National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is a special celebration for quilting enthusiasts, dedicated to encouraging crafters to finally use those beautiful pre-cut fabric strips called “Jelly Rolls” that many quilters collect but often leave unused on their shelves. This day brings together the quilting community to create, share, and celebrate the joy of sewing with these convenient fabric bundles.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The third Saturday in September each year
- Tagged as: A quilting celebration day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSewAJellyRollDay
- When was it founded?: 2017
- Who founded it?: Moda Fabrics through their Project Jelly Roll initiative
History of National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day was created in 2017 by Moda Fabrics to inspire quilters to break open their Jelly Roll fabric bundles rather than just collecting them. Moda invented the Jelly Roll concept in 2006, which consists of pre-cut 2.5-inch fabric strips that are rolled together, resembling a sweet pastry roll. The company noticed that many quilters would purchase these attractive bundles but often leave them unused, waiting for a “special” project. This day was established to give quilters that special reason to finally unwrap their treasured fabric collections and create something beautiful.
Timeline
- 2006: Moda Fabrics invents the Jelly Roll pre-cut fabric concept
- 2017: The first National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is celebrated
- 2019: The event gains significant popularity in quilting communities
- 2021: The celebration expands with more quilt shops hosting special events
- 2023: Social media participation grows with thousands sharing their creations
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 20 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 19 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 16 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 15 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 21 | Saturday |
How National Sew a Jelly Roll Day Is Observed
Quilters celebrate this day by finally unwrapping those beautiful Jelly Rolls they’ve been saving and turning them into quilts, bags, home decor, or other creative projects. Many quilt shops host special events, classes, and sew-alongs. Online communities buzz with activity as participants share their progress and finished projects on social media using the official hashtag. Virtual sew-alongs connect quilters from around the world, while in-person gatherings at local quilt shops create a festive atmosphere of creativity and camaraderie.
Fun Facts About Jelly Rolls
Jelly Rolls typically contain about 40-42 strips of coordinated fabrics, enough to make a small quilt. The name “Jelly Roll” was inspired by the dessert, as the rolled-up fabric strips resemble the sweet treat. One Jelly Roll can yield approximately 140-168 five-inch squares, making them incredibly versatile for various projects. The pre-cut nature of Jelly Rolls saves quilters significant cutting time, allowing them to jump straight into the creative process.
Quiz
- When is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day celebrated?
- How wide are the fabric strips in a typical Jelly Roll?
- What company founded National Sew a Jelly Roll Day?
- What year was the first Jelly Roll invented?
(Answers: 1. Third Saturday in September 2. 2.5 inches 3. Moda Fabrics 4. 2006)
FAQs
What exactly is a Jelly Roll?
A Jelly Roll is a bundle of pre-cut fabric strips, each measuring 2.5 inches wide, that are rolled together. Typically containing 40-42 strips from a single fabric collection, they provide coordinated fabrics that work well together in quilting projects.
Should I pre-wash my Jelly Roll fabrics?
It’s not recommended to pre-wash Jelly Rolls as the washing process can cause the strips to fray excessively and tangle together, creating a mess of loose threads.
What can I make with a Jelly Roll besides quilts?
While quilts are popular, Jelly Rolls can also be used to create table runners, tote bags, pillows, clothing items, rugs, and various home decor projects.
Importance of National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
This celebration is more than just about using fabric—it’s about fostering creativity, reducing crafting procrastination, and building community. The day encourages quilters to stop saving materials “for someday” and instead enjoy the creative process now. It brings together crafters of all skill levels, from beginners who appreciate the convenience of pre-cut fabrics to experienced quilters looking for quick projects. The shared experience of creating something on the same day connects quilters worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging in the crafting community.
Related Celebrations
- National Sewing Machine Day (June 13)
- National Quilting Day (March)
- World Embroidery Day (July 30)
- National Craft Month (March)
- International Quilt Day (March)