Fat Quarters vs Jelly Rolls: Which Should You Buy First?

Walking into the world of precut fabrics can be overwhelming, but understanding the difference between fat quarters and jelly rolls makes choosing easier. Both are designed to save time and simplify quilting, but each serves a distinct purpose. Fat quarters are larger, rectangular cuts (18" x 22") that offer flexibility for a variety of shapes and projects. Jelly rolls, on the other hand, are tightly rolled bundles of 2.5" x 42" strips, perfect for strip-based designs and quick sewing.

Fat quarters are great for block-based quilting, bags, and appliqué, while jelly rolls shine in strip-piecing, sashing, and borders. If you're starting out as a quilter, consider your project needs: go with jelly rolls for speed or fat quarters for versatility. Need help deciding? Explore Mrs. Quilty’s beginner kits or curated bundles to get started today.

What Are Fat Quarters?

A fat quarter is a specific fabric cut measuring about 18" x 22". To create one, you start with a half-yard of fabric, cut along the lengthwise grain from the bolt, and then divide it in half at the fold. This results in a nearly square piece of fabric, unlike the long, narrow strip of a standard quarter-yard cut. As quilting expert Janet Wickell puts it:

A fat quarter is a quarter yard cut differently - yielding a nearly square piece ideal for varied projects.

The appeal of fat quarters lies in their practicality. Compared to a regular quarter-yard cut (9" x 44"), the squarer shape of a fat quarter provides more flexibility. It’s perfect for cutting larger shapes like circles, big squares, or appliqué pieces. Whether you’re working on small appliqué designs or larger patchwork blocks, the fat quarter’s shape helps you make the most of your fabric.

Another benefit is its wider format, which reduces the risk of distortion and fraying during handling. Plus, four fat quarters add up to exactly one yard of fabric, making it easy to manage your stash while keeping everything organized and coordinated for your projects.

It’s worth noting that the 22" width can sometimes vary slightly, depending on the original fabric bolt’s width - whether it’s 41", 44", or 45". Before cutting, always press your fat quarters to smooth out any deep folds and ensure precise measurements for your project.

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What Are Jelly Rolls?

A jelly roll is a bundle of fabric strips that are precut to 2.5 inches wide by 42 to 44 inches long - essentially the full width of the fabric. These strips come from a single, coordinated fabric collection, rolled up tightly into a circular bundle. Each roll typically includes about 40 strips, and its name comes from its resemblance to the swirled layers of a jelly roll dessert. Depending on the brand, you might also see them labeled as "design rolls" or "rollie polies."

The biggest advantage of jelly rolls is how much time they save. Instead of spending hours measuring and cutting fabric, you can jump straight into sewing. This convenience is paired with thoughtful design: most jelly roll strips have pinked (zigzag) edges, which help prevent fraying during storage and handling. However, there’s one key rule to remember - don’t prewash them. Washing can cause the edges to fray, making the strips harder to work with and defeating the purpose of their precut convenience.

Jelly rolls shine in strip-piecing techniques, where you sew several strips together to create larger fabric units, which can then be cut down into smaller pieces. This makes them ideal for creating quilt blocks, sashing, borders, and even quilt bindings. In fact, a single jelly roll has enough fabric to bind five twin-size quilts or three king-size quilts, making it a versatile choice for both the main parts of a quilt and the finishing touches.

One jelly roll can also yield around 640 2.5-inch squares, which is plenty for a child-sized, lap-sized, or twin-sized quilt. For larger projects, like a queen-sized quilt, you’ll need two rolls, and for a king-sized quilt, three rolls will do the trick. The beauty of jelly rolls lies in their curated fabric collections - each roll provides a designer-selected palette of colors and prints, so you won’t have to spend time matching fabrics at the store. As Mrs. Quilty demonstrates, these bundles turn the often tedious planning stage into a more creative and enjoyable process.

Fat Quarters vs Jelly Rolls: Main Differences

Both fat quarters and jelly rolls are precut fabrics that save time, but their unique shapes make them ideal for different purposes. The most noticeable difference lies in their dimensions: fat quarters are chunky rectangles, about 18 inches by 22 inches, while jelly rolls are long, narrow strips, measuring 2.5 inches by 42 to 44 inches. These size differences play a huge role in how each fabric is used.

When it comes to fabric quantity, jelly rolls offer more. A single fat quarter provides 0.25 yards, whereas a typical jelly roll, containing 40–42 strips, totals around 2.8 to 3 yards. This makes jelly rolls a solid choice for larger projects that require coordinated strips of fabric.

Fat quarters, on the other hand, are incredibly versatile. You can cut them into various shapes - such as squares, triangles, or strips. For example, a single fat quarter can yield 12 five-inch squares, 16 4.5-inch squares, or 40 half-square triangles. In contrast, jelly rolls are limited to their fixed 2.5-inch width, which makes them perfect for strip-based designs.

In terms of project suitability, fat quarters work well for projects that need diverse shapes, like intricate quilt blocks, bags, cushions, or home décor items. Jelly rolls excel in patterns that are strip-focused, such as rail fence quilts, nine-patch blocks, or quilt bindings.

Comparison Table

Feature	Fat Quarters	Jelly Rolls
Individual Dimensions	18" x 22"	2.5" x 42" to 44"
Fabric Quantity	0.25 yards per piece	~2.8 to 3 yards per bundle (40-42 strips)
Cutting Flexibility	High - can cut into squares, triangles, strips, and more	Low - fixed at 2.5" width
Best Project Types	Complex blocks, bags, appliqué, cushions, home décor	Strip quilts, sashing, borders, binding
Quilt Size (Single Bundle)	Up to queen-size with 24 pieces	Twin-size with one roll; queen-size with two rolls
Edge Finish	Straight cut	Often pinked (zigzag) to prevent fraying

Best Projects for Each Type

Fat quarters shine in projects that call for various fabric cuts. Their size makes them perfect for creating sampler quilts, bucket bags, throw pillows, and appliqué designs. The larger surface area also works well for appliqué and bigger patchwork patterns. Beyond quilting, fat quarters are a great choice for crafting fabric baskets and placemats.

Jelly rolls are a go-to for projects like rail fence quilts, log cabin blocks, and table runners - anything that uses long, narrow strips sewn in sequence. These 2.5-inch precut strips are not only convenient but also save time since they’re already matched and ready to sew. A single jelly roll (about 40 strips) equals roughly 2.75 yards of fabric, which is generally enough for a lap or baby quilt. For twin-size quilts, you’ll likely need an additional roll.

While fat quarters are ideal for making matching cushion covers or quilted placemats, jelly rolls are perfect for quick table runners, quilt borders, or sashing, where their uniformity ensures a polished look.

Mrs. Quilty’s curated patterns make it simple to see how each type of precut fabric fits into specific projects. These ideas help you decide which fabric cut works best for your next creation, giving you practical inspiration to bring your vision to life.

Which Should You Buy First?

Deciding between jelly rolls and fat quarters comes down to choosing the right quilting techniques for your project and how much time you want to spend on preparation. If you're working on strip quilts or rail fence designs, jelly rolls are a fantastic choice. They eliminate the need for cutting, making them perfect for beginners who want to focus on sewing rather than prepping fabric.

On the other hand, fat quarters are ideal for traditional block designs like half-square triangles or appliqué. Their larger size offers more flexibility, allowing you to cut different shapes and maximize fabric usage. This makes them a great option for building up your fabric collection.

If you're not sure where to start, Mrs. Quilty's beginner kit has you covered. It includes premium fabrics, exclusive patterns, tutorials, and even a magazine to help you kick off your quilting journey with ease.

Decision Guide

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Jelly Rolls: Perfect for speedy projects like strip quilting. They save time by skipping the cutting process.
• Fat Quarters: Great for more versatile projects requiring larger fabric pieces or varied shapes.

Still undecided? Try a Mrs. Quilty beginner kit, which includes everything you need - fabrics, patterns, and step-by-step instructions. Once you're ready, check out our precut fabric collection to start your next project with ease.

Shop Precut Fabrics at Mrs. Quilty

At Mrs. Quilty, you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of precut fabrics designed to suit all quilting projects and skill levels. The collection features 100% cotton fat quarter bundles and other precut options perfect for any creative endeavor. Popular bundles like "Endless Motion", "French Play", "Sweet Celebration", and "Floral Fade" are priced at $34.97, while the Mystery Fat Quarter Bundle - ideal for those who love a surprise - costs $39.99. For seasonal projects, the Limited Edition Spring Collection offers 16 fat quarters for $39.97.

If you're after more than just fabric, Mrs. Quilty offers comprehensive solutions for quilters. The Mrs. Quilty Monthly Box is a standout option, delivering 12 coordinated fat quarters, a Block of the Month project, a quilting magazine with templates, and a surprise gift. Valued at over $120, this subscription is available for just $34.97/month. With over 225,000 boxes shipped, new subscribers can expect their first box to arrive in just 2–6 days. Plus, managing your subscription is a breeze - you can adjust delivery or skip a month anytime through the Manage My Subscription portal.

For beginners, Mrs. Quilty's starter kits are a fantastic way to dive into quilting. These kits, available in 97-piece or 104-piece options and priced between $54.97 and $64.97, include fabrics and essential tools like rotary cutters and rulers. With an impressive 4.8/5-star rating from 2,032 reviews and more than 65,000 satisfied customers, Mrs. Quilty takes the guesswork out of finding high-quality precuts.

Ready to shop? Use code WINTERSALE25 to enjoy 25% off sitewide through December 2025. Browse the full fabric bundles collection or try the monthly subscription box to have fabrics and patterns delivered straight to your door.

FAQs

Should I start with fat quarters or jelly rolls for my first quilt?

When deciding between jelly rolls and fat quarters, it all comes down to the type of project you’re planning. Jelly rolls are pre-cut into 2.5-inch wide strips, making them ideal for strip-based quilts, borders, or bindings. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for something quick and straightforward.

Fat quarters, on the other hand, provide larger pieces of fabric, offering more flexibility. They’re perfect for patchwork, appliqué, or projects that require a variety of shapes and cuts.

If you’re new to quilting, consider the style of quilt you want to make. Do you prefer working with strips, or would you rather have the creative freedom of larger fabric pieces? Both options are beginner-friendly and a fun way to dive into quilting!

Can you use jelly rolls for projects other than quilting?

Jelly rolls aren’t just for quilts - they’re a fantastic choice for a wide range of projects. You can use them to make bindings, borders, or even dive into fun, quick-sew crafts like tote bags, table runners, and decorative pillows. Their pre-cut strips save you time and effort, leaving more room for creativity to take the lead!

What are the advantages of using precut fabrics like fat quarters and jelly rolls?

Precut fabrics like fat quarters and jelly rolls are a game-changer for quilters, saving both time and effort by skipping the hassle of measuring and cutting. Fat quarters, measuring 18 inches by 22 inches, provide flexible fabric pieces that can be shaped into a variety of cuts, making them ideal for patchwork or appliqué projects. On the other hand, jelly rolls consist of 2½-inch by 44-inch strips, which are perfect for creating strip-based quilts, bindings, or borders.

What makes these precuts even more helpful is their consistent sizing, which simplifies layout planning and ensures smooth color coordination. Many precuts also come with pinked edges, reducing the chances of fraying and helping your seams stay tidy. By using precuts, you can dive straight into the fun, creative parts of quilting, finishing projects quicker while minimizing fabric waste.