Like Joann, I have made several and taught classes on jellyroll rugs. I agree with everything she said. Darcyshannon: I think you misread Joann's post. She was saying she cut the batting 2 1/4" instead of 2 1/2". The fabric strips remain 2 1/2". This is what I do when using scraps of Warm and Natural batting. Cutting the batting slightly smaller than the fabric allows you to fold the fabric and still see the edges of the fabric. Having made them with leftover batting and the precut rug batting, I prefer the precut as it is a bit thinner batting. The rugs are not hard, but very time consuming. Just forget to press often during the process!