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Chain Piecing: A Simple Habit That Makes Quilting Easier
There are some quilting techniques that sound much more complicated than they actually are.
Chain piecing is definitely one of them.
If you've ever watched someone sew piece after piece without stopping to cut the thread between them and wondered what in the world they were doing—that's chain piecing.
And once you start using it, you'll probably find yourself doing it without even thinking about it.
So, What Is Chain Piecing?
So much of what we do in quilting is repetitive. Whether we're making dozens of half-square triangles, assembling flying geese or sewing the same block over and over, we often repeat the same steps many times.
That's where chain piecing comes in.
Instead of sewing two pieces together, removing them from the machine, cutting the thread and starting the next set, you simply keep sewing.
Finish one unit, sew a few stitches with no fabric under the presser foot, slide the next unit in and keep going.
Before long, you'll have a little string—or chain—of pieces connected by thread.
Hence the name.
Nothing fancy.
But it can make piecing a quilt much more efficient.
Why I Like It
The obvious benefit is speed.
You're not constantly stopping, lifting the presser foot, pulling your pieces away, cutting the thread and starting again.
But honestly, that's not the only reason I like it.
Chain piecing creates a rhythm.
Once my pieces are organized and ready to sew, I can just sit down and work through them.
Piece. Sew. Next one.
Piece. Sew. Next one.
It also saves thread. Instead of leaving long thread tails every time you start and stop, you're using just a few stitches between units.
And because you're doing the same step repeatedly, it can help you stay consistent.
Get Organized Before You Start
This is one of those times when a few minutes of preparation can save a lot of aggravation later.
If you're making a block with several similar-looking pieces, know what you're sewing together before you start feeding everything through the machine.
Lay them out.
Stack them in order.
Label them if you need to.
And yes, this is another place where my highly sophisticated paper-plate organization system comes in handy. 😂
The goal is to create a rhythm—not get halfway through your chain and wonder, Wait...which triangle was supposed to go on this one?
Don't Sacrifice Accuracy for Speed
Chain piecing is faster.
That doesn't mean you need to sew faster.
There's a difference.
Your job at the machine hasn't changed. You're still watching your fabric against whatever guide you're using for your seam allowance.
Remember: the needle isn't going anywhere. You don't need to watch it.
Keep your attention on the edge of your fabric and your guide, just like you would if you were sewing one piece at a time.
Chain piecing should eliminate unnecessary stopping.
It shouldn't make you rush. You certainly don't want to loose that time saved with the seem ripper in your hand. Ask me how I know.....🤦♀️
Your Chain Can Help Keep Things Organized
Here's another advantage that doesn't get talked about quite as much.
Sometimes I don't immediately cut my chain apart.
Leaving units connected can help keep pieces in the order I intended—especially when I'm working with repeated blocks or a layout where placement matters.
You can take the entire chain to the ironing board, press your pieces and then separate them when you're ready for the next step.
There are even more advanced ways to use this idea to keep entire blocks organized as you assemble them, but that's a conversation for another day.
For now, just know that those little threads connecting your pieces don't always have to be cut immediately.
They can actually help you stay organized.
But You Don't Have to Chain Piece Everything
Like most quilting techniques, chain piecing is a tool—not a rule.
If you're making one block to test your measurements, chain piecing doesn't offer much benefit.
If you're working with pieces that need individual attention or you're likely to confuse their placement, slowing down and sewing them individually may make more sense.
And sometimes you simply don't feel like setting up an assembly line.
That's okay too.
The goal isn't to find the fastest possible way to make a quilt.
It's to find a process that makes quilting easier and more enjoyable for you.
One Little Habit, A Lot Less Stopping
Chain piecing isn't flashy.
You don't need a special ruler.
You don't need another presser foot.
And you definitely don't need another gadget taking up space in your sewing room.
It's simply a small change in the way you work.
But those small changes add up.
Less stopping.
Less thread waste.
Better organization.
A comfortable rhythm at the machine.
And maybe a little more time actually sewing instead of constantly reaching for the thread cutter.
That's a win in my book.
Quilt Confidence isn't about doing everything the “right” way. It's about learning little things that make quilting work better for you.
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