Come on, admit it, we have all been in our favorite quilt shop or seen a jelly roll that we just couldn’t resist. I have a stack of them in my studio. Jelly Roll is a term attributed to Moda Fabrics, but these days it’s become the common description of a pack of 2 1/2″ strips. Usually the pack contains 40 strips that measure 2 1/2″ x width of fabric (normally 42″). Often they are highlighting a fabric company’s particular line. That is what makes them so handy. They come precut and pre-matched. They are so popular that there is even a day named after them….National Sew A Jelly Roll Day. I’ve assembled nine ideas for jelly rolls or 2 1/2″ strips.

Disclosure: Some items used in this post were provided to me. In addition, this post includes some affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. These funds help me continue to keep this blog running and keep the content free.

1 – Easy Quilt Patterns

There are so many great patterns available for strip packs. My City Lights pattern is a great example. It’s all about strips and comes together so easily. You can pick up a copy (either digital or paper) in my Etsy shop.

If something like this doesn’t catch your eye, just google jelly roll quilt patterns and hundreds of options come up. Happy Shopping!

2 – Binding

Don’t forget about binding! 2 1/2″ strips are perfect for finishing off your quilt. I make my binding with 2 1/2″ strips and often use up any remaining strips in a pack to finish off my pieces.

3 – Runners (Table & Bed)

I love doing table runners and bed runners with strips. They come together so quickly and look great. Here are a few projects that I have done. Click on the photo to go to the tutorial.

4 – Bags/Rugs

I’ve never made a jelly roll rug, but I have made a bag using the same technique. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube or the internet to show you how. My bag was a pattern that I got many many years ago. I love this bag, even though it’s pretty old. It’s made from batik strips.

5 – Backings

Don’t forget about the back of your quilt. Strips make an really interesting and dynamic back.

6 – Half Square Triangles

Yes, you can make half square triangles out of jelly roll strips. Just piece two together and sew along both long sides using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Cut them out using your ruler and then trim to 2 1/2″ square. Warning…because you are cutting on an angle, they are a bit stretchier than using other methods so use care when pressing and sewing.

7 – Hexagons

I have always wanted to do a hexagon quilt and when I became a Missouri Star Quilt Company partner one of the things I got was this Small Half Hexagon Template for 5″ Charm Packs & 2.5″ Jelly Rolls. They also gave me this gorgeous strip set from Island Batik. These two make a perfect pair and I am well on my way to my first hexagon quilt.

8 – Mini Triangles

Another awesome template I got as an MSQC partner was this EZ Quilting Jelly Roll Ruler – Mini Tri and a beautiful jelly roll from Maywood Studios called ShadowPlay – Mineral. I admit that there was a lot of fussy cutting involved but I am absolutely in love with the result.

9 – Paper Piecing

I have become more and more interested in paper piecing and I wanted to design something using 2 1/2″ strips. My new pattern, Jeweled Triangles, is a good start. It is easy to put together and makes a great scrappy quilt. It is available in my Etsy shop.

If it doesn’t appeal to you, google paper pieced jelly roll patterns and you are sure to find something that you will love.

9 Ideas for Jelly Rolls or 2 1/2″ Strips

There you have it, my 9 ideas for jelly rolls, strips sets or whatever other name they come in. The sky is the limit when it comes to things you can make with these convenient precuts. What are you going to make with your next jelly roll?

Happy Quilting! – Claudia