Jelly Roll Placemats

I've been thinking a lot lately about how versatile a Moda Jelly Roll really is...and I've come up with a little list of things you can do with a Jelly Roll. But first I'd like to share my quick and easy Jelly Roll placemats. My inspiration for these placemats came from Camille's Moda Bake Shop table runner...Camille used a charm pack for her runner, and I thought a Jelly Roll would be great for placemats.


I had fun making these out of the "Oh Cherry Oh" Jelly Roll I won in the Moda FabricMatcher contest for the month of December.

For 4 placemats you will need a minimum of thirteen jelly roll strips (if you'd like to make your placemats even cuter and scrappier...cut 18 jelly roll strips in half and use 9 of those half strips along with 4 full-sized strips). You will also need 1/2 yard for binding the four placemats and 1/2 yard to back them (or use one fat quarter to back each placemat). If you would like to add ric rac trim down the sides, then also get 3 yards of 5/8" ric rac. Your finished placemats will measure 12 1/2" x 16 1/2" finished.

If you are using 9 whole strips, begin by cutting them into 18 half strips (if you are using the 18 half strips cut from 18 different whole strips then this step is already completed). Now pair the strips up into groups of two and sew together along the long edges. Press to one side when sewing is complete.

Now cut all of your two strip units into 5" long segments. After this step you will match each 5" segment with a 5" segment made out of two different fabrics. You will place these segments right sides together, nesting seams and sewing along both 4 1/2" sides. This is the same method used in my table topper tutorial and which comes from this Moda website handout.

I used the chain-sewing technique to make the sewing of these segments go quickly. I didn't even cut them apart after sewing on one side...I just flipped them over and began chain-sewing the other side.

Now you cut each segment in half, creating two four-patch blocks with each cut.

Press the four-patch blocks open, and you will have 36 four-patch blocks. Use 9 four-patch blocks for each placemat. Sew into three rows, and then sew your rows together.

You have now completed the center of your placemat. I really like this method for quickly making a scrappy "checkerboard."

Using one full Jelly Roll strip for each placemat, cut two pieces equal to the measurement of the left and right sides of your placemat (I measured down the middle and made both side strips this length).

Sandwich your placemat top, batting, and backing and quilt as desired. If you want to add ric rac, then position the ric rac over the seams between the side strips and the checkerboard middle and sew the ric rac onto the placemat.

Attach your binding and your placemats are done! A Jelly Roll with 40 strips will make 12 placemats...I can't wait to make some 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas placemats for myself and for gifts!

Oh, and here are my 15 other ideas of what you can do with a Moda Jelly Roll:

1. Make strip sets for 9-patch blocks. 2. Make strip sets for 4-patch blocks. 3. Make strip sets and use for any zipper bag or tote pattern you might have. 4. Make 2 1/2" squares to use as corner triangles. 5. Cut into 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles...use with 2 1/2" squares to make "flying geese" blocks. 6. Sew together the strips to make a scrappy back. 7. Make framed 9-patch blocks. 8. Make "keyhole" quilts. 9. Make a "coin" quilt. 10. Sew strip sets, then cut at 45 degree angles to make triangles. 11. Make "Log Cabin" blocks. 12. Make "piano key" borders. 13. Make potholders, coasters, or placemats. 14. Use strips to frame or sash blocks or rows of blocks. 15. Make 1/2 square triangles (you'll need a special ruler, template, or paper).

I have a lot to share this week...happy sewing...and I'll be back soon!