Get Ready for National Jelly Roll Day — September 19th!

Get Ready for National Jelly Roll Day — September 19th!

There is something exciting about opening a brand-new Jelly Roll. Those perfectly coordinated 2½-inch fabric strips are full of possibilities, and National Jelly Roll Day is the perfect excuse to dive into a new quilting project.

Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just getting started, National Jelly Roll Day is all about celebrating creativity, fabric, and the joy of making something beautiful.

What Is National Jelly Roll Day?

National Jelly Roll Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September. It was created by Moda Fabrics to inspire quilters to pull out their favourite Jelly Rolls and start stitching. Across the quilting community, sewists gather online and in person to share projects, exchange ideas, and enjoy a day dedicated to one of quilting's most popular precuts.

Time to Shop Your Stash

Before heading to the quilt shop, take a look through your fabric stash. You may already have a Jelly Roll waiting for the perfect project. Rediscover those collections you've been saving and challenge yourself to finally cut into that "too pretty to use" bundle.

Pair your Jelly Roll with:

  • A coordinating background fabric
  • A favourite border print
  • Extra yardage for binding and backing
  • A cozy batting for the finished quilt

Choose a Project Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to enjoy National Jelly Roll Day is to have a project selected before the sewing begins. Consider:

Beginner-Friendly Projects

  • Rail Fence Quilt
  • Jelly Roll Race Quilt
  • Table Runner
  • Baby Quilt

Intermediate Projects

  • Log Cabin Variations
  • Irish Chain Designs
  • Strip-Pieced Throw Quilts
  • Tote Bags and Home Décor Projects

Quick One-Day Projects

  • Quilted Placemats
  • Pillow Covers
  • Mug Rugs
  • Fabric Baskets

A Jelly Roll Race quilt remains one of the most popular choices because it comes together quickly and showcases fabric beautifully.

Prepare Your Sewing Space

A little preparation can make your sewing day much more enjoyable. Before National Jelly Roll Day:

  • ✅ Change your sewing machine needle
  • ✅ Clean lint from your machine
  • ✅ Press your Jelly Roll strips
  • ✅ Wind several bobbins
  • ✅ Sharpen your rotary blade
  • ✅ Stock up on snacks and beverages

A tidy sewing space means more sewing and less searching for tools.

Make It a Social Event

Quilting is even more fun when shared with friends. Consider hosting a small sew day, joining an online quilt-along, sharing progress photos on social media, or starting a friendly challenge to see who finishes first. The quilting community is incredibly supportive, and National Jelly Roll Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow makers.

Don't Forget to Document Your Progress

Take photos throughout the day — your Jelly Roll before opening, fabric layouts, sewing in progress, and the finished project. It's always fun to look back later and see how a pile of fabric strips transformed into something special.

Stock Up Before September 19th

Nothing worse than having a plan and no jelly roll to show for it. Browse our Jelly Roll collection and find the perfect roll for your project — whether you're into bold and modern, soft and romantic, or anything in between.

Happy National Jelly Roll Day — may your seams be straight and your bobbin never run out! 🧵✨

— Jennifer, Jackie & the Sew Obsessed Team

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