Quilting should be fun and relaxing, but sometimes all the small pieces can become overwhelming and tedious. If you are looking for a way to speed up the piecing process of quilting, you need to learn how to chain piece! This blog will show you how it’s done and explain how this technique can help you speed through scrap quilts.
What is Chain Piecing?
Chain piecing is a technique where multiple blocks or units are sewn together in quick succession creating a “chain”.
Instead of stitching your unit together, snipping the thread, then lifting the presser foot and beginning the process all over again, you continue to feed your blocks through your machine one after the other, without cutting the thread. This creates a chain that you then cut apart once you have pieced all your units.
Why Should You Chain Piece?
By not cutting your threads after each seam, you will save LOTS of time! Many quilters use this technique because it allows them to be efficient with their sewing time. You basically end up creating an assembly line, which allows you to work on steps in batches instead of constantly starting and stopping.
Chain piecing also helps to create consistent stitches for more even and accurate piecing. You are much more likely to have a consistent quarter inch seam if you are not constantly starting and stopping.
How To Chain Piece
Just keep sewing, just keep sewing…. (did you sing that in a Dory voice too?!)
Chain piecing is very easy to do and can be broken down into four easy steps!
Step One: Start sewing your first unit.
Step 2: Instead of clipping your thread at the end of the first unit, feed another unit under your presser foot.
Step 3: Repeat for all your units (or until you don’t have anything else to feed under your presser foot).
Step 4: Trim your threads and cut the units apart.
Benefits of Chain Piecing Scrappy Quilts
How can chain piecing help you make scrappy quilts? I’m glad you asked!
First, it really can help make the scrappy quilt making process move faster. I know trimming scraps for a scrappy quilt can take a lot of time and sometimes planning, so when you get to piecing you want to be able to enjoy it and keep the process moving. In comes chain piecing!
Second, you can set up an assembly line to really make chain piecing efficient! You can lay out the units (or blocks depending on the pattern) and get organized once you have cut all your fabric and then just chain piece all day (or for as long as you have to sew.) I find that one hour of chain piecing can really be productive.
Lastly, chain piecing can really help you see the progress that you have made on your project. Imagine being able to layout your chain and it is twice the length of your sewing area?! That is instant gratification and a tangible way to see how productive your sewing time was.
Chain piecing is a technique I believe every quilter should know! I can help save you a lot of time and sometimes a headache. Are you team chain piecing and assembly line quilting? Let me know in the comments below!
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