Jelly Roll Race Question

[leigh7911]

Hey folks. I've been completely fascinated by the jelly roll race quilt ever since I first saw it. I recently got some fat quarter packs from thousands of bolts (a site I and my wallet would never have heard about without you people ), and want to cut mini jelly roll strips from the FQs to make this top with. I haven't decided if I'd cut the strips from the 18" or 22" length. Here's what I'm wondering: Do I still need to cut off some of the strip to start? My brain tells me no, as long as the final width of the quilt isn't a multiple of the length of the individual strips. But my brain can't always be listened to, so here I am. Any thoughts, quilt geniuses?

[Musical_Starling]

I would cut your strips so they are 22" long, then two are basically the equivalent of one regular sized strip (44", minus seam allowances). Plus 7 2.5" strips would be 17.5", so you only have a half inch of waste

I'm still swirling the ideas for a JRR quilt in the back of my mind, and I hate cutting off that 6" or whatever it is in the beginning, because that seems like such a waste. My thought is that I could probably re-attach that 6" at the opposite end, but maybe that's not a good idea for some reason my brain hasn't realized yet.

[Meli]

Leigh, here's what I know: You need 1600 inches of jelly roll strips. My understanding is that the cutting off of 18" ensures that your seams are staggered. If it were me, I'd sew all the strips together to get the needed 1600 inches, then fold it in half and see where the seams lie. If they look staggered, go for it. If not, cut a chunk off one end. Can't wait to see your quilt!

[Mchelem]

Leigh, here's what I know: You need 1600 inches of jelly roll strips. My understanding is that the cutting off of 18" ensures that your seams are staggered. If it were me, I'd sew all the strips together to get the needed 1600 inches, then fold it in half and see where the seams lie. If they look staggered, go for it. If not, cut a chunk off one end. Can't wait to see your quilt!

That's the impression I got as well. If you don't cut off the 18", your seams will line up and not be staggered. Of course you can always sew it to the other end and use it.

I personally would cut them from the 22" side. It's going to make for less strips you have to sew together in the long run.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

That's the impression I got as well. If you don't cut off the 18", your seams will line up and not be staggered. Of course you can always sew it to the other end and use it.

I personally would cut them from the 22" side. It's going to make for less strips you have to sew together in the long run.

Yes, cut from the long side, that is the selvege to selvege direction. I would cut off some to make sure the seams are staggered. I would just use that piece as part of your binding, because many times I use a variety of jelly roll strips for my binding

[buckeyequilter]

Like they have said the 18" is to ensure that your seams are staggered. This is the first one I made and I just used scraps and sewed them together with a straight seam. I still don't have this one quilted...might do that one of these days for a snuggle quilt. I just sewed fabric together until I had the 1600".

[Bubby]

I think you should cut your strips the length of your fat quarters (the 22" side). JRR quilts made with shorter strips are extra cute because your fabric changes more often. Yes, you should cut off about half of your first strip so your strips are staggered. Be sure to post a picture...this should be a really nice quilt!!

[leigh7911]

Ok, cool, thanks everyone!

I actually have 24 fat quarters. They're *gorgeous*. I'm thinking of just using 3 or so strips from each, so I still have some fabric left over for whatever next strikes my fancy. With seam allowances it might be a little less than 1600", but I figure it'll just make my quilt a smidge narrower. I will cut from the long side as recommended. Especially since this:

I personally would cut them from the 22" side. It's going to make for less strips you have to sew together in the long run.

was pointed out. That's my kind of thinking.

I'll be sure to cut some off at the beginning. And I'll post a pic, although sadly this is a bit down on my quilt to-do list. Buckeye, I like how yours turned out! Mine will be with straight joins too.

[lilmouse]

If you want to change the look a little bit you can add a 2 1/2 in square on the end of each double strip......ie....on a normal jelly roll strip it would be at the end of each one...as you are using fat quarters, I would add one at the end of every other strip...I use gold on one of mine and white on another....makes the quilt a little wider and adds another dimension to it!