Quilting has lots of short-cut terms that often need explanation to new-comers. I'm trying to do a better job of clearly explaining those terms. In this post, let's talk about one of my favorite time-saving (and thread-saving) quilting techniques: Chain Piecing. This method doesn't involve any real "chains" but is a great method for piecing many units or quilt blocks at once. Here's a little explanation.
What is Chain Piecing?
Chain piecing is a quilting technique where multiple fabric pieces are sewn together in a continuous chain without cutting the thread between them. Quilters use this method to efficiently assemble quilt blocks or sections.
To begin, fabric pieces are aligned right sides together. I often create a pile of the fabric pieces stacked next to my machine, ready to feed through.
The first pair is fed into the machine, stitched together, and without stopping or cutting the thread, the next pair is fed in, allowing them to be stitched together in succession. This process continues until all the necessary pieces are sewn, resulting in a "chain" of interconnected units.
Chain Piecing also works great for building repetitive blocks, like the log cabin quilt blocks above.
Thread Cutting Tools
Once the chain piecing is complete, the units are separated by cutting the thread between them. You can simply snip the connecting threads with scissors, or there are Thread Cutter notions like this one with a small, sharp blade where you can quickly cut the threads with a swift downward motion.
(Another popular option are these thread cutters where you reuse old rotary blades.)
Chain-piecing helps maintain a consistent sewing rhythm and minimizes thread waste. It's particularly useful for projects with repetitive block patterns (like a lot of Half Square Triangles), as it streamlines the assembly process and reduces the time spent starting and stopping the machine.
Additionally, chain piecing can aid in maintaining accurate seam allowances and fabric alignment. As the fabric pieces are sewn together in quick succession, without interruption, a more consistent seam allowance is achieved.
TIP: Using the Needle Down Setting
If you sewing machine has a "needle down" setting, it can be really helpful to use this setting when chain piecing. If your sewing machine has this setting (an up/down needle feature), it means that you can set whether the needle automatically lifts up or stays down in the fabric when you stop stitching.
When the Needle Down setting is activated, the sewing machine automatically stops with the needle positioned down into the fabric, helping to secure it in place. This is especially helpful when working on projects that require frequent turns or adjustments. With the needle down, the fabric stays in position, reducing the likelihood of shifting or distortion between stitches.
On my Baby Lock machines, there is also a setting where the sewing machine foot is automatically lifted when the Needle Down setting is used. This makes it much easier and faster to feed the next pair of fabrics under the foot, right up against the needle (below left), and continue sewing without the fabric shifting as it sometimes done if you're feeding with the foot down (below right).
Check with your sewing machine model to learn how to adjust your Needle Down (and in some cases Foot Up) settings. (Also, this foot attachment is my favorite ¼" foot with guide.)
For example on my Baby Lock Jubilant sewing machine the machine is preset to a Needle Down position, but it is very easy to change to Needle Up by pressing and holding the circled button on the left for 3 seconds. The display on the screen (circled, right) will change.
On a more technical computerized machine such as the Baby Lock Chorus or Destiny embroidery machine you have even more options. Go into your menu settings to set automatic foot lift as well as Needle Down postion.
Overall, chain piecing is a valuable technique for quilters looking to save time, increase efficiency, and productivity in their sewing projects.
This Sewing Tips + Tricks post is sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing Machines. I have been sewing with a variety of Baby Lock sewing machines as a Baby Lock Ambassador over the past 7 years and thoroughly enjoyed every machine I've tried. They make a variety of sewing machines to meet different skills, needs and budgets. You can find out more about Baby Lock machines, as well as some of my favorite recommendations here.
What are your thoughts about chain piecing? Have you tried it? Does your machine have a Needle Up/Down setting? Is this something you use? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!
Janet says
Interesting article. Thank you for some information that I didn't really think about when chain piecing... like needle down. I'm fairly new to quilting and at first I couldn't get used to chain piecing. I found it awkward. Now, I do it anytime when having to sew multiple strips or half square triangles, etc. It really is a time saver, and easy. My machine has the needle up/down position, but I really never thought of it when chain piecing. I'm going to check it out to see if it's set in the needle down position. My machine does have the auto foot lift and I love it!!! Thank you for all your tips and tricks.
Amy says
You're welcome!