KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
CHAIN PIECING
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
CHAIN PIECING
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
CHAIN PIECING: A Simple Sewing and Quilting Technique
Welcome to the Knowledge Base of Basics Series!
Whether you are new to sewing or have been quilting for years, learning simple techniques can make your sewing projects easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Today, we are looking at chain piecing, a useful technique that is especially popular in quilting.
What Is Chain Piecing?
Chain piecing is a sewing technique in which you sew several pieces of fabric together one after another without cutting the thread between each set of pieces.
Instead of stopping after every seam to remove your fabric, cut the thread, and start again, you simply feed the next pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot and continue sewing.
The pieces remain connected by a short length of thread, forming a chain. Once you finish sewing, you can snip the threads between the pieces.
What Do You Need for Chain Piecing?
You will need:
Your sewing machine
Matching or coordinating fabric pieces
Thread suitable for your fabric
Sewing pins or fabric clips, if needed
Fabric scissors or thread snips
An iron and ironing board for pressing your seams
Chain piecing works particularly well when you have several identical or similar seams to sew.
How to Chain Piece: Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Cut your fabric pieces according to your pattern instructions. Arrange them in the order you want to sew them, and match the right sides together where appropriate.
Step 2: Sew the First Pair
Place the first pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot. Sew the seam using the seam allowance required by your pattern.
Step 3: Feed in the Next Pair
When you reach the end of the first seam, do not cut the thread. Leave a small space and place the next pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot.
Continue sewing the next seam.
Step 4: Continue Sewing
Repeat the process until you have sewn all your prepared pairs. Your pieces will form a chain connected by thread.
Step 5: Cut the Threads
Remove the chain from your machine and snip the connecting threads between the fabric pieces.
Step 6: Press Your Seams
Press the seams according to your pattern instructions. Depending on the project, you may press the seams to one side or open.
Your pieces are now ready for the next stage of your sewing or quilting project!
Benefits of Chain Piecing
Chain piecing offers several advantages:
Saves time: You spend less time stopping and starting.
Reduces thread waste: You use less thread than you might when repeatedly cutting and restarting.
Keeps pieces organized: You can sew several matching pieces in sequence.
Improves workflow: It helps you maintain a steady rhythm at your sewing machine.
Great for quilting: It is particularly useful when making quilt blocks from repeated fabric units.
Projects That Work Well With Chain Piecing
You can use chain piecing for many sewing and quilting projects, including:
Nine-patch quilt blocks
Four-patch quilt blocks
Half-square triangle units
Patchwork table runners
Quilted pouches and bags
Scrap fabric quilting projects
Repeated fabric squares and rectangles
Helpful Tips for Beginners
Keep your pieces in order. Arrange them before you begin sewing so you do not mix up your fabric combinations.
Maintain the correct seam allowance. Chain piecing saves time, but accuracy is still important. Follow the seam allowance specified in your pattern.
Leave a small thread gap. Allow enough space between fabric units to cut them apart easily. Avoid pulling the fabric or stretching the connecting threads.
Use a consistent sewing speed. Take your time until you become comfortable with the technique.
Press after sewing. Pressing helps your quilt blocks lie flat and makes it easier to join them accurately.
Remember your machine's safety. Keep your fingers away from the needle, and stop sewing before adjusting fabric near the needle.
Chain Piecing vs. Sewing Each Seam Separately
| Chain Piecing | Sewing Separately |
|---|---|
| Several seams are sewn in sequence. | Each seam is sewn individually. |
| Less stopping and starting. | More stopping and starting. |
| Often saves time on repeated pieces. | Can be useful for individual or complex seams. |
| Fabric units remain connected until threads are cut. | Each sewn unit is removed after its seam. |
Final Thoughts
Chain piecing is a simple technique that can make a real difference in your sewing and quilting routine. Once you understand the process, you may find that sewing repeated pieces becomes quicker, easier, and more organized.
If you enjoy patchwork and quilting, give chain piecing a try on your next project. Start with a few fabric squares and practise until you feel comfortable.
Remember, every little sewing skill you learn adds to your knowledge and confidence!
Happy Sewing and Quilting! 🧵❤️
This article is part of the Knowledge Base of Basics Series on Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman.
Visit my blog for more sewing, quilting, crafting, needlework, appliqué, and embroidery ideas:
https://sewingquiltingbyshirleyann.blogspot.com/
Here is your next article for the Knowledge Base of Basics Series on your Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman blog. 🧵
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
CHAIN PIECING: A Simple Sewing and Quilting Technique
Welcome to the Knowledge Base of Basics Series!
Whether you are new to sewing or have been quilting for years, learning simple techniques can make your sewing projects easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Today, we are looking at chain piecing, a useful technique that is especially popular in quilting.
What Is Chain Piecing?
Chain piecing is a sewing technique in which you sew several pieces of fabric together one after another without cutting the thread between each set of pieces.
Instead of stopping after every seam to remove your fabric, cut the thread, and start again, you simply feed the next pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot and continue sewing.
The pieces remain connected by a short length of thread, forming a chain. Once you finish sewing, you can snip the threads between the pieces.
What Do You Need for Chain Piecing?
You will need:
Your sewing machine
Matching or coordinating fabric pieces
Thread suitable for your fabric
Sewing pins or fabric clips, if needed
Fabric scissors or thread snips
An iron and ironing board for pressing your seams
Chain piecing works particularly well when you have several identical or similar seams to sew.
How to Chain Piece: Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Cut your fabric pieces according to your pattern instructions. Arrange them in the order you want to sew them, and match the right sides together where appropriate.
Step 2: Sew the First Pair
Place the first pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot. Sew the seam using the seam allowance required by your pattern.
Step 3: Feed in the Next Pair
When you reach the end of the first seam, do not cut the thread. Leave a small space and place the next pair of fabric pieces under the presser foot.
Continue sewing the next seam.
Step 4: Continue Sewing
Repeat the process until you have sewn all your prepared pairs. Your pieces will form a chain connected by thread.
Step 5: Cut the Threads
Remove the chain from your machine and snip the connecting threads between the fabric pieces.
Step 6: Press Your Seams
Press the seams according to your pattern instructions. Depending on the project, you may press the seams to one side or open.
Your pieces are now ready for the next stage of your sewing or quilting project!
Benefits of Chain Piecing
Chain piecing offers several advantages:
Saves time: You spend less time stopping and starting.
Reduces thread waste: You use less thread than you might when repeatedly cutting and restarting.
Keeps pieces organized: You can sew several matching pieces in sequence.
Improves workflow: It helps you maintain a steady rhythm at your sewing machine.
Great for quilting: It is particularly useful when making quilt blocks from repeated fabric units.
Projects That Work Well With Chain Piecing
You can use chain piecing for many sewing and quilting projects, including:
Nine-patch quilt blocks
Four-patch quilt blocks
Half-square triangle units
Patchwork table runners
Quilted pouches and bags
Scrap fabric quilting projects
Repeated fabric squares and rectangles
Helpful Tips for Beginners
Keep your pieces in order. Arrange them before you begin sewing so you do not mix up your fabric combinations.
Maintain the correct seam allowance. Chain piecing saves time, but accuracy is still important. Follow the seam allowance specified in your pattern.
Leave a small thread gap. Allow enough space between fabric units to cut them apart easily. Avoid pulling the fabric or stretching the connecting threads.
Use a consistent sewing speed. Take your time until you become comfortable with the technique.
Press after sewing. Pressing helps your quilt blocks lie flat and makes it easier to join them accurately.
Remember your machine's safety. Keep your fingers away from the needle, and stop sewing before adjusting fabric near the needle.
Chain Piecing vs. Sewing Each Seam Separately
| Chain Piecing | Sewing Separately |
|---|---|
| Several seams are sewn in sequence. | Each seam is sewn individually. |
| Less stopping and starting. | More stopping and starting. |
| Often saves time on repeated pieces. | Can be useful for individual or complex seams. |
| Fabric units remain connected until threads are cut. | Each sewn unit is removed after its seam. |
Final Thoughts
Chain piecing is a simple technique that can make a real difference in your sewing and quilting routine. Once you understand the process, you may find that sewing repeated pieces becomes quicker, easier, and more organized.
If you enjoy patchwork and quilting, give chain piecing a try on your next project. Start with a few fabric squares and practise until you feel comfortable.
Remember, every little sewing skill you learn adds to your knowledge and confidence!
Happy Sewing and Quilting! 🧵❤️
This article is part of the Knowledge Base of Basics Series on Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman.
Visit my blog for more sewing, quilting, crafting, needlework, appliqué, and embroidery ideas:
Suggested image for your blog post
Suggested image caption: Chain piecing in action — sewing multiple fabric pieces in a continuous chain to save time and make quilting more efficient.
Suggested image alt text: Chain piecing colorful fabric squares together on a sewing machine for a patchwork quilting project.
Suggested labels for Blogger: Knowledge Base of Basics Series, Chain Piecing, Sewing Basics, Quilting Tips, Patchwork Quilting
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