I have been on the road teaching quite a bit these last couple of weeks, so Crystal compiled this fun blog about the history and use of Jelly Rolls! I have to say, I didn't know some of this stuff so it was a fun read for me as well :) I have a whole new appreciation for this staple in the quilting world!
National Sew A Jelly Roll Day is an annual celebration, started by Moda Fabrics, and held on the third Saturday of September. This year, it fell on September 21st. Yes, the 21st has come and gone, but do you need an excuse to quilt? Quilters everywhere can dig out their jelly rolls and prepare to make something fun and fabulous!
So, what is a jelly roll? A luscious cake roll filled with cream and jelly? That's one scrumptious definition.
Here's a better one. For quilters, a jelly roll is a precut collection roll of 2½" fabric strips, usually 40-42 strips, cut and ready to sew. The strips are carefully curated in coordinating colors or themes. We love jelly rolls because we can skip the cutting and concentrate on the design. We're able to purchase a range of fabrics in those strips and there is little waste.
Initially, precuts were promotional pieces given to quilt shops as 5" x 5" charm packs. Jelly Rolls were the inspiration of the owner of Moda Fabrics. He realized some quilters have trouble choosing fabrics; they may have cutting issues; they can't afford to buy a piece in every collection, and, hey, quilters just want to start sewing...or just collecting bits of fabric.
Jelly rolls are precut and ready to sew. They eliminate cutting and reduce waste. The name "jelly roll" was trademarked in 2009, and led to other yummy pieces like Honeybuns and Layer Cakes. The names alone make your mouth water.
Other companies use names like Strippies, Roly Poly, Strip Roll, Spirals, Pinwheels, and Stripz. Sometimes they come packaged flat. That's a head shaker. But it's just another name for a delightful collection of 2½" strips.
Who doesn't have a jelly roll tucked away waiting for just the right project, or need an excuse to buy one or two? I found some terrific projects you can make by quilting, sewing, or crafting in very little time; most of them are free.
QUILTS
Guilds often make jelly roll race quilts because they are fast and easy to make and donate to charity. Quiltdom collected 15 of the best jelly roll race quilts. Miriam Ronne takes you on a deep dive, with how-tos and 15 easy patterns for you to try.
This black and white jelly roll race quilt is enhanced with bright appliqué flowers. Isn't it cute?
I found this on Pinterest, and I love it, but I couldn't find any links. It looks like a combo of 2 1/2" strips and narrower strips.
Here is a fun reversible quilt from Sew Can She for beginners or when you need a quick project.
Jelly Roll Slice, Jelly Roll Twirl, Jelly Roll Jam, Jelly Roll Relish, Thicket Jelly Roll.
You can find a variety of free patterns using jelly rolls at Fat Quarter Shop, with everything from Granny Squares to Christmas trees. This year, they are offering five new quilts, all with a free pattern and video tutorial.
To celebrate their annual jelly roll event, Moda Fabrics is offering 3 new quilts and a tote bag, all for free. This is their Windsor Tote Bag.
I just had to include this book from Vanessa Goertzen because of the title: Jelly Filled. Now, I'm craving a jelly donut and a new quilt.
Some of our jelly roll friendly patterns include Semaphore Stripes, Rock 'N' Roller Coaster, Fresh Fruit, Summer Succulents, and Ribbon Twist.
I stumbled upon this video of Moda employees and designers doing the Jelly Roll Toss. There are quite a few quilts, and the setup is clever.
There are so many ways to use jelly rolls in sewing projects. Here are a few I found.
SEWING
Use your strips to make some hearts for the Jelly Glazed Hearts Tablerunner from Fat Quarter Shop (FQS). It includes a helpful video tutorial. Or, make this terrific Quilt As You Go Table Runner, also from FQS.
Why not sew A Mile A Minute Apron from Sew Can She?
My coffee isn't around long enough to do justice to this Mug Rug and Cozy Set from We All Sew, but wouldn't this make a cute gift?
Oh, I love the colorful stripes in this sweet Tote Bag with pockets from Shabby Fabrics.
Everyone loves a bright and happy rug! Jenny Doan of Missouri Quilt Company shows you how to make a colorful Jelly Roll Rug.
So many things can be made with jelly roll strips, like placemats, scarves, and even oven mitts, and they are perfect for making crafts.
CRAFT
Here are a few non-sewing applications using Jelly Rolls. Fun to do with the kiddos too!
In A Blog Called Wanda, she uses jelly roll strips to make an easy garland for a baby shower or a party. Susan Ache from Martingale shows you how to make fabric chains for Christmas. Easy! And, you can also make a keychain using Heat-n-Bond for Christmas stocking stuffers.
Do you need a new front door wreath for Fall? IKornCrafts shows you how to fold and tie these versatile strips to make a new Autumn wreath in a couple of hours. This would be pretty in Christmas colors too.
With the holidays coming, you might enjoy making some of these ornaments from Fat Quarter Shop.
Jelly roll strips scream hot air balloons to me. I found this one from Mod Podge Rocks using 1" to 2½" strips. You glue fabric scraps to a lantern with Mod Podge and hang a small basket from it. How fun is that?
I hope we gave you some ideas for your jelly rolls, and that you enjoyed our celebration of National Sew A Jelly Roll Day.
Keep Calm and Get Your Jelly Roll On!
Happy Sunday everyone,
Krista Moser
Follow all my quilty adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Visit my YouTube channel for free tutorials and tips. If you like my patterns, you can buy them on Etsy, and here on the website.