Looking for free jelly roll quilt patterns? A jelly roll is a bundle of 40 precut 2.5 inch strips cut across the width of the fabric, and it is one of the quickest ways to piece a quilt. Below you'll find the best places to download free jelly roll patterns, an easy first project, and how many strips you'll need. Shop jelly rolls and 2.5 inch strips online or visit our Richmond, TX store. Free US shipping on orders $100+.
Where to Find Free Jelly Roll Quilt Patterns
Fabric companies publish free patterns written for their own precuts, and they are a great place to start:
An Easy First Project: the Jelly Roll Race
If you are new to jelly rolls, start with a jelly roll race quilt. You sew all 40 strips together end to end into one long strip, then fold it in half and sew the long edges together, and keep folding and sewing until the top is the size you want. One jelly roll makes a lap size top of roughly 50 x 64 inches with no complicated cutting.
How Many Jelly Rolls Do I Need?
Most patterns use one jelly roll for a baby or lap quilt top, and two or three for a twin or queen, plus yardage for borders and binding. Always check the pattern's fabric list first. Our Fabric Yardage Calculator can help you plan border and backing yardage, and our 108 inch wide backing lets you finish the back in one piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a jelly roll strip?
Each strip is 2.5 inches wide and about 42 to 44 inches long, the full width of the fabric.
Can I use other brands' strip rolls with these patterns?
Yes. Roll Ups, Rolie Polies, Strip Packs and other 2.5 inch strip bundles all work with jelly roll patterns. Just check the strip count, since some smaller rolls have 20 strips instead of 40.
Do I need to prewash a jelly roll?
Most quilters don't prewash precuts, because washing can fray and shrink the strips. If you are worried about dark colors bleeding, use a color catcher sheet in the first wash of the finished quilt.
Ready to start your jelly roll quilt? Pick a jelly roll you love, and reach $100 to get free shipping. New customers get 10% off their first order by joining our email list below. Looking for more ideas? See our free charm pack, layer cake and fat quarter pattern guides.
