Jelly & Figs Quilt: A Sweet & Simple Pattern

Hey there, fellow quilting enthusiasts! Are you looking for a delightful and easy-to-make quilt pattern? Look no further than the Jelly and Figs Quilt! This pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike, offering a fun and creative way to use your favorite jelly roll strips and some contrasting background fabric. Let's dive into the sweet and simple world of the Jelly and Figs Quilt.

What is the Jelly and Figs Quilt?

The Jelly and Figs Quilt is a quilt pattern that combines the use of jelly roll strips (2.5-inch fabric strips) with larger pieces of background fabric, often referred to as the "figs." The pattern creates a visually appealing design that's both modern and classic. The beauty of this quilt lies in its simplicity; it’s straightforward to construct, making it an excellent project for quilters of all skill levels.

Key Features of the Jelly and Figs Quilt Pattern

1. Beginner-Friendly: The pattern primarily uses straight lines and simple piecing, which means no complicated curves or intricate techniques are required. This makes it a fantastic project for those just starting their quilting journey.
2. Jelly Roll Friendly: As the name suggests, this quilt is designed to use jelly roll strips. Jelly rolls are pre-cut fabric strips that come in coordinated colors and patterns, saving you time and effort in fabric selection and cutting.
3. Versatile Design: The Jelly and Figs Quilt can be adapted to various color schemes and fabric styles. Whether you prefer bright and bold colors, soft pastels, or traditional prints, this pattern can be customized to suit your personal taste.
4. Quick Project: Compared to more complex quilt patterns, the Jelly and Figs Quilt can be completed relatively quickly. This makes it a satisfying project for those who want to see results in a shorter amount of time.
5. Scrap-Friendly: While designed for jelly rolls, you can also use fabric scraps from your stash to create a unique and eclectic version of this quilt. This is a great way to reduce fabric waste and add a personal touch to your quilt.

Why Choose the Jelly and Figs Quilt?

Choosing the Jelly and Figs Quilt pattern offers several advantages. First and foremost, it's a fantastic way to use those jelly rolls you've been hoarding! Jelly rolls are so tempting to buy, but sometimes they sit on our shelves because we're not sure what to do with them. This pattern provides the perfect solution.

Additionally, the simplicity of the design makes it a relaxing and enjoyable project. There's no need to stress over complicated instructions or difficult techniques. You can simply focus on the joy of piecing fabric together and watching your quilt come to life.

Moreover, the Jelly and Figs Quilt is incredibly versatile. It can be used as a baby quilt, a lap quilt, or even a larger bed quilt, depending on the number of blocks you create. It's also a wonderful gift idea for friends and family. Imagine the delight of receiving a handmade quilt that's both beautiful and practical!

Materials You'll Need

Before you start your Jelly and Figs Quilt, gather all the necessary materials. Here's a comprehensive list to help you get organized:

• Jelly Roll: One jelly roll (40-42 strips of 2.5-inch fabric) is typically sufficient for a lap-sized quilt. Choose a jelly roll with colors and patterns that you love.
• Background Fabric: This is the fabric that will contrast with the jelly roll strips. The amount of background fabric you'll need depends on the size of your quilt. A good starting point is 2-3 yards for a lap quilt.
• Backing Fabric: Select a fabric for the back of your quilt. This can be a single piece of fabric or a pieced backing. You'll need a piece that's slightly larger than the finished quilt top.
• Batting: Choose a batting material that suits your preferences. Cotton, polyester, or a blend are all good options. Make sure the batting is also slightly larger than the quilt top.
• Binding Fabric: This fabric will be used to bind the edges of your quilt. You'll need about 1/2 to 3/4 yard of fabric, depending on the size of your quilt and the width of your binding strips.
• Sewing Machine: A reliable sewing machine is essential for piecing your quilt. Make sure it's in good working order and that you have a quarter-inch foot for accurate seam allowances.
• Rotary Cutter, Mat, and Ruler: These tools are necessary for cutting fabric accurately. A rotary cutter and mat will make quick work of cutting your background fabric and binding strips.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing your fabric as you go is crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish. An iron and ironing board are indispensable tools for any quilter.
• Pins or Clips: Use pins or clips to hold your fabric pieces together while piecing. This will help ensure that your seams are accurate and your quilt top lays flat.
• Thread: Choose a thread that complements your fabric colors. A neutral-colored thread is always a safe bet, but you can also use a thread that matches one of the colors in your jelly roll.

With all these materials in hand, you'll be well-prepared to start your Jelly and Figs Quilt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your materials ready, let's walk through the step-by-step instructions for creating your Jelly and Figs Quilt.

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabrics

Start by pressing all your fabrics. This will ensure that they are flat and easy to work with. Press your jelly roll strips and background fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases.

Step 2: Cut the Background Fabric

Cut your background fabric into squares or rectangles, depending on the size and layout you desire. A common size is 10-inch squares, but you can adjust this to suit your preferences. Use your rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to ensure accurate cuts.

Step 3: Arrange the Jelly Roll Strips and Background Fabric

Lay out your background fabric squares on a large surface. Then, arrange your jelly roll strips around the squares, creating a pleasing design. You can alternate colors and patterns to achieve the look you want. This is a good time to experiment with different layouts before you start sewing.

Step 4: Sew the Jelly Roll Strips to the Background Fabric

Take one jelly roll strip and sew it to one side of a background fabric square. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open or to one side. Repeat this process, adding jelly roll strips to all sides of the background fabric squares, creating a block.

Step 5: Create Multiple Blocks

Continue sewing jelly roll strips to background fabric squares until you have created the desired number of blocks for your quilt. The number of blocks will depend on the size of your quilt.

Step 6: Arrange the Blocks

Lay out your finished blocks on a large surface, arranging them in the order you want. This is another opportunity to experiment with the layout and make sure you're happy with the overall design.

Step 7: Sew the Blocks Together

Sew the blocks together in rows, using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open or to one side. Then, sew the rows together to create the quilt top. Press all the seams.

Step 8: Layer the Quilt

Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. Make sure the backing fabric and batting are slightly larger than the quilt top. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases.

Step 9: Quilt the Layers Together

Quilt the layers together using your preferred quilting method. You can hand-quilt, machine-quilt, or send it to a professional quilter. Choose a quilting design that complements the overall look of your quilt.

Step 10: Bind the Edges

Bind the edges of your quilt using your binding fabric. This will give your quilt a finished look and protect the edges from fraying. There are many different binding techniques you can use, so choose one that you're comfortable with.

Congratulations! You've successfully completed your Jelly and Figs Quilt! Step back and admire your handiwork. You've created a beautiful and unique quilt that you can cherish for years to come.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Jelly and Figs Quilt

To ensure your Jelly and Figs Quilt turns out beautifully, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Accurate Cutting: Accurate cutting is essential for achieving a precise and professional-looking quilt. Use a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to ensure that all your fabric pieces are cut to the correct size.
• Consistent Seam Allowance: Maintaining a consistent quarter-inch seam allowance is crucial for accurate piecing. Use a quarter-inch foot on your sewing machine to help you achieve this.
• Pressing: Pressing your fabric as you go is just as important as accurate cutting and consistent seam allowance. Press each seam after you sew it to ensure that your quilt top lays flat.
• Color Placement: Pay attention to color placement when arranging your jelly roll strips and background fabric. Experiment with different layouts to find a design that you love.
• Fabric Choice: Choose high-quality fabrics that are easy to work with and will stand the test of time. Cotton fabrics are a popular choice for quilting.
• Basting: Basting your quilt layers together before quilting will help prevent shifting and puckering. You can use pins, fusible batting, or spray basting.
• Quilting Design: Choose a quilting design that complements the overall look of your quilt. Simple designs like straight lines or echo quilting are often a good choice for beginner quilters.
• Binding: Take your time when binding the edges of your quilt. A well-executed binding can make all the difference in the finished product.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to creating a Jelly and Figs Quilt that you'll be proud of.

Variations and Creative Ideas

The Jelly and Figs Quilt pattern is a great starting point, but don't be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. Here are some variations and creative ideas to inspire you:

• Use Different Sizes of Background Fabric: Experiment with different sizes of background fabric squares or rectangles. This can create a more dynamic and interesting design.
• Incorporate Different Fabric Types: Mix and match different fabric types, such as cotton, linen, and silk. This can add texture and visual interest to your quilt.
• Add Embellishments: Embellish your quilt with buttons, beads, or embroidery. This can add a personal touch and make your quilt truly unique.
• Create a Theme: Choose a theme for your quilt, such as a holiday or a season. Use fabrics and colors that reflect the theme.
• Make a Miniature Quilt: Scale down the pattern to create a miniature quilt. This is a great way to use up scraps and create a small, portable project.
• Use Scraps: Use fabric scraps from your stash to create a scrappy version of the Jelly and Figs Quilt. This is a great way to reduce fabric waste and add a personal touch to your quilt.

Conclusion

The Jelly and Figs Quilt pattern is a sweet and simple project that's perfect for quilters of all skill levels. With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile design, you can create a beautiful and unique quilt that you'll cherish for years to come. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start piecing your own Jelly and Figs Quilt today! Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this pattern is sure to bring you joy and satisfaction.