Making a Jelly Roll Rug

A jelly roll rug is one of the most satisfying projects you can make from a single roll of precut fabric. The result is a sturdy, washable oval rug that is colorful, handmade, and built to last. It's a great way to put a beautiful fabric collection to real use.

What You'll Need

• 1 jelly roll (40 precut 2½" cotton fabric strips)
• 2½" precut batting strips
• Coordinating all-purpose thread 
• Heavy-duty sewing needle (size 90/14 or 100/16)
• Sewing machine with a wide zigzag stitch
• Wonder Clips or small clothespins
• Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
• Iron and ironing board

Step 1: Join Your Strips Into One Long Length

Unroll your jelly roll and arrange the strips in the order you want them to appear in the finished rug. Manufacturers typically arrange jelly rolls with color flow in mind, so keeping the original order is a good starting point. Join the strips end to end using diagonal seams. Place two strips at a 90-degree angle, right sides together, and sew across the corner. Trim to a ¼" seam allowance and press open. Repeat until all 40 strips are connected into one continuous length.

Step 2: Wrap the Batting and Sew the Tube

Lay the batting strip along the center of the wrong side of the fabric strip. Fold both long edges of the fabric inward to meet at the center, covering the batting completely. Fold the whole strip in half again lengthwise so all raw edges are hidden inside. Clip as you go to hold the layers together, then sew down the open edge about ⅛" from the fold to create a firm, clean tube.

Tip: Fan-fold the finished tube as it comes off your machine - accordion-style - rather than rolling it up. This prevents twisting when you start coiling the rug.

Step 3: Form the Rug Center

Take the starting end of your tube and fold about 14 inches back on itself to create a tight "U" shape. This becomes the center of your oval rug. Place the two side-by-side tubes under the needle and zigzag stitch them together down the middle using the widest stitch your machine offers. Keep the rounded fold on the outside.  This is the finished edge that will face out on the completed rug.

Step 4: Coil and Stitch Outward

Continue wrapping the tube around the center, zigzagging each new row to the one before it. Around the curved ends, ease the outer edge in gently so the rug lies flat. Too tight and the ends will cup; too loose and the edges will wave. A few things to keep in mind as the rug grows:

1. Push and guide (never pull) the rug under the needle as you rotate it.
2. Press the rug flat every 3 to 4 rows to keep the shape even.
3. Support the growing rug on your table so its weight doesn't pull it out of line.

Step 5: Finish the Tail End

When you near the end of the tube, trim the batting so it ends about ½" before the fabric. Fold the fabric end over to encase the batting cleanly, then stitch it down. The finished end should be smooth and blunt with no raw edges showing.

Step 6: Check the Edges and Clip Threads

Walk the perimeter of the rug and re-stitch any spots where the zigzag missed or the tube pulled away. Clip all loose threads from both sides. A quick check now saves time later.

Step 7: Press and Place

Press the finished rug on both sides to set the shape and smooth out any remaining texture. Your completed oval rug will measure approximately 29" x 44", a practical size for an entryway, kitchen, or bathroom. To wash, use cold water on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry.

Final Thoughts

Pick a jelly roll that suits your space whether that's soft neutrals, bold brights, or a seasonal print and the rug will feel like it belongs there. It's a practical project with a beautiful result, and it makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Browse our jelly roll collection to find the right colorway for your next one.