30 Free Jelly Roll Sewing Patterns – Including a Beautiful Tree Skirt!

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Do you ever wonder how some quilters make so many projects in so little time? They might be using pre-cut fabric strips in a jelly roll bundle! I love how some precut fabric bundles, like this one, are named after yummy food.

I always keep a few jelly roll bundles ready and waiting for the inspiration to strike. I don’t mind cutting my own fabric strips, but sometimes it’s nice to have that part done for me.

What is a Jelly Roll Bundle?

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

A jelly roll is a package of 2.5″ wide strips cut WoF (width of fabric) from cotton quilt fabric. Each bundle contains three total yards of fabric.

Most fabric companies, including Moda Fabrics, Riley Blake, Free Spirit, Robert Kaufman, and QT Fabrics, offer their fabric collections in jelly roll strip sets. It’s a great way to get a variety of colors and prints that you know will coordinate beautifully.

Solid jelly rolls, sold in many colors, are also becoming popular. They are great for matching the background of your quilt. Then, you can easily add 2” sashing or a quick 2” border to your quilt.

Jelly Roll Pro Tips:

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com
  • Be sure you use an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance. Here are some ideas if you have trouble keeping it straight.
  • Precut jelly roll strips are cut across the width of the fabric, so don’t confuse them with bias strips.
  • Although both are delicious, jelly rolls are not the same as honey buns (which are a narrower 1 1/2″). Precut strip sets are sometimes called by different names, such as rolie polies or bali pops (usually for batik fabrics).
  • Save time on your quilt binding by using a jelly roll!

How to Cut Your Own Strips

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

You can cut your own jelly roll strips using a cutting mat, a long acrylic ruler, and a rotary cutter.

For ease and speed, I love using my Accuquilt Go! fabric cutter with the 2 1/2” strip die. You can fold the fabric over to cut up to 6 layers at once. Accuquilt dies are available for all of the common precut strip dimensions, plus charm squares, layer cakes, and hexagons.

Is it worth it to you? Here’s the math: One yard of fabric will yield 14 WOF (width of fabric) strips, so a jelly roll contains three yards of fabric.

Let’s Get Started!

https://www.gathered.how/sewing-and-quilting/quilting/free-christmas-tree-skirt-pattern
Photo credit: Sally Stevens

Learn how to make a quilted Christmas tree skirt to treasure for years with this surprisingly easy-to-sew tree skirt pattern. Homemade tree skirts really are the ultimate DIY Christmas decoration.

Blueberry Pie Strip Quilt

https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/blueberry-pie-free-log-cabin-quilt-pattern
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Sew up this Beautiful Blueberry Pie Quilt quicker than you think! I combined the traditional log cabin piecing technique with a modern design.

Pro Tip: Notice how I used a whole bunch of low-volume cream fabrics and then tone-on-tone blue fabrics for the ‘pie’ shapes? Read all my tips for using low-volume fabrics in this blog post.

Quilt as You Go (QAYG) Strip Quilt

jelly roll
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

QAYG quilts are easy to size up or down. It’s not the same as strip piecing a normal quilt top. If you have never done it, consider trying it out! This free strip quilt pattern includes a video tutorial to show you how to make your quilt reversable!

Quilt as you Go (QAYG) Tote

https://sewcanshe.com/2016-10-1-quilt-as-you-go-qayg-tote-with-pom-poms-easy-sewing-tutorial/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

This QAYG free tote pattern has some personal touches that I love. I used a panel along with my strips for this bag. I’m sure you’ll come up with a cute fabric combo. I would love to see what you come up with! Tag me on Instagram @SewCanShe.

Grandma’s Lattice Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/grandmas-lattice-quilt-free-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

The free Grandma’s Lattice Quilt pattern uses strip piecing. The technique is so much faster than cutting 2 1/2โ€ squares and sewing them all together (which is fun, too โ€“ I did that for this scrappy patchwork quilt). This print is True Kisses fabric from Heather Bailey.

Jelly Roll Jam Baby Quilt

https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/easy-baby-jelly-roll-quit-pattern/ 36x36 baby small lap
Photo credit: Amy Smart / Diary of a Quilter

If you are just starting to sew or need a quick project, try the Jelly Roll Jam baby quilt. Amy has some great tips in this tutorial.

Candy Corn Therapy Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/2018-10-20-the-candy-corn-therapy-quilt-free-quilt-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

My Candy Corn Therapy free quilt tutorial includes instructions for using a jelly roll at the end. You can use other width of strips, just keep in mind that it will affect the finished size and other elements of the design will need to adjusted if they aren’t strips too.

Jelly Roll Jam 2 Baby Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/2014-8-28-friday-spotlight-karins-jelly-roll-baby-quiltxs-2/
Photo credit: LeighLaurelStudios.com

If you loved the Jelly Roll Jam quilt, you’ll love Jelly Roll Jam 2! It’s quick and great for beginners. Here’s my post so you can sew two quilt tops with one jelly roll.

The Pippi Quilt

https://www.duckadilly.com/pages/downloads
Photo credit: Duckadilly.com

Our friends at Duckadilly designed this gorgeous rainbow quilt using a jelly roll of Liberty fabrics. Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics are wider than regular quilting fabrics. If you’ve never tried them, they are also super soft and luxurious! Check the Duckadilly downloads page for the pattern.

Jelly Roll Apron

https://sewcanshe.com/sew-a-mile-a-minute-jelly-roll-apron-free-sewing-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Not a quilt, but the Mile-a-Minute Jelly Roll Apron has pockets! I love having full coverage and a good pocket when I’m working hard. This pattern is a treat for self love.

Nesting Trees Table Runner

https://www.centerstreetquilts.com/christmas-tree-table-runner-tutorial/
Photo Credit: CenterStreetQuilts.com

This pictures shows a beautiful Christmas color runner, but pine trees are glorious in all varieties! Check out this free pattern by Center Street Quilts and put those jelly rolls to good use.

The Nine Patch Block Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/2015-4-19-tied-summer-blanket-easy-tutorial/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

This cute summer nine patch block quilt turned out so cute; I love the little animal faces! Jelly rolls make great nine blocks. Arrange them however you want, and then sew them together with contrasting strips.

Ma Maison Quilt

https://my.modafabrics.com/2015/12/ma-maison-quilt.html
Photo credit: Cheryl Brickey for Moda Bake Shop Blog

Check out this pattern that Cheryl Brickey designed for Moda. Can you imagine the possibilities? It measures 48” x 56” and only requires one jelly roll, and 3/4 yard of background fabric. See the Ma Maison Quilt Pattern.

Jelly Roll Strip Quilt

https://seekatesew.com/jelly-roll-strip-quilt-pattern/
Photo credit: See Kate Sew

This strip quilt pattern comes together quickly; you can make a lap-sized quilt in just a day. I am a fan of the time-saving element of the jelly roll.

Jelly Roll Relish Quilt

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/shortcut-quilt-jelly-roll-relish/
Photo credit: fatquartershop.com

The Jelly Roll Relish is, of course, a free pattern. The colors make the title very appropriate, and you will love sewing this quilt top together!

Dresden Plate Table Runner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79GdwMjjNPo&t=0s
Photo credit: Sherri McConnell / A Quilting Life

Sherri McConnell has a video tutorial in two parts for this quilt block. Grab your jelly roll and make a gorgeous runner or place mats!

Rails and Ribbons Quilt

https://thesewingloftblog.com/free-quilt-pattern-rails-ribbons/
Photo credit: The Sewing Loft

This Rails and Ribbons quilt pattern comes from The Sewing Loft. If you are looking for a worthy cause, this throw size quilt pattern meets all the requirements of the Quilts of Valor program for veterans.

Denim and Chambray Table Runner

https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/sewing-with-neutrals-denims-linens-and-chambrays/
Photo credit: Amy Smart / Diary of a Quilter

This table runner is made with beautiful neutrals and denim, but you can use the same pattern with a jelly roll. Check out the tutorial and make what you love. Amy shows a great way to make sure that your runner will finish at the size you want it.

Jelly Roll Railway Quilt

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/new-shortcut-quilt-jelly-roll-railway/
Photo credit: fatquartershop.com

The Railroad Crossing quilt block is a classic pattern that most quilters will easily recognize. Try it with jelly roll strips and make this darling railway quilt!

Quilted Floor Pillow

https://iseestarsquilting.com/diy-floor-pilloq/
Photo Credit: iseestarsquilting.com

Sew this comfy floor pillow for your reading nook or your fur baby!

Scrappy Triangles Free Quilt

Photo credit: Melissa Mortenson / Polka Dot Chair

Melissa’s free Scrappy Triangles Quilt Pattern is a lap-quilt. You only need those three yards of jelly roll!

Jelly Roll Twirl Quilt

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/shortcut-quilt-jelly-roll-twirl/
Photo credit: fatquartershop.com

This fun quilt is called Jelly Roll Twirl. I love the playful use of color and interesting layout of strips.

Kisses Quilt Pattern

https://sewcanshe.com/kisses-quilt-pattern-sew-a-scrappy-strip-quilt/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Here is a fast and easy Kisses Quilt Pattern. I used a beautiful Kaffe Fasset jelly roll to sew a scrappy version of this modern geometric quilt.

Patchwork Quilt with Strip Piecing Technique

https://sewcanshe.com/sew-patchwork-blocks-strip-piecing-video/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

How about creating your own? I’ll show you how to make Patchwork Quilt Blocks using my crazy fast technique for strip piecing. It’s the quickest free tutorial ever! Here’s my how-to video.

Jelly Roll Slice Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/sew-patchwork-blocks-strip-piecing-video/
Photo credit: fatquartershop.com

Here’s another favorite called Jelly Roll Slice. It’s amazing to me how playing with color changes the quilt, even when using the same pattern.

Sunny Trips Quilt

Photo credit: Karin Vail for Moda Bake Shop Blog

This gorgeous design by Karin Vail finishes at a whopping 90” x 90”. You will use three print jelly rolls and one solid jelly roll. Check out the Sunny Trips pattern.

Jelly Glazed Hearts

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/free-jelly-roll-friendly-tablerunner-pattern/
Photo credit: fatquartershop.com

If you just want to try some blocks, why not make this Jelly Glazed Hearts table runner! You can use your favorite scraps in any combination for a sweet heart block. You can more blocks to turn it into a quilt, too.

Woven Hearts Quilt

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Here’s another heart pattern called Woven Hearts quilt. The whole quilt isn’t made of jelly roll, but it uses plenty of strips. It’s a beautiful design that finishes at 57″ by 74″.

Cross Body Zipper Tote

https://sewcanshe.com/2017-7-22-sew-up-a-cross-body-zipper-tote-free-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Scrap strips? This cute zipper tote pattern is perfect for beginners too!

Journaling Bookmarks

https://sewcanshe.com/2017-5-19-journaling-bookmark-and-pencil-holder-free-sewing-tutorial/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Whew! After all that sewing do you have some jelly roll scraps? Check out these DIY Bookmarks! Sew a bunch for a class gift at school or church, and add personalized touches with machine embroidery if you have it.

Strip Fabric Table Runner

https://www.polkadotchair.com/scrappy-halloween-table-runner/
Photo credit: Melissa Mortenson / Polka Dot Chair

You can use a jelly roll for most strip projects. Just keep in mind that the finished dimensions will be different if the pattern doesn’t call for 2 1/2″ strips. Here’s a pattern for a Halloween print table runner, but as always, you use the prints that you love!

Jelly Roll Rug

https://createwhimsy.com/projects/how-to-make-a-jelly-roll-rug/
Photo credit: CreateWhimsy.com

I love how many fabric prints come in a jelly roll bundle. I get giddy when I see them perfectly coordinated and ready to be made into something fabulous. This jelly roll rug takes time, but you will love the outcome!

Other Pre-Cut Fabrics You Will Love

If you love pre-cut jelly rolls, check out all these other fabric sizes!

  • Fat Quarters (18” x 20” rectangles)
  • Charm Square Packs (5” squares)
  • Mini Charm Packs (2 1/2” squares)
  • Honey Buns (1 1/2” strips)

More from SewCanShe:

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

50 Free Table Runner Patterns You Need to Start Sewing Now!

Photo credit: Amy Smart / Diary of a Quilter

50 DIY Sewing Patterns to Manage the Mess

https://sewcanshe.com/the-amazing-a-frame-organizer-free-sewing-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

The Ultimate Bag Pattern Collection โ€“ 60 Free Patterns You Have to Sew!

https://sewcanshe.com/2016-3-22-convertible-cross-body-tote/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. ๐Ÿ™‚