Jelly Roll Size Guide: Pieces, Yardage and How Many for a Quilt
A jelly roll is 40 pieces of 2 1/2 x 42 inches, about 4,200 square inches or 2.78 yard of fabric. Sewn as simple patchwork it covers about 3,200 square inches, so a 50 x 65 inch throw top needs about 2 and a queen top about 3.
Precuts are bundles of fabric cut to a standard size, usually one or two pieces of every print in a collection. A jelly roll bundles 40 pieces of 2 1/2 x 42 inches. Other names: Strip roll, Rolie Polie (Riley Blake), Bali Pop (Hoffman), Design Roll, Roll Up.
| Piece size | 2 1/2 x 42 in |
|---|---|
| Pieces | 40 |
| Total fabric | 4,200 sq in |
| Yardage equivalent | about 2.78 yd |
| Finished patchwork coverage | about 3,200 sq in per pack |
| Notes | Typically 40 strips cut selvage to selvage; other brands vary in count. |
How many jelly rolls do you need for each quilt size?
Counts assume the whole top is made from this precut, with strips sewn side by side, each finishing 1/2 inch narrower, with about 40 inches of usable length. Add background fabric, sashing or borders and you need fewer.
| Quilt | Top size (in) | Top area (sq in) | Jelly Rolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 40 x 40 | 1,600 | 1 |
| Crib | 36 x 52 | 1,872 | 1 |
| Lap | 45 x 60 | 2,700 | 1 |
| Throw | 50 x 65 | 3,250 | 2 |
| Twin | 68 x 90 | 6,120 | 2 |
| Twin XL | 68 x 95 | 6,460 | 3 |
| Full / Double | 83 x 90 | 7,470 | 3 |
| Queen | 90 x 95 | 8,550 | 3 |
| King | 106 x 95 | 10,070 | 4 |
| California King | 102 x 99 | 10,098 | 4 |
What can you cut from a jelly roll?
These are the most pieces of each common size you can cut from one pack, rotating the cut where that fits more.
| Cut size | Pieces |
|---|---|
| 2 1/2 in squares (mini charm size) | 640 |
| 2 1/2 x 21 in strips | 80 |
Measure before you cut
Many precuts have pinked (zigzag) edges. Decide whether you measure from the peaks or the valleys of the zigzag and keep it consistent, or your blocks will not match.
Precut-friendly quilting tools
Moda Bella Solids White Layer Cake
$39.99A layer cake of Bella Solids white, a clean background for pairing with printed precuts.
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Olfa 17 x 17 Rotating Cutting Mat RM-17S
$100.98Trim squares and HSTs on all sides by turning the mat instead of the fabric.
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Bloc Loc Half-Square Triangle Ruler Set #2
$72.75Precise trimming for half square triangles made from charm squares and layer cakes.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How does a jelly roll compare with other precuts?
| Precut | Piece size (in) | Pieces | Yards equivalent | Finished coverage (sq in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Charm Pack | 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 | 42 | 0.17 | 168 |
| Charm Pack | 5 x 5 | 42 | 0.69 | 851 |
| Layer Cake | 10 x 10 | 42 | 2.78 | 3,791 |
| Jelly Roll | 2 1/2 x 42 | 40 | 2.78 | 3,200 |
| Honey Bun | 1 1/2 x 42 | 40 | 1.67 | 1,600 |
| Dessert Roll | 5 x 42 | 20 | 2.78 | 3,600 |
| Turnover | 6 x 6 | 80 | 0.95 | 1,000 |
| Fat Quarter | 18 x 21 | 1 | 0.25 | 243 |
| Fat Eighth | 9 x 21 | 1 | 0.125 | 81 |
| Half Yard Cut | 18 x 44 | 1 | 0.5 | 486 |
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces are in a jelly roll?
A typical jelly roll has 40 pieces, each 2 1/2 x 42 inches. Typically 40 strips cut selvage to selvage; other brands vary in count. Always check the label, because counts and exact sizes vary by manufacturer and collection, and some pieces are pinked at the edges, which slightly reduces the usable size.
How many jelly rolls do I need for a throw quilt?
A 50 x 65 inch throw top is 3,250 square inches. With strips sewn side by side, each finishing 1/2 inch narrower, with about 40 inches of usable length, one pack covers about 3,200 square inches, so plan about 2. That is for the patchwork only: sashing, borders, backing and binding need separate yardage.
How many jelly rolls do I need for a queen quilt?
A 90 x 95 inch queen top is 8,550 square inches, so you would need about 3 at roughly 3,200 square inches each. Many quilters stretch fewer precuts by adding a solid background fabric, wide sashing or a border, which also makes the prints stand out.
How much yardage is a jelly roll?
A jelly roll holds about 4,200 square inches of fabric, which is roughly 2.78 yard of 42 inch cotton by area. Precuts give far more print variety than one yard of a single fabric, which is why they cost more per square inch. The trade-off is less flexibility in what you can cut.
What can I make with one jelly roll?
One pack covers about 3,200 square inches, which is enough for a 40 x 40 inch baby quilt top in simple patchwork, or a generous table runner, a set of pillows or a lap quilt center with borders.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.