Tutorial: Clear vinyl placemat with fabric scrap embellishments

The first time I made a Stack-N-Whack quilt, I spent more time threading my needle than actually sewing. By block four, I was ready to turn my kaleidoscope dreams into a pile of kindling.

Then I discovered chain piecing—the quilter’s equivalent of finding a $20 bill in last winter’s coat pocket. Suddenly, what took hours now took minutes, and my blocks went from “hot mess” to “hot dang!”

In this guide, you’ll learn:
 Exactly how to chain piece Stack-N-Whack blocks (with photos)
 3 genius tweaks to prevent mismatched points
 The tool that cuts pressing time in half
 How to fix mistakes without unraveling your sanity

Why Chain Piecing is a Stack-N-Whack Game-Changer

The Problem With Traditional Piecing

• Wastes time: Threading/rethreading for each unit

• Creates bulk: Thread nests at every start/stop

• Invites errors: More handling = more mismatched seams

The Chain Piecing Advantage

• 75% faster (I timed it: 48 HSTs in 18 minutes vs. 1+ hour)

• Consistent seams (no adjusting tension between units)

• Less thread waste (good for your wallet and the planet)

Step-by-Step: How to Chain Piece Stack-N-Whack Blocks

What You’ll Need:

• Stacked & cut fabric units (the more identical, the better)

• 50wt cotton thread (thinner = less bulk)

• Seam guide (magnetic or adhesive)

• Leader/ender scraps (paper or fabric)

The Process:

1. Arrange Units in Assembly-Line Order

• Lay out pairs in sewing order (Photo A)

• Clip together with Wonder Clips (pins distort stacked layers)

2. Start With a “Leader”

• Sew onto a scrap first (prevents thread nests)

3. Chain Like a Pro

• Sew unit #1 ? don’t lift foot ? feed unit #2 immediately

• Let threads connect units like a train (Photo B)

4. Press Smart

• Use a tailor’s clapper to set seams fast

• Press all units in one go (no back-and-forth)

5. Clip Apart Later

• Snip chains while watching TV (my “quilty meditation”)

3 Pro Tricks for Flawless Chain Piecing

1. The “No-Twist” Feed Trick

• Stack units right sides together in a shoebox lid

• Grab from the top ? sew ? drop finished unit in another box

Why it works: Eliminates accidental fabric flips.

2. Tension Tweaks for Thick Stacks

• Increase presser foot pressure slightly

• Use a microtex needle (size 70/10)

Test first: Sew two stacked units ? check seam for puckering.

3. The “Oops” Recovery Move

Mismatched points? Don’t unpick!

• Add a contrasting stitch line to create intentional “wonk”

• Embrace it as modern improv

Common Questions (From One Impatient Quilter to Another)

Q: Won’t chain piecing stretch my bias edges?
A: Not if you:

• Starch fabric before cutting

• Use a walking foot (even for piecing)

Q: How do I keep track of unit order?
A: Try my “Deli Ticket” system:

• Number units with sticky notes

• Pin corresponding numbers to design wall

Q: Can I chain piece curved Stack-N-Whack blocks?
A: Yes! But:

• Use more pins than usual

• Sew with the concave side up

My Favorite Chain-Piecing Tools

Your Turn!

What’s your chain-piecing nemesis? (I still sometimes forget the leader scrap and get those cursed thread nests…)

10 Free Stack-N-Whack Quilt Patterns

Speed Piecing Stack-N-Whack Blocks: 3 Time-Saving Hacks for Impatient Quilters