Stone Barn Quilting specializes in precut quilt fabric from some of the major designers and manufacturers in the industry. Often, I am asked to explain what a particular precut is; so, let us start with the basic jelly roll or depending on the manufacturer, a roll up.
The name jelly roll was trademarked by Moda Fabrics, but most manufacturers package their fabrics in the same way. You may just hear them called by a different name. Robert Kaufman uses the term Roll Up and Riley Blake uses the term Rolie Polie. Many times, the quilting term jelly roll is used synonymously.
But back to the basics. A jelly roll is a precut fabric strip that usually measures 2.5 inches by width of the fabric (usually around 42 – 44 inches and sometimes abbreviated as WOF). Most, but not all jelly rolls contain 42 strips and many times there are duplicates of some of the prints. The jelly rolls are usually sold in bundles that contain every print in the collection. This is a popular choice for quilters who want to create a coordinated look for their quilt projects but picking out fabrics that “go together” is not their specialty.
So, let's review ... why a jelly roll?
- fabric already cut.
- jelly rolls are precut quilt strips.
- quilting time saver.
- coordinating fabric.
- quilt projects are easier with a jelly roll.
- by using a jelly roll your quilt will get done faster.
- your time is valuable.
- less cutting... you're ready to sew.
- perfectly packaged.
I am here to tell you, if you haven't tried a jelly roll yet you are missing out. Find a jelly roll friendly quilt pattern and you will be SEW happy.