Jelly Roll Rug

For the last Island Batik Challenge of 2024, “It’s all up to you”! I love the challenges where I pick what I want to make. Sometimes that makes it harder, as I have to pick a project and the fabric. I reviewed what was left from my 3 years as an Island Batik Ambassador. I noticed two Fusible Batting Strips packages from Hobbs Batting. I decided to figure out something that would use these.

After looking around the web to find some suggestions for using these, I decided to create a “Jelly Roll Rug”. This would use both of these packages, as well as a package of 2 1/2″ strips of fabric. I chose strips from a package called “Contempo”. They were designed by Kathy Engle for Kate Colleran Designs LLC. This was released in the Fall/Winter 2021 collections. I love the bright colors of this collection.

This was the first time I had made a Jelly Roll Rug. After searching around the web for different videos, I was finally ready to get started. I took a few suggestions from different videos and joined a Facebook group for suggestions.

I decided to keep the Colors the same as they were in the package. However, I sorted to put both strips of the same fabric together.

Sewing the strips together can be done at an angle. This method was suggested to reduce the bulk in the seams. (Like when sewing binding together.) I used my binding ruler to create the angles.

You have to make sure that the ends match together correctly. I opened the strips and cut the right side first. Then, I cut the left side of the strip in the opposite direction. Then sewing all 40 strips together, pressing the seams.

The nice thing about the Hobbs Fusible Batting Strips is that they are 2 1/4″. They are a little smaller than the fabric. You can iron them in place. The sticky part of the batting is water soluble, so make sure to not use steam when pressing. I pressed to the backside of the fabric strip. You do need to use both packages of batting.

After I pressed the batting on, I rolled up the strips. You can see the color layout. I used the Oliso Iron to press the seams and batting. I love using this iron, it makes the process so easy. The cord is long, so I didn’t have any issues with needing more space.

Then I folded the fabric in half and folded the sides towards the center.

Then fold in half. I Used clips to hold in place.

I clipped the full strip, before taking to my sewing machine to sew. If you don’t want to clip the strip, you can fold and sew at the same time.

Next, you sew the strips together. Sewing down the center. I think next time; I am going to use a more decorative stitch down the center. I used the Aurifil Gray 2600 Thread for stitching down the center. I made 4 bobbins of the Aurifil thread, as I knew I was going to need it. (And it was suggested to make extras)

I used Schmetz Needles to sew through all these layers. You can check out their website to help you pick the needles you need for specific projects. I used Schmetz Quilting Needles.

Now the fun time. Starting the rug. This took a little more planning on my part. I wanted the center to lay flat, and as I was laying it out to sew, it kept rolling. Someone suggested flipping the fabric at the ends. This helps as you start around the first couple “corners”. It will lay flatter.

At the ends (curved sides), I had to work to make sure the ends didn’t curl up. This part took a little time. It started going pretty quick. Here is the first four strips done.

I decided to use some variegated Aurifil thread I purchased last year for the top thread. It is a gray variegated thread #4670. The bobbin has the 2600 gray.

The area behind my sewing machine and the wall, is small. The rug caught as it got bigger. I used one of my larger 14×14 rulers to give it a “ramp” to slide up.

I understand why people say once, you make one, you are hooked. I am already thinking of different ways to make more.

Here is my finished Jelly Roll Rug, using Island Batik Contempo, and Hobbs Batting. It finished at 31″ x 41″.

While I was trying to take pictures, some of my dogs wanted to use the new Rug. And get in the picture. 🙂

I had so much fun, I am planning my next Jelly Roll Rug. If I had more batting strips, I would already have started another.

The fabric and batting were given to me free from Island Batik and its partners. These include Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, Oliso Iron, and Schmetz Needles. This is part of my role as a 2024 Island Batik Ambassador.

This has been a great third-year! Thank you, Island Batik, Hobbs Batting, Aurifil Thread, Oliso Iron, and Schmetz Needles.

If you love my Jelly Roll Rug, be sure to check out the incredible projects that the other Island Batik Ambassadors are creating for December 2024! 🎨✨ There’s so much creative inspiration to discover from this talented group of quilters. Don’t miss out on all the beautiful work being shared!

Brenda Alburl ~ Songbird Designs
Renee Atkinson ~ Pink Tulip Quilting
Megan Best ~ BestQuilter
Pamela Boatright ~ PamelaQuilts
Susan Deshensky ~ Lady Blue Quilts Studio

Brittany Fisher ~ Bobbin with Brittany
Preeti Harris ~ Sew Preeti Quilts
Mania Hatziioannidi ~ Mania for quilts
Jane Hauprich ~ Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting
Kim Jamieson-Hirst ~ Chatterbox Quilts

Victoria Johnson ~ Forever Quilting for You
Connie Kauffman ~ Kauffman Designs
Connie Kresin Campbell ~ Freemotion by the River
Emily Leachman ~ The Darling Dogwood
Denise Looney ~ A Quiltery

Leah Malasky ~ Quilted Delights
Maryellen McAuliffe ~ Mary Mack Made Mine
Lisa Pickering ~ Lisa’s Quilting Passion
Sarah Pitcher ~ Pitcher’s Boutique
Lana Russel ~ Lana Quilts

Julia Schweri ~ Inflorescence Designs
Gail Sheppard ~ Quilting Gail
Carol Stanek ~ Stitch with Color
Sandra Starley ~ Textile Time Travels
Jennifer Thomas ~ Curlicue Creations
Suzy Webster ~ Websterquilt

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