For me, quilting is not just a particular activity; it is a form of therapy contained in fabric sealed together with a quarter assemblage. One of the methods that I enjoy the most is strip piecing—it aids in simplifying tasks and allows me to come up with amazing designs with little effort. Specifically, when it comes to strip piecing, jelly rolls are my favorite means. Let’s start quilting!
1. Why I Think Jelly Rolls Are Perfect for Strip Piecing
Now imagine a set of fabric strips rolled together and tied with a ribbon as one would tie a pastry roll, it looks so tempting that one gets the urge to just unwrap it, that is what we call a jelly roll. A jelly roll is a well-prepared set that includes strips that are 2.5 inches wide, spanning a length of 44 inches. For quilters like me, whose niche includes cutting out measuring processes, these strips are quite useful and spare us a lot of time.
When I saw jelly rolls for the first time it was such a delight akin to a Christmas morning sensation. Who in their right mind would want to waste hours preparing for something rather than diving right into the activity at hand?
With jelly rolls instead of having to make them myself or beginning with them from scratch, the strips are made available in color-coordinated and uniform slices meaning, I can put that aside and focus on the creative process rather than the rotary cutter (and prevent my fingers from getting cut again).
2. The Moda Fabric Jelly Roll: Why I Consider It a Must-Have for Every Quilter
Looking for beautiful fabrics and prints for your quilt? Look no further because the Moda Fabrics has all of that and more. Their hanks are a combination of beautiful designs, ranging from florals to modern pieces, all artistically put together.
I have fond memories with my grandmother in her garden, daydreaming about a quilt I would one day love to create, the floral collection with Moda does exactly that for me. Maywood Studio also offers elegant quilt patterns featuring unique designs from various designers, adding a touch of sophistication to your projects.
In case you have other fabric lines, there is no need to worry, the Moda jelly packs are compatible with other fabric lines, therefore making the process easier. And believe me, combining their designs with strip piecing creates stunning pieces. Ruby Star Society provides vibrant quilt patterns like the Bullseye Quilt Pattern, perfect for quilters interested in dynamic and intricate projects.
3. The Tools I Can’t Live Without for Strip Piecing
Before I started with strip piecing, I had to take time to assemble the necessary tools for the task. I was aware of how damaging it would be to not have the right tools for the job. Assembly was now easy and faster, and more importantly, I knew my quilt would be well made. So, here’s what I made sure to have on hand:
Sewing Machine: It is quite obvious that I needed aid in sewing and that the right machine mattered a lot. In my case, a ¼-inch foot was helpful with getting proper seam allowances.
Rotary Cutter and Mat: I found cutting my fabric strips to be exactly and quickly done with the use of these. It cut the time I used with scissors!
Ruler: Quilting geometrical figures was now easy with the right quilting ruler, as a ruler effectively helped extend my straight lines over the figure.
Iron and Ironing Board: After each quilting bee, I pressed my seams as they were key in fabricating a flat, almost flawless, professional-looking quilt and I didn’t want to miss that chance!
Sewing Needles and Thread: Given my desired outcome, I know that the quality and durability I expect can only be achieved with 100% cotton thread.
Jelly Rolls: Oh these were the winners of the game! These pre-cut strips gave me a nice, tidier finish on my quilt, and best of all they were time savers.
Having these tools in my possession, I was quite confident and ready to jump straight into the deep end and start building an eye catching quilt. It really was a fun process since the right equipment was also able to help me obtain that nice, glossy professional look.
4. Choosing the Right Fabric for My Trip Around the World Quilt
Choosing fabric for my ‘trip around the world’ quilt was one of the highlights of the whole process for me. It is understandable though why many feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. After much trial and error, however, I have thickened my skin and picked up some rules that tend to work well for me and my projects:
Consider the Theme: For me, the perspective of creating a ‘world quilt’ extended beyond using various colors and patterns. It was like creating a fusion of cultures, so I picked fabric representative of various countries. It made the quilt so much more personal and also a great representation of the globe.
Color Palette: One of the greatest lessons I picked up throughout the process is that it is important to have a nice color palette. In the beginning, I picked a variety of bright and muted tones that would go hand in hand with each other. No matter the amount of prints and fabrics I added, it made the quilt look symmetrical.
Variety of Textures: To be honest, at the beginning of my quest with my quilt, I really had a clear set goal of cutting myself off to using one type of fabric. However, later on, I started to feel braver and added more textures like cotton, wool, and a touch of silk. The outcome? A quilt that is not only easy on the eyes but appealing in the sense of touch.
As for the fabric brands, I have had a good experience with the likes of Moda Fabrics, Free Spirit Fabrics, and Anthology Fabrics. Their material simply has such a variety of textures and designs that it easily makes it possible to find the best suitable pieces with the rest of my world quilt. It didn’t matter if I needed something loud and busy or calm and complimentary, these brands simply did it all to realize my ideas.
5. How I Got Started with Strip Piecing: The Basics
So, the first time I did strip piecing I remember thinking, ‘How difficult can it be to sew straight lines?’ Let me tell you, the first few strips were a lot wavier than the sea. But once I got the idea, I got addicted.
Essential Tips and Terminology
Strip: They are pieces of fabric that are long and skinny.
Jelly Roll: Those lovely strips that I go on and on about which are expertly cut into pieces.
Chain Piecing: This phrase refers to sewing pieces together to make a chain – multiple pieces in a single chain. I call it my ‘factory setting’.
Subcutting: The procedure of sewing strips together and then chopping them into chunks and assembling quilt blocks.
Trimming and Alignment: Where There Is No Room For Error
My mantra here is, “Measure twice, cut once.” A rotary cutter and a quilting ruler come in handy in maintaining the evenness of the strips. Since accuracy is of utmost importance, I ensure that I press all my fabrics first because creases can be quite devastating during the sewing process.
Consistency with Seam Allowances: Irrefutable Rule of Mine
Make sure you purchase a ¼ inch foot for the sewing machine as I believe that it is one of the best inventions ever made. I also make use of chain piecing as much as I can – it is quicker, more uniform, and quite satisfying. Just make sure you battle all temptations to forget about your seams. It is best to solve problems as soon as they arise rather than when you finish making the quilt.
6. Designing My Trip Around the World Quilt with Free Spirit Fabrics
Free Spirit Fabrics has become my number one source for creating beautiful world quilts. Their fabrics are diverse enough to spark some of the most creative designs. Here’s what I have mastered to take full advantage of their collection while working on my quilts:
Start with a Center Square: I always start by picking a fabric I like so much and I have a center square in my quilt. This fabric becomes the main focus and everything else is chosen relative to it. It is like putting together a personality for the quilt out of that single product.
Add Strip Sets: For strip piecing my joints, I convert jelly rolls or precut strips. From the fabric surrounding the center, I place borders and build up the pattern from there. I like this technique as it looks great and is effective as well.
Experiment with Layouts: For me, this is the most thrilling part. I spread out my strips and blocks in different arrangements and finally came to a design that I was satisfied with. At times, it takes a while, but the imaginative space is indeed worth it.
When working with Free Spirit Fabrics I always get the feeling that the sky is the limit. Whether it is a “trip around the world” quilt or a warm table topper, their fabrics translate my concepts into reality. It has become one of the delights to include their collection whenever designing a quilt.
7. My “Around-the-World” Quilt Adventure
Making an Around-the-world quilt is the same as doing a really nice puzzle and it is exquisite to look at the result of it. I spent the entirety of the weekend trying to organize my jelly rolls according to how I wanted the colors to appear.
Wilmington Prints offers vibrant designs that can greatly enhance the beauty of an Around-the-World quilt, providing clear instructions and creative inspiration for quilters.
There’s a trick here: plan your order of sewing before you start doing it. I came to understand this over time when one day I made a lopsided rainbow and needed to disassemble a whole row (Note: always double-check your layout!).
8. My Go-To Troubleshooting and Time-Saving Tips
With every strip piecing session, it is guaranteed that a problem will arise here and there. In regards to this, there are a couple of tips I have learned:
Uneven Strips: Cut them with caution and check the measurements for accuracy.
Wavy Strips: Allow the machine to move the fabric, don’t pull or push it.
Mismatched Seams: Measure, sew then measure again. Consistency is key.
For quilt lovers, please do not miss the opportunity to press your seams. This defines whether your quilt will lie flat or forever try to fly.
9. The Final Steps and Exhibition Journey I Follow
So we have finally reached the part where we have to put the finishing touches. I like doing straight-line quilting on projects that have been strip-pieced because the straight lines make the strips look crisp. I like to have added contrast or make everything match when appropriate and this is what binding is for so choose carefully!
My Quilting Journey: From First Cut to Final Stitch
Quilting has never been limited to simply blending pieces of fabric together but rather has been an adventure and from the first cut out till the last stitch every segment is a piece of an engrossing story. Quilt-making with jelly rolls is so much easier, enjoyable, and also very much rewarding. Let’s be honest if you are even somewhat similar to me all you do is look for chances to start just one more project.
Let’s grab our jelly rolls, choose the sewing machine we have all been thinking of, and create something worthwhile that will appeal to us. By the end of the day, we only have a limited time on this planet, so let’s not waste it on repetitive and boring stories about quilt making and dull quilts.
