Jelly Roll Quilt Pattern: Easy Square Designs

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to turn those yummy jelly rolls into a stunning quilt? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the world of jelly squares quilt patterns. These patterns are not only super fun but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned quilters. So, grab your jelly rolls and let's get started!

What is a Jelly Roll?

Before we jump into the patterns, let's quickly chat about what a jelly roll actually is. A jelly roll, also known as a fabric roll, consists of 40-42 fabric strips, each 2.5 inches wide and about 44 inches long (the width of the fabric). These strips are usually from the same fabric collection, making it super easy to create a cohesive and beautiful quilt. Think of it as a pre-cut, perfectly coordinated bundle of fabric goodness!

Why Use Jelly Rolls?

Using jelly rolls for quilting has several awesome advantages:

• Time-Saving: The strips are pre-cut, saving you tons of time and effort. No more hours spent cutting fabric – you can jump straight into the fun part: sewing!
• Coordinated Fabrics: Since the strips come from the same collection, you're guaranteed a harmonious color palette. This takes the guesswork out of fabric selection and ensures a beautiful finished product.
• Versatility: Jelly rolls can be used in a wide variety of quilt patterns, from simple squares to intricate designs. The possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Beginners: If you're new to quilting, jelly rolls are a fantastic way to start. The pre-cut strips make the process less intimidating and more manageable.

Simple Jelly Squares Quilt Pattern

Okay, let's get to the fun part: making a quilt! This pattern is super simple and perfect for beginners. It's all about showcasing those beautiful jelly roll strips in a straightforward, eye-catching design.

Materials You'll Need:

• One jelly roll (40-42 fabric strips)
• Backing fabric (amount depends on the desired quilt size)
• Batting (amount depends on the desired quilt size)
• Binding fabric (about 1/2 yard)
• Sewing machine
• Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
• Thread
• Pins or clips
• Iron and ironing board

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Strips: Unroll your jelly roll and admire all those lovely colors! Press each strip with an iron to remove any creases or wrinkles. This will make it easier to work with the fabric.
2. Cut into Squares: Using your rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, cut each strip into 2.5-inch squares. This will give you a ton of little squares to play with. A standard jelly roll should yield around 160-170 squares, give or take.
3. Arrange Your Squares: Now comes the fun part: arranging your squares! Lay them out on a flat surface (like a design wall or your living room floor) to see how the colors look together. You can arrange them randomly for a scrappy look, or create a more structured design with gradients or patterns. Don't be afraid to experiment and move things around until you're happy with the layout.
4. Sew the Squares Together: Once you're satisfied with your arrangement, it's time to start sewing! Sew the squares together into rows, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams in each row in the same direction. This will help the rows nest together nicely when you sew them together.
5. Join the Rows: Now, sew the rows together to form the quilt top. Make sure to match up the seams carefully to create nice, even intersections. Press all the seams in one direction (either up or down) to reduce bulk.
6. Layer and Quilt: Create a quilt sandwich by layering the backing fabric (wrong side up), batting, and quilt top (right side up). Baste the layers together using pins, safety pins, or spray adhesive. Quilt as desired – you can do a simple straight-line quilting, free-motion quilting, or anything in between. Get creative and have fun!
7. Bind the Quilt: Once you're done quilting, trim any excess batting and backing fabric. Prepare your binding strips and sew them around the edges of the quilt to create a neat, finished edge. There are tons of tutorials online that show you how to bind a quilt, so don't be afraid to check those out if you're new to binding.

More Jelly Roll Quilt Ideas

So, you've mastered the basic jelly squares quilt. What's next? Here are a few more ideas to keep you inspired:

Jelly Roll Race Quilt

The Jelly Roll Race is a super popular and incredibly fast quilt to make. You sew all the strips end-to-end into one long strip, then fold and sew repeatedly until you have a finished quilt top. It's surprisingly quick and creates a beautiful, swirling effect.

Rail Fence Quilt

The Rail Fence quilt is another easy pattern that uses simple rectangles. Cut your jelly roll strips into shorter segments and arrange them in a rail fence pattern, alternating light and dark fabrics for a striking contrast.

Log Cabin Quilt

For a more traditional look, try a Log Cabin quilt. This pattern involves adding strips of fabric around a center square, creating a block that resembles a log cabin. It's a bit more time-consuming than the other patterns, but the results are well worth it.

Chevron Quilt

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try a Chevron quilt. This pattern involves cutting the jelly roll strips into triangles and arranging them to create a zig-zag pattern. It's a bit trickier to sew, but the finished quilt is absolutely stunning.

Tips for Working with Jelly Rolls

Before you start your jelly roll adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Pre-wash Your Fabric: Some quilters prefer to pre-wash their fabric to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding. If you choose to pre-wash, make sure to iron the strips before cutting them.
• Use a Rotary Cutter: A rotary cutter, mat, and ruler are essential tools for working with jelly rolls. They'll help you cut accurate squares and strips with ease.
• Press, Press, Press: Pressing your fabric is crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish. Make sure to press each strip before cutting, and press your seams after sewing.
• Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to mix and match jelly rolls from different collections. This can create a unique and personalized look. Play with different color combinations and fabric styles to see what you come up with.
• Have Fun! Quilting should be a fun and relaxing hobby. Don't stress too much about perfection – just enjoy the process and let your creativity flow.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Jelly squares quilt patterns are a fantastic way to use those beautiful jelly rolls and create stunning quilts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter, there's a jelly roll pattern out there for you. So, grab your jelly rolls, fire up your sewing machine, and get quilting! Happy sewing, and remember to have a blast creating your own unique masterpiece! With these easy square designs, you'll be quilting like a pro in no time. And hey, don't forget to share your creations with us – we'd love to see what you come up with!