what are jelly rolls in quilting

A Beginner's Guide to Working with Jelly Rolls in Quilting

A jelly roll in quilting is a great way to get started with patchwork. It's a pre-cut fabric bundle usually containing 20 strips, 2.5" wide by 44" long. Jelly rolls make it easy to piece together beautiful quilts without spending hours cutting fabric yourself. This article will show you how to work with jelly rolls and will provide tips on creating your own unique designs!


 what are jelly rolls in quilting

What Are Jelly Rolls in Quilting?

Jelly rolls are pre-cut strips of fabric that measure 2.5” by 45”, which are then rolled up into a bundle resembling a jelly roll dessert. These strips can be used for quilting to create stunning patchwork designs without the hassle of buying and cutting all the pieces individually! 


Jelly rolls are great for beginners because they take away some intimidating aspects of cutting and measuring fabrics for quilt blocks. With a jelly roll in hand, it’s easy to start quilting because all you need is an idea of what kind of design you want, and the rest is just sewing together different pieces.

How to Make a Jelly Roll Quilt

To make a jelly roll quilt, you will need fabric strips in various colors and prints, batting, and backing fabric. To begin, press all the fabric strips with an iron and stack them neatly according to color or design. Determine what size quilt you would like and then divide the number of fabric strips into three groups. Sew those three pieces together with a ¼-inch seam allowance. Continue sewing these units until your desired quilt size is achieved.


Next, join the quilt top rows by sewing through both sides of each strip set. If necessary, pin these seams for extra security when piecing them together. Once all the rows are connected, create a border for your finished quilt by cutting two lengths of fabric twice the desired width of the frame and two lengths of fabric equal to the measurement of each side plus 2 inches. Sew these pieces together lengthwise with a ¼-inch allowance and then press them open.


Finally, layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric together with the wrong sides facing out. Baste the layers by hand or with a quilting machine before starting to quilt. Once all is basted securely, use any desired pattern for quilting around the individual strips and within the borders for an added design touch.

Benefits of Using Jelly Rolls in Quilting

Using jelly rolls in quilting can be a great time saver. It eliminates the need to count and cut fabric pieces carefully, as all of the jelly roll fabrics are pre-cut and ready to go. Here are some of the benefits of using jelly rolls in quilting:

1. Quick and Easy
Jelly rolls make quilting a breeze by providing pre-cut strips ready to sew. This eliminates the need for tedious measurements and cutting, allowing quilters to move quickly from one project step to the next.

2. Variety
Jelly rolls come in an array of prints, colors, and sizes, so you can find the perfect fabric for any quilt project. With all these options at your fingertips, it’s easy to create unique designs with each project you create.

3. Cost Efficient
Buying jelly rolls is much less expensive than buying large amounts of fabric for a project since they contain multiple fabrics rolled into one piece. It’s also a great way to sample different fabrics without investing in a whole bolt.

4. Time-Saving
Pre-cuts make it easy to move quickly and prevent mistakes since you don’t have to measure and cut your jelly roll fabric strips. This makes quilting projects much more efficient and less time-consuming.

5. Space Saving
Jelly rolls come pre-rolled, so they take up much less space than buying individual bolts of fabric for each project. This is especially beneficial if you’re short on storage or workspace, as jelly rolls are small enough to store almost anywhere!


Using jelly rolls is a great way to save time, money, and space while still creating beautiful quilt projects. With all of their advantages, it’s no wonder why jelly rolls are becoming increasingly popular in the quilting world!

Patterns for Making a Jelly Roll Quilt

A jelly roll quilt is a great way to use those fabric strips you have laying around. With just a few simple instructions, you can create an eye-catching quilt perfect for any occasion. Here are some different jelly roll quilt patterns you can follow to make your own:

what are jelly rolls in quilting

Herringbone Pattern
This pattern creates a chevron effect with the strips of fabric going in opposite directions. It’s easy to do and adds exciting texture and color to the quilt design.

Log Cabin
A classic log cabin pattern breaks up the solid blocks of fabric with an alternating stripe of light and dark colors. This technique gives the quilt an old-fashioned feel that will never go out of style.

Ribbon Star
With ribbon star pattern, the strips of fabric are laid out in a star shape for a bold and modern look. It’s perfect for easy jelly roll quilts that you want to have some added visual interest.

Striped Rail Fence
The traditional rail fence quilt gets updated when you use easy jelly roll strips instead of solid pieces of fabric. This pattern creates an interesting interplay between light and dark stripes that looks great on any quilt design.

Lone Star
If you’re looking for something extra special, try the lone star pattern with your own jelly roll strips. This technique can create a stunning effect if done correctly, and it will surely be the star of any quilt show.

Final Thoughts

A jelly roll in quilting is great for newbie and experienced quilters alike. The pre-cut fabric bundle makes it easy to piece together beautiful quilts, and it can save you energy. Not only is it time-efficient, but it allows you to create unique projects in a cost efficient way! If you’re ready to get started, be sure to check out different quilting patterns and find some inspiration to get started.