As a long-time quilter, I’ve always loved finding new and interesting quilt patterns to try out. Recently, I stumbled upon the trend of using jelly rolls to create unique and beautiful quilts. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try and was blown away by the results.
What are Jelly Rolls?
Jelly rolls are pre-cut strips of fabric that are typically 2.5 inches wide and 44 inches long. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them perfect for creating stunning quilts without the hassle of cutting and measuring fabric yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide for Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Rolls
Here’s a simple guide to get you started with quilt patterns using jelly rolls:
- Choose your jelly rolls – select colors and patterns that you love.
- Unroll and organize your jelly rolls by color and pattern.
- Choose a quilt pattern that uses jelly rolls – there are many free patterns available online.
- Follow the pattern instructions to sew the jelly roll strips together.
- Once all the strips are sewn together, cut them into the required shapes and sizes for the pattern.
- Follow the pattern instructions to sew the cut pieces together into a completed quilt top.
- Layer your completed quilt top with batting and backing fabric, then quilt and bind as desired.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Rolls
Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your jelly rolls:
- Choose jelly rolls with a variety of colors and patterns to add interest to your quilt.
- Use jelly rolls from the same fabric line to ensure that the colors and patterns coordinate well.
- Combine jelly rolls with solid color fabric to add contrast.
- Experiment with different quilt patterns to find the one that works best for your jelly rolls.
- Use jelly rolls to create strip-pieced blocks and then combine them into a quilt top.
- Cut jelly roll strips into squares or triangles to add variety to your quilt top.
- Use jelly rolls to create borders or binding for your quilt.
- Combine jelly rolls with other pre-cut fabrics, such as layer cakes or charm packs, to add even more variety to your quilt.
- Use leftover jelly roll strips to create scrappy quilt projects.
- Have fun and experiment – the possibilities are endless!
Pros and Cons of Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Rolls
Like any quilting technique, there are pros and cons to using jelly rolls:
Pros:
- Jelly rolls are pre-cut and ready to use, making them a time-saver for quilters.
- They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to create a cohesive quilt design.
- Using jelly rolls can be a great way to use up fabric scraps or create a scrappy quilt project.
Cons:
- Jelly rolls can be expensive, especially if you’re buying multiple rolls for a larger quilt project.
- Using jelly rolls can limit your fabric choices, as you’re limited to the colors and patterns in the roll.
- If you’re not careful with your cutting and piecing, your quilt top can end up looking too busy or chaotic.
My Personal Review of Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Rolls
Overall, I’m a big fan of using jelly rolls for quilt patterns. They’re a great way to create beautiful quilts with minimal effort and a wonderful way to use up fabric scraps. However, they can be expensive, and you may be limited in your fabric choices. I recommend giving them a try and seeing how they work for you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use jelly rolls for quilt patterns other than strip quilts?
A: Absolutely! While jelly rolls are traditionally used for strip-pieced quilts, you can use them for any quilt pattern that requires pre-cut fabric strips.
Q: How many jelly rolls do I need for a quilt?
A: This will depend on the size of your quilt and the width of your jelly rolls. As a rough guide, you’ll need around 1-2 jelly rolls for a lap-sized quilt, 2-3 jelly rolls for a twin-sized quilt, and 3-4 jelly rolls for a queen or king-sized quilt.
Q: Can I combine jelly rolls from different fabric lines?
A: Yes, you can! However, be aware that the colors and patterns may not coordinate as well as if you were using jelly rolls from the same fabric line.