Triple needle

**LadyDraco** · 11-06-2014, 18:49

Anyone using a triple needle for the end channels on their hammocks? If so what type of machine are you using and best way to thread it.

**gmcttr** · 11-06-2014, 19:07

Unless you have a machine with three bobbins to go with the three needles, all three rows of stitching will share one single lower thread resulting in a pretty decorative stitch with little strength.

**The Old Boot** · 11-06-2014, 19:11

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Unless you have a machine with three bobbins to go with the three needles, all three rows of stitching will share one single lower thread resulting in a pretty decorative stitch with little strength.

What he said...the double and triple needles are only meant for decorative stitching, they are never meant to be used for a seam or anything that requires stability and strength.

There are some industrial machines out there that can do three rows of straight stitching at a time but I don't think that was what you were talking about.

**LadyDraco** · 11-06-2014, 19:16

As I am still learning I figured there was a difference and actually I was also wondering if the heavy duty triple stitch machines are versatile enough to go back to single straight stitch as needed. I am also on the hunt for such machine and they seem hard to find or ridiculously expensive

**EZbreezy** · 11-06-2014, 19:31

Can't comment on the triple stitch feature, however, you can achieve a double stitch using whats called a cover stitch with a serger.

However, serging is completely different than using a regular sewing machine.

**Mouseskowitz** · 11-06-2014, 19:40

I saw a double needle machine the other day that applied bias tape over a seam. I think it was in the $8000+ range.

**ripstopbytheroll** · 11-06-2014, 19:56

I've worked with two commercial sewing shops and neither had a triple-needed machine. Double, but not triple.

**sLAsh** · 11-06-2014, 21:23

Seen the doubles used by auto trimmers for French seams but never heard or seen a triple before

**Tacblades** · 11-07-2014, 01:25

You can use a single needle and put two top threads through the single needle, this does add strength, but i prefer just to use extra strong thread top and bottom and lower the tension on both for a tie out attachment of something load bearing.