Discovering Jelly Roll Quilts & What I Learned

September 23, 2025

Discovering Jelly Roll Quilts & What I Learned

Of all the quilts I’ve created over the years, this Diamond Quilt Set remains one of my absolute favorites. It’s not just the end result that makes it special—though the clean and simple lines are undeniably beautiful—but the process of making it is what truly left its mark on me. This quilt was more than just a finish; it was a great learning point in my quilting journey and the reason why I love jelly roll quilts.

This is the first of my long list of Jelly Roll Quilts. You see most of the quilt, but it is cut off by the right and bottom edges of the photo. You also see a beautiful and green outdoor space which includes cactus and yucca and so much more.

✂️ Where Things Began To Click

When I made the rectangles for these quilts, I figured out how to keep the design of the quilt but created my own process to make it come together quicker by strip piecing. It became my first time using bias piecing.

Bias piecing felt right; however, there were things I didn’t know—like how the rectangles could grow because of stretching. But as I worked through it, I learned the value of precision, patience, and pressing. Skills that later became foundational in my Bias Bats tutorial as well as other angled designs.

Diamond quilt set. One quilt is on a bench, and the other quilt is on the floor. You can see a small portion of both.

My First Jelly Roll Project

This was the quilt that introduced me to the jelly roll—and oh, what a game changer that was! The pre-cut strips made the color palette perfect, and having 2 1/2″ strips was the perfect time saver. Since then, I’ve made it a point to work with jelly rolls at least once a year. They’re versatile, convenient, and perfect for experimenting with color layouts and strip-piecing techniques.

When I started my quilting journey I would use ribbon to bind my quilts.

My First Time Sewing Angled Edges

Looking back, I can confidently say the Diamond Quilt Set taught me more than any other project. It stretched my creativity, sharpened my technical skills, and introduced me to some of the shapes and techniques I now love most.

This quilt:
Sparked an obsession with triangles—they’re dynamic, playful, and full of potential.
Got me interested in hexagons, with all their complexity and symmetry.
Made me fall in love with jelly roll quilts
Lead me to put together the Great Jelly Roll Bash.

One of many jelly roll quilts I have made draped down the side of and old wooden wagon.

It’s amazing how one project can set so many things in motion.
I would love to know what quilts have done the same for you. Tell me in the comments below and if you want to email me a photo of the quilt I will put together a photo gallary of our quilts. Email me at edemoo@brownbirddesigns.com.