Tips for Using Jelly Rolls with the Strip Dash Quilt and More
I’m not going to lie — the number and variety of National [fill in the blank] Days is getting to be absurd. National Lost Sock Memorial Day, anyone? Or who's planning to celebrate National Talk in an Elevator Day this year? I know I am … not. But when I found out there’s a National Sew a Jelly Roll Day … well, I am a quilter after all. And, in fact, that day is tomorrow, which I couldn’t have planned better myself since we’re still in the midst of my second collaboration with Modern Service Quilts (an organization founded by me and two friends that’s devoted to getting more modern honor quilts into the hands of veterans and service members), and the pattern of the month is my jelly-roll friendly Strip Dash!
Strip Dash is a simple yet striking modern take on the classic coin quilt that was inspired by the stripes of the American flag. The MSQ version used a variety of red, white, and blue solids, but I’m currently working away on a new scrappy version using a jelly roll of one of Cotton + Steel’s collaborative collections, The Rain in Spain.
Of course, absolutely nothing says this quilt patterns needs to be patriotic (I mean, check out the cover quilt and all of the sample photos in the listing). Any jelly roll would look great in this simple, quick pattern. And to top it off, when combined with background fabric and an accent fabric, a single standard jelly roll (contains 40 strips) is enough to make not one but TWO throw-size Strip Dash quilts or FIVE baby-size versions! Talk about bang for your buck!
Looking for some inspiration to get started on your own version?
If you’re hoping to make a patriotic Strip Dash like my MSQ version, this Kona Solids Patriotic collection jelly roll* — with four different reds, four different blues, and four neutrals — was absolutely made for this quilt. Or check out this all-blue version*!
For those of you planning ahead for a Christmas quilt, how about this Bonnie & Camille Merry Little Christmas jelly roll*, Jolly Darlings by Ruby Star Society, Holiday Classics by Cotton + Steel, or A Woodland Christmas by Riley Blake.
But don’t forget about Halloween! The Bring Your Own Boos collection from Cotton + Steel is too cute (and it’s on sale!). Or check out Too Cute to Spook by Me and My Sister* for a more classic Halloween palette.
I think a floral version with a chambray or linen background would be divine. Consider a jelly roll of Flower Show Midnight Garden* or Flower Show Coastal Walk, both by Liberty Fabrics for Riley Blake.
Stacy Iest Hsu designs the cutest juvenile fabrics, and this On The Go jelly roll* would make several precious baby quilts.
As you can see in the MSQ version, this quilt looks great in solids. Why not try one of these Kona Solids beauties: jewel tones,* Elizabeth Hartman’s designer palette (fabulous bold colors), or these sherbert-y solid coordinates for the Sunroom collection (so dreamy). (And speaking of sherbert-y colors, what about this classic* from Tula Pink?)
Need more? Hawthorne Supply Co., one of my favorite online fabric shops, has a huge selection.
The Strip Dash pattern is available in the shop.
*Disclaimer: To assist you in finding some of the products I use in my work, this blog sometimes uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made by clicking on one of the links (marked with an asterisk). This is another way you can help support my business, and I thank you! That being said, if you're able to purchase the item locally, I strongly encourage you to do so. I only feature products that I would use myself.
And don’t forget — as MSQ’s featured design collaborator for the month of September, I’ll be donating 75% of the September proceeds from the pattern to the National Association of Minority Veterans (NAMVETS). Pick up your copy of the pattern here and celebrate National Sew a Jelly Roll Day while doing a little good in the world!
