Many of my patterns suggest using chain piecing to complete the pattern, but many newer quilters are unfamiliar with this excellent piecing method. Today, I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about it, and I am confident you’ll be ready to give it a try.
What is Chain Piecing?
Chain piecing is a sewing method that enables quilters to continuously sew their piece sets together without stopping or snipping threads between each set. Chain piecing is beneficial to quilters because:
- it saves thread, eliminating thread tails between each set
- it saves time, not having to cut threads between each set
- it organizes piecing, since it is all done at once
- it is efficient, sewing large groups in one session
When can I use chain piecing?
Chain piecing is most efficient when used to sew any pieces together where you’ll need to stitch edge to edge (meaning no partial seams), and that doesn’t require pressing between steps. You might have some steps where chain piecing is the most efficient, and others where chain piecing will be too difficult so you will need to piece in the standard way.
In my Granny’s Pins pattern, you can see that I can pair and sew parts of the project together in one chain piecing session. My method is to always work right to left when piecing. Whatever direction you choose, stick to it! Once that is done, I’ll add to that set with another round of chain piecing, but I can only chain piece the pieces within each row. Once the rows are done, I will return to standard piecing to sew the rows together.
How can I prepare for chain piecing?
Chain piecing is best executed with a little preparation beforehand! Read the entire pattern you’ll be working from and highlight steps where chain piecing can be used. Some pieces can actually be chain pieced before you actually get to that step, so if you’re chain piecing an earlier step go ahead and combine the effort! Once the pieces are cut, arrange the ones you’ll be chain piecing into piles next to your machine so you know which sets you’ll be sewing together. Arranging the sets RST before you begin saves even more time, although I’m known to just have the separate piles and stack them RST as I go.
One of the perks of chain piecing prep is once you know the different parts of the pattern that can utilize chain piecing, you can work on all those steps together, and get as much chain piecing done as you can in one go.
For instance, in my Trixie quilt pattern, I can chain piece the center/side pieces together in the same session that I chain piece the first part of the corner units. Then, after pressing and on the next round of chain piecing, I can complete the center rows while chain piecing the second step of the corner units. Even though the pattern steps dictate to finish the corner units first, looking ahead allows me to see a final step that includes sewing the center group together; therefore, I can include it in my chain piecing.
How exactly do I chain piece?
Once the piles are organized, start sewing the first piece. Some people prefer to use a leader to begin. A leader is a piece of fabric that you stitch over before piecing to prevent thread nests, although I have developed the habit of just holding the threads with my left hand as I start sewing to prevent the thread nests.
Before finishing the first piece, slide the second set in front of the presser foot to get it ready. The feed dogs are already feeding the first set through, so as the needle finishes the first set, scoot the next set under the foot and let the feed dogs catch that set to piece. Continue like this until you are finished, or the bobbin runs out!
Once the chain stitching is done, trim the threads to separate the pieces so the fabric can be pressed.
How does chain piecing keep my piecing organized?
One of the things I like best about chain piecing is that I can have my pieces strung together in groups. Because you can use chain piecing “out of order,” there can be a feeling of disorganization, but the key is to pay attention when you do finally snip the pieces apart. As you snip, keep the different units in their respective piles. Then, press each pile separately, keeping things organized as you go.
Chain piecing does delay some of that quilt block gratification- it will feel like the blocks are taking forever to make since you’ve done a lot of stitching but don’t have a full block to see yet, but you’ll discover that when you do get to the final step, they all come together at once! The gratification at that moment is immense!
Want to try chain piecing? See if you can make your own Granny’s Pincushion project using the method. Instead of making the pincushion, I followed the pattern but added batting to the pieced top and quilted along the seams before the backing RST to the top. I turned it right side out as instructed but instead of filling it, I simply top-stitched all around to close the hole and finished it nicely. Voila! A little drink coaster!
The April Take Ten block is another great opportunity to practice your chain piecing skills!
Another chain piecing practice quilt is Magic Charm, an easy, free, beginner pattern.
Happy Quilting!
