Did you know that a Jelly Roll is a “a cylindrical cake with a spiral cross section, made from a flat sponge cake spread with a filling such as jam and rolled up” according to a dictionary on the web. Ahhhh BUT in quilting a “Jelly Roll” is a bundled roll of 2 1/2″ strips cut from the width of fabric. And it looks like the sweet dessert as defined as a jelly roll. There are usually 40 strips in a “Jelly Roll“, the original, trademarked by Moda Fabrics. Since then other fabric companies have used their own names…such as Bali Pops, Tiki Rolls and the list goes on. I usually identify them as strip rolls. then there is no infringement on There is even a country singer with the name of Jelly Roll.

Moda Fabrics’ free patterns can be found HERE. These are patterns using Jelly Rolls and yardage.

Free patterns on the Fat Quarter Shop can be found here, free patterns

Most fabric companies also offer free patterns for strip rolls! I chose a strip roll by Blank Quilting and I’m using a free pattern from the Robert Kaufman website. I found the pattern Strip Disco that spoke to me. The original pattern used 64 strips, shown on the left below. I used 40 strips by Blank Quilting and the blocks on the right are on my design wall ready to sew into a quilt!

15+ members of Blackstone Valley Quilt guild did strip quilts workshop on Saturday. Lots of different patterns we being made, BUT all quilts were “Jelly Roll” strip quilts. I’m looking forward to seeing all the quilts.

When working on the Strip Disco pattern, I sewed together 5 strip sets of both dark and light strips with 4 strips in each set. When sewing together two strips at a time, I’m careful to keep the strips aligned as it approaches the needle. I use my right hand in front of the bed of the machine to guide the strips keeping them straight. My left hand, not shown :(one hand needed to take the photo) I keep it on the top of the strip set. Sewing strips goes fast, but I keep control so the strips stay aligned and keep a constant 1/4″ seam!

I’ll keep sewing and hope you are working on something fun.

Tips:

1. Search the internet for “Jelly Roll” patterns. there are hundreds out there. there are also patterns for sale using strip rolls. I have several on my website. I also have a two free patterns. One using Brilliant Bindings and making a Simple Braid. another using Hex-a-ma-jig Jr, called Junior Jelly Roll. check out my free patterns HERE.
2. Align strips carefully when you sew. Keep them straight. I like to see a peek of the bottom strip to be sure they are aligned.

in quilting,

Debbie