Jelly Roll fabric strips are a fantastic way to simplify quilting while still achieving beautiful, intricate designs. These pre-cut strips of fabric are perfect for quilters of all skill levels, making it easier to create stunning quilts without the need to spend hours cutting fabric. If you’re looking for Jelly Roll Fabric Strips for Sale, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of these handy bundles. Let’s dive into some tips for using jelly rolls in your quilting projects.
- Choose the Right Pattern
Before you begin, think about the pattern you want to create with your jelly roll fabric strips. Jelly rolls often come in coordinated sets, so you’ll want to select a pattern that allows the colors to flow well together. If you’re unsure, a simple quilt design, like a strip quilt or a rail fence quilt, is an easy option to start with. These patterns help the fabric strips shine without overwhelming your project.
- Plan Your Quilt Size
Jelly rolls are generally made up of 40 strips of fabric, each measuring about 2.5 inches wide and 42 inches long. Knowing how much fabric you have at your disposal will help you determine the size of your quilt. If you need more fabric, you can always add additional strips or use solid fabric to complement the jelly roll. Planning ahead will prevent any surprises along the way.
- Press Your Fabric Strips
Before sewing your jelly roll strips together, make sure to press each strip. Pressing helps remove any creases and gives you a clean starting point for your project. Use a hot iron and steam to press the strips flat, making them easier to sew and ensuring they line up nicely when pieced together.
- Be Careful with Fabric Direction
When piecing together your strips, pay attention to the direction of your fabric patterns. Some prints may be directional, meaning they have a specific top or bottom. Make sure all your strips are aligned in the same direction to avoid mismatched designs. You don’t want to accidentally create an upside-down quilt, especially with fabrics that feature patterns or text.
- Stitching Your Strips Together
Sewing jelly roll strips together can be fast and efficient. Start by laying out your strips in a pattern or order you like. You can then sew them together using a consistent ¼-inch seam allowance. Be sure to align the edges carefully as you stitch, and don’t rush this step—precision leads to a better-looking quilt. A walking foot can be helpful for keeping the layers from shifting while you sew.
- Consider Adding Borders
Once your jelly roll strips are sewn together, you can add borders to complete the quilt. Borders can help frame your quilt and provide a contrast that highlights the jelly roll strips. You can use fabric from the same jelly roll or choose a complementary fabric to create a border that ties the design together.
- Use Jelly Roll Strips for Other Projects
Jelly rolls aren’t just for quilts! You can use these fabric strips for a variety of other sewing projects. Try making table runners, tote bags, or even baby quilts using the same pre-cut strips. The possibilities are endless, and using jelly rolls in other projects will allow you to enjoy their convenience without feeling limited to just quilting.
- Trim and Square Up Your Quilt Blocks
Once you’ve finished sewing your quilt blocks together, it’s essential to trim and square them up. This helps ensure that each block is the correct size and that the quilt as a whole will lie flat. Use a ruler and rotary cutter to trim off any excess fabric and ensure precise edges. This will make your finished quilt look professional.
Some Final Words
Using jelly roll fabric strips is a fun and convenient way to create beautiful quilts, regardless of your skill level. By following these tips, you’ll be able to work with ease and produce stunning results. If you’re ready to start your next quilting adventure, head over to US Fabric Shop—the Best Fabric Store in US—where you’ll find a wide variety of Jelly Roll Fabric Strips for Sale. Why wait? Get your hands on the perfect fabric today and let your creativity flow! With all the options available at US Fabric Shop, the possibilities for your next project are endless.