By My Experience With Free Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Roll Strips
As a quilter, I’m always looking for new patterns to try out. One trend that caught my eye recently is using jelly roll strips to create beautiful quilts. I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
What are Jelly Roll Strips?
Jelly roll strips are pre-cut strips of fabric that are 2.5 inches wide and usually 44 inches long. They are often sold in sets that include strips from an entire fabric collection, making it easy to coordinate your quilt.
Step-by-Step Guide for Free Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Roll Strips
1. Choose a jelly roll strip set that catches your eye.
2. Decide on a pattern. There are many free patterns available online, or you can create your own design.
3. Cut the strips to the desired length for your pattern.
4. Sew the strips together in the desired pattern. You can sew them end-to-end for a long strip, or sew them together side-by-side for a wider strip.
5. Once you have the desired size, cut the strip into blocks or other shapes for your pattern.
6. Arrange the blocks in the desired pattern, and sew them together.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Free Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Roll Strips
1. Use a design wall to help you arrange your blocks before sewing them together.
2. Experiment with different patterns and layouts to find the one that works best for your fabric.
3. Use solid-colored fabric to break up the jelly roll strips and add interest to your quilt.
4. Mix and match jelly roll strips from different fabric collections for a unique look.
5. Use jelly roll strips to create a scrappy quilt with a cohesive look.
6. Consider using jelly roll strips for border fabric.
7. Use a walking foot when sewing the strips together to prevent stretching and distortion.
8. Press your seams open to reduce bulk and make quilting easier.
9. Use a high-quality thread for quilting to prevent breakage.
10. Have fun and experiment!
Pros and Cons of Free Quilt Patterns Using Jelly Roll Strips
Pros:
- Jelly roll strips are pre-cut, making them easy to use and saving time on cutting fabric.
- There are many free patterns available online, providing endless inspiration.
- Using jelly roll strips can create a cohesive look in a scrappy quilt.
Cons:
- Using jelly roll strips can limit your fabric choices.
- Quilts made with jelly roll strips can look similar to other quilts made with the same fabric collection.
- Jelly roll strips can be more expensive than buying fabric by the yard.
My Personal Review and Suggestion
I thoroughly enjoyed working with jelly roll strips and found that they made the quilt-making process easier and faster. The pre-cut strips saved me time on cutting fabric, and the coordinated fabric collection made it easy to create a cohesive look. However, I did find that using jelly roll strips limited my fabric choices and could make my quilt look similar to others made with the same fabric collection. Overall, I would highly recommend trying free quilt patterns using jelly roll strips for a fun and easy quilting experience.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I use jelly roll strips for other sewing projects?
A: Yes! Jelly roll strips can be used for a variety of sewing projects, including table runners, tote bags, and more.
Q: How many jelly roll strips do I need for a quilt?
A: The number of jelly roll strips needed depends on the size of your quilt and the pattern you choose. Most patterns will provide a recommended number of strips.
Q: Do I need to prewash my jelly roll strips?
A: It’s a good idea to prewash your jelly roll strips to prevent any shrinkage or bleeding of colors. However, if you’re using a brand-new fabric collection, the strips may have already been prewashed by the manufacturer.