If you’ve ever wanted to create a vibrant and personalized cushion cover using your quilting skills, this Jelly Roll Strip Cushion Cover Tutorial with a Free Quilt Pattern is the perfect project for you! Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner looking for a simple yet rewarding project, this tutorial will guide you through the process, helping you create a stunning piece for your home decor.
The beauty of using jelly roll strips in this project lies in their convenience and the variety of designs they offer. These pre-cut fabric strips, typically measuring 2.5 inches wide, come in a coordinated collection of colors and patterns, making them an ideal choice for quilted projects like cushion covers. By following this free quilt pattern, you’ll be able to craft a cushion cover that’s not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any room.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own jelly roll strip cushion cover. You’ll learn how to select the right materials, piece the strips together, quilt the fabric, and assemble your cushion cover with ease. So, gather your materials, and let’s get started on this creative journey!
1. Understanding Jelly Roll Strips and Their Benefits
What are Jelly Roll Strips?
Jelly roll strips are pre-cut fabric strips that are commonly used in quilting. Each strip is usually 2.5 inches wide and cut the full width of the fabric, which is typically around 42-44 inches. They are sold in rolls that contain about 40 strips, offering a wide range of colors and patterns that coordinate beautifully together.
Why Use Jelly Roll Strips?
Using jelly roll strips simplifies the quilting process by eliminating the need to cut fabric into strips yourself. This not only saves time but also ensures uniformity in size, which is crucial for quilting projects. The coordinated patterns and colors in a jelly roll also make it easy to create visually appealing designs without having to match fabrics on your own.
Choosing the Right Jelly Roll for Your Project
When selecting a jelly roll for your cushion cover, consider the color scheme and design of the room where the cushion will be used. Opt for colors that complement or contrast with the room’s decor for a striking effect. Some jelly rolls feature seasonal or themed fabrics, which can add a special touch to your cushion cover.
Cost-Effective and Versatile
Jelly roll strips are not only convenient but also cost-effective. Purchasing pre-cut strips can be more economical than buying multiple yards of fabric. Additionally, leftover strips from your project can be used in other quilting endeavors, such as making matching placemats or table runners.
Ideal for Beginners
For those new to quilting, jelly roll strips provide an excellent starting point. The pre-cut nature of the strips simplifies the cutting process, allowing beginners to focus on learning the techniques of piecing, quilting, and assembling their project.
Professional-Looking Results
Even if you’re a beginner, using jelly roll strips can help you achieve professional-looking results. The consistent size of the strips and the cohesive patterns ensure that your finished product looks polished and well-coordinated.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Cushion Cover
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. You’ll need a jelly roll of your choice, a cushion insert, batting, backing fabric, and basic quilting supplies like a sewing machine, thread, rotary cutter, and quilting ruler. Having everything ready before you begin will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Cutting and Preparing the Strips
Although jelly roll strips come pre-cut, you may need to trim them to fit your design. Lay out your strips to decide on the pattern and order in which you’ll sew them. This is a great time to experiment with different layouts to find the one that best suits your vision for the cushion cover.
Step 3: Piecing the Strips Together
Sew the jelly roll strips together using a quarter-inch seam allowance. It’s important to press the seams as you go, either open or to one side, depending on your preference. This will help ensure that your finished quilt top lies flat and looks neat.
Step 4: Quilting the Cushion Top
Once your strips are pieced together, layer the quilt top with batting and backing fabric. Use safety pins or basting spray to hold the layers together. You can choose to quilt in straight lines following the seams, or try a more decorative quilting pattern to add texture and interest.
Step 5: Assembling the Cushion Cover
With your quilted cushion top ready, it’s time to assemble the cushion cover. Cut your backing fabric to the same size as the quilted top. Place the quilted top and backing fabric right sides together, and sew around the edges, leaving an opening to insert the cushion. After sewing, turn the cover right side out and insert the cushion. Finally, hand-stitch or machine stitch the opening closed.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once your cushion cover is complete, take a moment to admire your work! You can add embellishments like buttons, piping, or applique if you wish to personalize the cover even further. Now your jelly roll strip cushion cover is ready to be displayed in your home!
3. Tips for a Professional Finish
Choose the Right Thread Color
Selecting the right thread color is crucial for achieving a professional finish. If you want your stitching to blend in, choose a thread color that matches the dominant color in your fabric. Alternatively, use a contrasting thread to make your quilting stitches stand out as a design element.
Pay Attention to Seam Allowances
Consistent seam allowances are key to a polished finish. Use a quarter-inch foot on your sewing machine to ensure accuracy. If your seams are uneven, it can cause the quilted top to pucker or not lie flat, affecting the overall appearance of your cushion cover.
Press Seams Carefully
Properly pressed seams can make a big difference in the final look of your project. Take the time to press each seam as you sew. This will help the fabric lie flat and prevent bulky seams, which can be difficult to quilt over and can create unwanted lumps in the cushion cover.
Use High-Quality Batting
The quality of batting you choose will impact the look and feel of your cushion cover. Opt for a thin, high-quality batting for a smooth finish. Thick batting may add too much bulk, making the cushion cover difficult to sew and giving it an uneven appearance.
Consider Adding a Zipper Closure
For a more polished finish, consider adding a zipper closure instead of hand-stitching the opening closed. A zipper will allow you to easily remove the cushion insert for cleaning, and it gives the cover a professional look.
Take Your Time
Rushing through the steps can lead to mistakes and a less-than-perfect finish. Take your time with each part of the process, from cutting and piecing to quilting and assembling the cover. Patience and attention to detail will result in a cushion cover that you’re proud to display.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Dull Cutting Tools
One of the most common mistakes is using dull rotary cutters or scissors, which can lead to uneven cuts and frayed fabric edges. Always ensure your cutting tools are sharp for clean, precise cuts.
Skipping the Quilting Process
While it might be tempting to skip quilting, especially if you’re in a hurry, this step is crucial for a durable and professional-looking cushion cover. Quilting helps to secure the layers of fabric and batting, preventing them from shifting over time.
Not Pre-Washing Fabrics
If you’re using cotton fabric, it’s important to pre-wash it before starting your project. Pre-washing prevents the fabric from shrinking after the cushion cover is completed, which could cause it to become misshapen.
Ignoring Seam Allowances
Inconsistent seam allowances can cause your quilted top to come out uneven, leading to a cushion cover that doesn’t fit properly. Always use a consistent seam allowance, and double-check your measurements as you sew.
Failing to Baste Properly
Proper basting is key to keeping your quilt sandwich (the top, batting, and backing) together during the quilting process. Skipping this step or not basting thoroughly can result in puckers and wrinkles in your quilted cushion cover.
Overloading the Cushion Insert
When inserting the cushion into your cover, be careful not to overstuff it. An overstuffed cushion can cause the seams to strain and the cover to lose its shape. Ensure the insert fits comfortably without distorting the cover.
FAQ
1. What size cushion insert should I use?
Typically, a 16×16 inch or 18×18 inch cushion insert works well with this pattern, but you can adjust the size according to your preference. Make sure to measure your finished quilted top before purchasing an insert.
2. Can I use other types of fabric instead of a jelly roll?
Yes, you can cut your own fabric strips from yardage if you prefer. Just ensure they are 2.5 inches wide and that the fabrics coordinate well together.
3. How do I clean my jelly roll strip cushion cover?
If you’ve added a zipper, simply remove the cushion insert and wash the cover according to the fabric’s care instructions. If the cover is hand-stitched closed, spot cleaning might be the best option.
4. Can I hand-quilt the cushion cover instead of using a sewing machine?
Absolutely! Hand-quilting adds a personal touch and can be a relaxing part of the process. Just ensure your stitches are even and secure.
5. What if my jelly roll strips don’t align perfectly?
Don’t worry too much if the strips aren’t perfectly aligned. Small imperfections can add to the charm of a handmade item. Focus on consistent seam allowances to minimize alignment issues.
6. How long does this project take to complete?
The time required varies depending on your skill level and the complexity of your quilting design. Generally, you can expect to complete this project in a day or over a weekend.
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Conclusion
Creating a jelly roll strip cushion cover using a free quilt pattern is a fun and rewarding project that adds a handmade touch to your home decor. By following this tutorial, you’ve learned the steps needed to create a beautiful and functional cushion cover. From selecting your jelly roll to piecing, quilting, and assembling the cover, each step is important in achieving a professional-looking result.
We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative with your quilting. If you found this tutorial helpful, please leave us your honest opinion and any suggestions for future projects you’d like to see. Happy quilting!
