How to Chain Piece for Quick Quilt Blocks
Chain piecing is what I consider one of my quilting superpowers if there was such a thing… If you are sewing a block-based quilt or anything that requires a lot of repeating units, then this piecing technique is for you! In this blog post, I will explain what chain piecing is and how it can speed up the construction process for your entire quilt top.
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What is chain piecing?
Simply put, chain piecing is a method of piecing multiple units without cutting thread between them. The result is one long thread chain.
Why You Should Chain Sew
Chain sewing is a great technique because it is incredibly efficient. It can save you a lot of time by avoiding having to cut thread between each unit. It also reduce thread waste because you are piecing one unit after the other with only a few chain stitches between each unit.
When You Should Chain Piece
Chain piecing is best for when you have to sew the same unit multiple times. For example, the same diagonal line for lots of the same half-square triangles or the same strip of fabric for multiple log cabin quilt blocks. This is most common in block-based quilt patterns.
How to Chain Piece
Sew an Example Block
When chain piecing, it’s good practice to have a visual reference. The last thing you want is to piece several units the wrong way… That’s the opposite of efficiency. To do this, piece one unit and set it to the side, within view, and orient the way that you will be piecing all the following units. This way, you can look back to it to make sure all the pieces within your chain are pieced together correctly. This is the easiest way to avoid having a chain of incorrectly sewn quilt blocks.
Sew the First Block Pieces
To start your chain, sew your first unit together, just as you normally would — right sides together, using a consistent seam allowance. As you approach the end of the seam, stop sewing, but do not cut the thread. Sew a 2 or 3 stitches and then lift the presser foot.
Sew the Next Set
Assemble the next unit, making sure to refer to the example you have set to the side. Then, lift the presser foot and insert the next unit. Make sure the edge of the fabric catches the feed dogs. Then, lower the presser foot and continue sewing your next seam.
Complete the Chain
Continue sewing units together without cutting thread unit the assembly line is complete. After you have sewn the last stitch, then cut the thread. The result will be one long chain of several sewn quilt block pieces.
Separate the Units
To separate the chain pieces, you can use your sewing scissors or take the chain to your cutting table and separate the pieces using your rotary cutter. You can also use a special thread cutter designed for separating thread chains like this. This Chain Piece Thread Cutting Gizmo stands upright and can sit right next to your sewing machine for easy use. At this point, you can go ahead and press seams following the quilt pattern or your personal preference.
If your quilt blocks require a second or third row, like the quarter log cabin blocks in the Happy Camper quilt, then stack the blocks, taking care to orient them in the same direction, and gather the fabric pieces for the next row. Start the chain sewing process all over with a new chain.
During your next project, go ahead and give chain piecing a try. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t go back!
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