First, take a jelly roll. No, this isn’t a recipe. Nor are we talking about the American rapper. A “jelly roll” in the sewing lexicon refers to a collection of coordinating cotton quilting materials, pre-cut into strips that are 2.5.” x 44.” With just these stripes of fabric, you can make a quilt that will have all your holiday guests raving.
- A jelly roll with coordinating stripes of red, white, and blue patterned fabric.
- Rotary cutter and mat
- 6 ½” square ruler
- Sewing machine
- Iron
STEP 1) Select three stripes of different patterns from your jelly roll. Choose two: placing them right side together (back side out), sew together on your machine, leaving a ¼” seam. Take the third strip and attach to the first two in the same manner. Iron the back side of your strip, making sure that all the seams are pressed in the same direction.
STEP 2) Here is where your square ruler comes in handy! Laying your sewn strip on your sewing mat, position your ruler over the strip, making sure that the edge of the ruler lies straight with the edge of your strip. Cut off a square with your rotary cutter. Repeat steps 1 & 2 until you have used up your jelly roll.
STEP 3) And now for the fun part! Lay your squares in whatever pattern you choose, mixing and matching stripe direction and patterns to create a crazy layout. When you have determined your pattern, begin sewing your squares, right sides together, with a ¼” seam. Always iron the back sides before attaching more squares, making sure that the seams are pressed in the same direction.
Finish off your creation with your very own custom tags for clothing and quilts!
