Jelly Roll Basket Quilt: Free Pattern & Tutorial

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Jelly Roll Basket Quilt: A Free Pattern and Tutorial

Hey there, quilting enthusiasts! Are you looking for a fun and rewarding project that's perfect for using up your jelly rolls? Look no further! This jelly roll basket quilt pattern is just what you need. It's a delightful way to create a beautiful and unique quilt with minimal fuss. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of the process, from gathering your materials to adding the final touches. So, grab your jelly rolls, and let's get started on this exciting quilting journey!

What is a Jelly Roll Quilt?

Before we dive into the specifics of the jelly roll basket quilt, let's quickly cover what a jelly roll quilt actually is. A jelly roll is a bundle of fabric strips, usually 2.5 inches wide and 44 inches long, pre-cut and rolled up together. These are incredibly convenient for quilters because they eliminate the time-consuming task of cutting fabric into strips. Jelly roll quilts are popular because they are relatively quick to make, offer great variety in color and pattern, and are perfect for showcasing a coordinated fabric collection. The jelly roll basket quilt pattern takes full advantage of these benefits, allowing you to create a stunning quilt with ease.

Materials You'll Need

To embark on your jelly roll basket quilt adventure, you'll need to gather a few essential materials. Don't worry; most of these are standard quilting supplies that you probably already have in your stash!

  • Jelly Roll: One jelly roll (40-42 strips) of your favorite fabric collection. This is the star of the show, so choose a collection that you absolutely love. The colors and patterns will create the overall look of your quilt, so take your time in selecting the perfect one.
  • Background Fabric: Approximately 3 yards of a coordinating background fabric. This fabric will serve as the backdrop for your jelly roll strips, making them pop and adding visual interest to your quilt. Consider a neutral color like white, cream, or gray for maximum versatility.
  • Border Fabric (Optional): Approximately 1 yard of fabric for the border, if desired. A border can add a finishing touch to your quilt and frame the design beautifully. Choose a color that complements your jelly roll and background fabrics.
  • Backing Fabric: Approximately 4 yards of fabric for the quilt backing. The backing fabric will be on the underside of your quilt, so choose something comfortable and durable. A wide back fabric can be a great option to avoid piecing.
  • Batting: A quilt batting that is slightly larger than your finished quilt top. Batting is the layer of insulation in the middle of your quilt, providing warmth and loft. Choose a batting material that suits your preferences, such as cotton, polyester, or a blend.
  • Binding Fabric: Approximately ½ yard of fabric for the binding. The binding is the fabric that wraps around the edges of your quilt, finishing it off and protecting the raw edges. Choose a color that coordinates with your quilt top.
  • Sewing Machine: A reliable sewing machine in good working order.
  • Rotary Cutter, Mat, and Ruler: Essential tools for accurately cutting fabric.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: For pressing seams and ensuring a crisp finish.
  • Pins or Clips: For holding fabric pieces together while sewing.
  • Scissors: For trimming threads and fabric.
  • Thread: Coordinating thread for piecing and quilting.
  • Walking Foot (Optional): A walking foot can be helpful for quilting, especially with thicker layers of fabric.

With these materials in hand, you'll be well-prepared to create a stunning jelly roll basket quilt that you'll cherish for years to come.

Cutting Instructions

Now that you've gathered your materials, it's time to start cutting the fabric. Accurate cutting is crucial for ensuring that your jelly roll basket quilt comes together smoothly and looks its best.

  1. Prepare Your Jelly Roll: Unroll your jelly roll and press each strip lightly with an iron. This will remove any creases or wrinkles and make the strips easier to work with.
  2. Cut the Strips: From each jelly roll strip, cut:
    • Basket Pieces: Cut (6) 2.5" squares. These will form the woven basket design.
    • Background Squares: From your background fabric, cut the same number of 2.5" squares as your jelly roll for a 1:1 ratio. This will give you consistency and an even background.
  3. Border Strips (If Using): Cut border strips to the desired width and length. Remember to measure your quilt top before cutting your border strips to ensure a perfect fit.
  4. Binding Strips: Cut binding strips to the desired width (usually 2.5 inches). You'll need enough binding to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt.

Sewing Instructions

With your fabric cut and ready to go, it's time to start sewing the jelly roll basket quilt. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your quilt top:

  1. Creating the Basket Weave:

    • Take the jelly roll strips. Sew each of the six 2.5" squares from one strip of the jelly roll to it's corresponding background square.
    • Lay out four squares in a two by two square. Arrange in alternating colors, alternating the placement of the jelly roll fabric.
    • Sew the top two squares together, and then sew the bottom two squares together. Press the seams to one side.
    • Sew the top row and the bottom row together, matching the center seam. Press.

  2. Arranging the Basket Blocks: Lay out your basket blocks on a design wall or a large flat surface. Experiment with different arrangements until you find a layout that you love. Consider the colors and patterns of your jelly roll strips and try to create a balanced and visually appealing design.

  3. Sewing the Rows Together: Once you're happy with the arrangement, sew the basket blocks together in rows. Press the seams between the blocks in each row to one side. This will help the rows lie flat and make it easier to match the seams when you sew the rows together.

  4. Sewing the Rows Together: Sew the rows together, carefully matching the seams where the blocks meet. Pin the seams in place before sewing to ensure that they line up correctly. Press the seams between the rows to one side. Your quilt top is now complete!

  5. Adding the Border (Optional): If you're adding a border to your quilt, sew the border strips to the edges of the quilt top. Start with the side borders, then add the top and bottom borders. Press the seams towards the border.

Quilting and Finishing

With your quilt top assembled, it's time to quilt and finish your jelly roll basket quilt. This is where you'll add the layers of batting and backing and create the quilting design that will hold everything together.

  1. Layering the Quilt: Place your backing fabric right side down on a large flat surface. Then, layer the batting on top of the backing fabric. Finally, place the quilt top right side up on top of the batting. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric.
  2. Basting the Quilt: Baste the layers together using pins, safety pins, or basting spray. Start in the center of the quilt and work your way out towards the edges. Basting ensures that the layers stay in place while you're quilting.
  3. Quilting the Quilt: Quilt the quilt using your preferred quilting method. You can machine quilt or hand quilt, depending on your skill level and preferences. Consider a simple all-over design or a more intricate custom design. A walking foot can be helpful for machine quilting, especially with thicker layers of fabric.
  4. Squaring Up the Quilt: Once you've finished quilting, trim away any excess batting and backing fabric, squaring up the edges of the quilt. Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat to ensure that the edges are straight and even.
  5. Adding the Binding: Sew the binding strips to the edges of the quilt, mitering the corners. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch it in place. The binding is the final touch that will give your quilt a polished and professional look.

Tips for Success

  • Choose High-Quality Fabrics: Invest in high-quality fabrics for your jelly roll basket quilt. Quality fabrics will not only look better but also last longer.
  • Press Seams Carefully: Pressing seams is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish. Take the time to press each seam carefully as you sew.
  • Use a Walking Foot: A walking foot can be incredibly helpful for quilting, especially with thicker layers of fabric. It helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, preventing puckering and distortion.
  • Take Your Time: Quilting is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. Don't rush through the steps. Take your time and enjoy the process.
  • Experiment with Color and Design: Don't be afraid to experiment with color and design. Quilting is a creative outlet, so have fun and let your personality shine through.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've completed your very own jelly roll basket quilt. This beautiful and unique quilt is sure to become a treasured heirloom. The jelly roll basket quilt pattern is a fantastic way to use up your jelly rolls and create a stunning quilt with minimal effort. So, gather your materials, follow these instructions, and get ready to embark on a quilting adventure that you'll never forget. Happy quilting!