Jelly rolls are the perfect shortcut to a beautiful quilt, and they make it easy to start stitching right away. Each roll includes a coordinated set of 2.5" precut fabric strips that pair colors and prints for you, so you can skip the measuring and cutting and jump straight into piecing. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend quilt, a gift for someone special, or a fun project to refresh your fabric stash, jelly rolls are a versatile choice for everything from strip quilts and log cabins to runners, bags, and décor.
Collection: Jelly Rolls (2.5" Fabric Strips)
Jelly Roll Quilt Strips (2.5" Precut Fabric Rolls)
If you’ve spent any time in the quilting aisle, you’ve probably heard quilters talk about jelly rolls. (You’ll also see “jellyroll” written as one word sometimes, but in quilting, jelly roll is the classic spelling.) Either way, they’re not dessert. They are one of the easiest, fastest ways to start a quilt with fabric that already looks like it was meant to be together.
What is a Jelly Roll?
A jelly roll is a bundle of 2.5" wide fabric strips, usually a coordinated mix of prints and colors from the same fabric collection. Most jelly rolls include 40 to 42 strips, and each strip is typically cut selvage to selvage (about 44" long, depending on the fabric). When you add it up, you’re getting roughly 2.75 yards of fabric in one tidy roll.
Because the strips are pre-cut to a consistent width, jelly rolls are a favorite for both brand-new quilters and seasoned stitchers who want to jump right into piecing.
Why Quilters Love Jelly Rolls
Cutting is often the slowest part of quilting. Measuring, squaring up, cutting perfectly even strips, and keeping everything aligned all take time. Jelly rolls take that prep work off your plate, so you can spend more time doing the fun parts: mixing layouts, sewing seams, and watching your quilt come to life.
They’re also incredibly flexible:
- Beginners love them because the sizing is consistent and the colors are already coordinated.
- Experienced quilters love them for quick projects, last-minute gifts, and speedy finishes.
- Solid jelly rolls are especially handy for sashing, borders, and binding, or balancing out a busy print mix.
Sure, you can cut your own 2.5" strips from yardage, but if you’ve ever done it for an entire quilt, you already know why precuts feel like saving your sanity.
Styles, Colors, and Themes for Every Project
Jelly rolls aren’t just convenient. They are inspiring. Choose from soft florals, bold modern prints, batiks, seasonal palettes, and more. Since the strips usually come from one fabric line, you get a cohesive look without having to play fabric matchmaker.
Whether you’re planning a cozy winter quilt, a bright baby quilt, or a modern throw for the couch, jelly rolls make it easy to pick a vibe and get stitching.
What Can You Make With Jelly Rolls?
Jelly rolls are perfect for classic strip-friendly patterns like:
- Log Cabin
- Rail Fence
- Strip quilts
- Stair-step and bargello-style layouts
- Table runners and placemats
And they’re not limited to quilts. Those 2.5" strips work great for tote bags, zipper pouches, rugs, scarves, and home décor, any project where coordinated strips make life easier.
How Many Jelly Rolls Do You Need?
It depends on the pattern and the quilt size, but in general:
- 1 jelly roll can be enough for many lap or twin-size quilts
- 2 jelly rolls often work well for a larger throw or queen-size quilt (pattern dependent)
If you already have a pattern picked out, it’s always smart to check the designer’s recommended strip count.
Shop Jelly Rolls at Sewing Parts Online
At Sewing Parts Online, we love anything that helps you get to sewing sooner. Our jelly roll selection makes it easy to shop by color, style, theme, designer, or collection, so you can find a roll that fits your project and your personality.
Ready to stitch something fun without all the cutting? Browse our 2.5" jelly roll quilt strips and get on a roll.

