a double-needle lockstitch machine. 
  • It is an industrial sewing machine. In homes, it is rare, however. 
  • On fabrics, it creates lock stitching. 
  • It makes two side-by-side straight stitches. 
  • It has two needles connected by a single shank. 
  • The distance between two needles determines the distance between two stitches. 
  • There are two needles sewing on the upper side and two bobbin threads sewing on the lower side.
  • It spins at a speed of 4000-5000 revolutions per minute (RPM). 
  • The device supports 7-9 SPI. 

Components of the body 

Here are the parts of the double needle lock stitch on a sewing machine.

  • Two needles
  • Two bobbins and bobbin cases
  • Bobbin winder
  • Finger guard
  • Different Presser foot
  • Belt cover
  • Cone stand
  • Lifting lever
  • Needle bar
  • Paddle
  • Thread take cover
  • Reverse lever
  • Stitch length dial
  • Machine pulley

Uses of a double needle lockstitch sewing machine

As this sewing machine is one of the most popular sewing machines, therefore, you can use it for a variety of purposes. Most industries own this sewing machine, which you can use to make projects such as pockets, pin tucks, topstitching rows, cover stitch hems (found on T-Shirt hems) and ornamental stitches. Additionally, it is also possible to use it with free-motion quilting.

Problems with double needle lockstitch sewing machines

In my research, I found that double-needle lockstitch sewing machines make strong stitches on fabrics. On the other hand, they have a few serious flaws. Since they use two bobbins, they consume more thread than single-needle lockstitch sewing machines, so thread shortages are possible. 

As the bobbins empty frequently, you may need to refill them repeatedly during sewing. In this case, you will have to stop the stitching and rewind the bobbin. 

In addition, rewinding two bobbins can be a little intimidating, but don’t worry; modern twin-needle sewing machines come equipped with advanced bobbin winders. 

Techniques for stitch creation

On this machine, there are two sources of thread, one of which is needle thread and the other of which is bobbin thread. To form stitches, these two threads are interlaced between each other. 

Difference between single and double needle lockstitch sewing machines

Single Needle Lockstitch Sewing Machines VS Double Needle Lockstitch Sewing Machines 

FeaturesNo. of featuresNo. of features
Number of needles12
Number of bobbins12
Line of Stitching12
PopularityMore commonLess common
StitchesLockstitches        Lockstitches 
Comparison Table

Pros and Cons 

  • There are two needles and two bobbins
  • Stitch two straight parallel lines.
  • Suitable for industrial applications.
  • They last a long time.
  • No one can replace them, as they are unique.
  • Side-by-side lock stitching.
  • The noise they produce is less.
  • No radiation.
  • No sewing machine jamming issues.
  • A single shank connects two needles.
  • The motor is powerful.
  • Suitable for different types of fabrics.
  • This is not for beginners.
  • For professional use only.
  • There is a need for frequent bobbin refilling.
  • Due to the two bobbins, they use more thread.
  • Some users find them difficult to operate.
  • As they are bulky, they are not suitable for mobile users. 

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to explain in detail what double needle lockstitch machines are. Therefore, I hope you have read all the points and clearly understand this sewing machine. If not, I recommend rereading this article to get the most out of it. 

Let me know what you would like me to bring you next…

THE END


Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: What is the main difference between single and double-needle lockstitch sewing machines?

They are generally similar, but double-needle lockstitch sewing machines have two needles and two bobbins for making two straight stitches side-by-side. The other type, however, has one needle and one bobbin.

Q2: Are double needle lockstitches sewing machines for beginners?

It is not suitable for beginners since it is used commercially to make pyjamas, pintucks, box pockets, jeans, etc., on a mass scale. They can be used by someone other than beginners.  

Q3: How many stitches are made by double needle lockstitch sewing machines?

This sewing machine has two needles and two bobbins to create two parallel stitches simultaneously.