Jelly Roll 1600 question
 

I am going to make my grand-daughter a jelly roll quilt but am using a smaller jelly roll (20 strips) from Joanns so it will only be an 800 instead of 1600 quilt. Anyways, I have seen some pictures where people have added small solid squares (2.5 x 2.5) to the strips to make it a little more interesting. My question is for those of you who have seen or done this do you sew the strips end to end adding the block instead of sewing the strips together at a 45 deg. angle? Also do you add the block to each strip or do you add them randomly. Do you still cut the same amount (18") off to start the quilt?

Thanks for the help!!

Mindy

Depending on how many little squares you want. You could just add a 2.5" square to the end of each strip and then sew the strips together, end to end, not on the diagonal. Or you could cut each strip in half and sew in a square and also one on the end. You could do all one color or several colors. You should probably make them contrasting to the strips so they'll show. The little squares will end up scattered around the top. Some will be closer together because it will be random. You do need to cut off 18" of the first strip and put it aside. If you don't the strips will end up in the same place, and not be random.

The jelly roll quilts I like the best is with no two strips alike next to each other. With an applique here and there also.
Just my input. Your quilt your way.

I used black and white four patches at the end of each strip, then joined the strips. The four patches came out very randomly and added some interest to a scrappy quilt.

I've seen some with a black and white patterned square used that contrasted nicely with the colored strips.

The time I used this process was with donated strips so they were REALLY scrappy! when I finished I appliqued large sunflowers on it and everyone loved it. ( It was for a "Linus" quilt) The little squares are a good idea if they are consistent in color and something that will stand out. These quilts are easy and fun, but my experience is that you have to be aware of ALL the colors used and how they will interact with each other.

Would love to see a picture of this if you have one!!

Lots of images here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=pictu...w=1135&bih=755