Bluphrog

Garment makers used pinking shears to cut out their pattern pieces in order to minimze unraveling since all the edges are not cut on the straight grains of the fabric (think A-line skirt). Instead of whacking them as Gale suggested, take the jelly roll outside and unroll it and gently shake the strips. Don't brush the edges while it is still rolled up, as this will loosen the small pieces of thread. They will come out of the pinked cuts and you will lose that fabric, throwing your measurements off.

Candace

Of course there's a reason for the pinked edges. I still don't have to like them.

nwm50

Gale is right.......take them outside and shake the bag before you open it! I had allergic in my eyes from these "bunny dusts"
Just line the pinked edgs up with each other.

Lori L

okay.......I'm lost, if I don't cut the pinked edges off and I'm matching up to a 2nd piece of fabric my question is......does the pinked tips line up perfectly with the straight edge of 2nd fabric or is it the base of the pinked edge lining up with my 2nd fabric. Wow.....is that clear as mud of what? LOL

Candace

No, they don't line up a lot of the time and that can be a pain. the tips should line up with the straight edge. It can be a struggle to get that scant seam. I'm mainly using my jelly rolls in easier type patterns.

sarge1

Looks like I found just the right forum! Thanks for the welcome, and all of the really useful information. It's exactly what I was looking for. :)

Marguerite

I agree. Do not cut off the tips. The measurement is from the tips to the tips.

Conniequilts

Don't laugh at me but I have been known to vacuum my jelly rolls to get all those little bits off :oops:

everybody's mother

welcome sarge1. I'm new to the group too. I mostly read what everyone has to say and when I'm done, it seems like I've has a wonderful 'group hug' from all around the world. Quilters are the best there is!!! :thumbup:

littlehud

hello and welcome from SW Iowa. Glad to have you here.