I do chain piecing as much as I can....I don't speed thru it cuz I found it harder to maintain seam allowance at beginning and ends...so basically, I do what you do and it works for me.

I have gotten to the point where I can accurately speed along at a nice speed. It is all about repetition.

I find they are easier to cut apart if I make at least one stitch off the old seam before I add the new one. If I push too hard to get the new one on, sometimes they overlap just a little and that is not fun.

This is exactly how it's done. The pieces don't have to butt up against each other nor do you have to keep the machine running. If I thought I had to do that I would never chain piece. Relax, sounds like you're doing great.

I do chain piecing as often as I can, but have never thought about using the knee lift. Thanks Macybaby for bringing that up. That sure would speed things up....Now where is it????

My machine has the needle down function, so when I stop sewing one piece the needle goes down and the presser foot raises enough to slide the next piece under. And I have one of those Gizmos to do the cutting of the threads after I have my long chain. I never considered it a speed thing, more of saving a little thread. And helps the brain with the "repetition" factor.

I don't like chain piecing. I prefer to make one block at a time. I get better results and can see problem before having a lot of problems. I've noticed at retreats my one a time method is as fast as those that chain piece then assemble. I use the auto thread cutter to save thread and it does save a lot of thread waste.

I have done tests to see if one way was faster, and didn't really find it was significant for me.

So it comes down to what one prefers doing. I like repetition, as I sew to relax and that way I only have to keep an eye/mind on one step at a time. It's probably why I like making quilts so much more than clothing. However sometimes it's also fun to do something totally different.

Yes, Macy I like sewing for relaxation. It puts a smile on my face to think that I am having fun and making something too. I am actually getting a start on next Christmas. The one I am working on is for my husband Jim.

I use the same method that you use. I'm always concerned that something will shift if I don't. Speed is not as important to me as accuracy.