Creating a stunning Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt is a delightful way to express your creativity and brighten your home. This vibrant quilt combines the beautiful effects of Bargello quilting with the convenience of jelly roll strips, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced quilters.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about crafting this eye-catching quilt, from selecting materials to finishing touches.
The beauty of a Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt lies not just in its colorful design but also in the mesmerizing patterns created by the unique sewing technique.
By cleverly arranging jelly roll strips, you can achieve a wave-like effect that flows seamlessly across your quilt. This quilt style is perfect for adding a cheerful touch to any room, and its colorful waves make it an ideal gift for loved ones, especially for celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, or housewarmings.
As you embark on this quilting journey, remember that the process should be enjoyable and fulfilling. Gathering your materials, cutting your fabric, and sewing the strips together allows you to engage with your creativity while learning new techniques along the way.
Let’s dive into the world of quilting and explore how to create your very own Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt!
1. Materials Needed for Your Quilt
Before you start your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you will need:
- Jelly Roll: You will need a jelly roll containing 40 strips of fabric, ideally in a rainbow of colors. Look for high-quality quilting cotton for the best results.
- Background Fabric: Choose a solid fabric for the background of your quilt. White or light gray works well to allow the colors of the jelly roll to pop.
- Backing Fabric: For the quilt backing, select a fabric that complements the colors in your jelly roll. You can also use a solid color or a fun print.
- Batting: Opt for a quilt batting that provides warmth and loft. Cotton or a cotton-poly blend is a great choice for both comfort and durability.
- Thread: Use high-quality cotton thread that matches your jelly roll colors. It’s best to have a neutral color for the piecing and a color that matches your backing fabric for quilting.
- Quilting Tools: Don’t forget your essential tools! A rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilting ruler will make cutting your fabric strips much easier.
Having all your materials ready will set you up for a successful quilting experience, allowing you to focus on creating your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt without interruptions.
2. Preparing Your Fabric Strips
Now that you have gathered all your materials, it’s time to prepare your fabric strips for sewing. The preparation phase is crucial to ensure your quilt comes out beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
- Unroll Your Jelly Roll: Carefully unroll your jelly roll and lay out the fabric strips in the order you would like them to appear in your quilt. You can arrange them in a gradient or a random order—let your creativity shine!
- Cutting the Strips: If your jelly roll strips are not already cut to the desired width, you can trim them. Typically, jelly roll strips are 2.5 inches wide, which is perfect for the Bargello technique.
- Pressing the Fabric: Before sewing, press each strip with an iron to remove any creases. This will help your seams lay flat and improve the overall look of your quilt.
- Organizing the Strips: Organize your strips into sets for easier access while sewing. You may want to group them by color or by the section of the quilt they will be used in.
- Planning Your Layout: Take a moment to visualize how the finished quilt will look. You may want to sketch a rough layout to guide you as you sew.
- Prepare Your Sewing Machine: Make sure your sewing machine is ready to go! Thread it with a neutral color thread for piecing, and check that you have the correct needle size for quilting.
With your fabric strips prepared and your sewing machine set up, you’re ready to start assembling your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt.
3. Sewing the Bargello Pattern
The heart of creating a Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt lies in the sewing technique used to assemble the strips into a beautiful pattern. Follow these steps to bring your quilt to life:
- Sewing the Strips Together: Start by taking two strips and placing them right sides together. Sew along the long edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press the seam open once completed.
- Continuing the Strips: Continue sewing strips together in pairs until you have combined all your strips. Make sure to maintain the order of colors to achieve the desired effect.
- Creating the Bargello Pattern: Once you have a long strip of sewn fabric, you will cut it into sections to create the Bargello effect. Depending on your design, you might cut sections that are 2.5 inches wide.
- Arranging the Pieces: Lay out the cut sections on a flat surface in the order you wish to sew them back together. This is where the wave pattern starts to take shape, so take your time arranging them until you’re satisfied.
- Sewing the Rows: Begin sewing the sections together in rows. It’s crucial to keep the wave effect in mind as you sew each row. Use pins to secure the pieces if needed.
- Pressing the Seams: After sewing each row, press the seams in one direction. This will help with nesting seams later on when you sew the rows together, ensuring a flat quilt top.
By following these steps, you will have created the main body of your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt, showcasing the beautiful flowing colors that make this pattern so appealing.
4. Finishing Your Quilt
Now that your quilt top is complete, it’s time to finish your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt. This process involves adding batting, backing, and quilting to create a finished piece that you can cherish for years to come. Here’s how:
- Layering the Quilt: Start by laying your backing fabric on a flat surface, right side down. Next, place the batting on top, followed by the quilt top, right side up. Smooth out any wrinkles in each layer.
- Basting the Layers: Use safety pins or basting spray to hold the three layers together. This step is crucial to ensure that the layers do not shift while you quilt.
- Quilting the Layers: You can quilt by hand or using a sewing machine. Choose a quilting pattern that complements the Bargello design. Simple straight lines or gentle curves can enhance the wave effect.
- Trimming the Edges: Once the quilting is complete, trim any excess batting and backing fabric to match the size of your quilt top. Be careful not to cut into the quilt itself.
- Binding the Edges: Create or purchase binding fabric to finish the edges of your quilt. Attach the binding by sewing it to the front of the quilt, folding it over the edge, and hand-stitching it to the back.
- Final Touches: Give your quilt a final press to smooth out any wrinkles. Your Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt is now ready to be displayed or gifted!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a stunning Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt that showcases your creativity and sewing skills.
FAQ: Common Questions About Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilts
- What is a jelly roll? A jelly roll is a collection of pre-cut fabric strips, typically measuring 2.5 inches wide and 44 inches long, usually sold together as a roll.
- Can I use fabrics other than jelly rolls? Yes, you can use your fabric stash or fat quarters. Just cut your fabric into strips of the same size to achieve similar results.
- What is the best batting to use for quilting? Cotton batting is a popular choice for its softness and breathability, but you can also opt for polyester for added durability.
- How do I prevent fabric from fraying? Use a rotary cutter for clean edges and finish your seams with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.
- Can I wash my quilt? Yes, but it’s best to wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle. To maintain the colors, avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
- Is this pattern suitable for beginners? Yes! The Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt is beginner-friendly, especially with pre-cut jelly roll strips, making it easier to manage.
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Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide on the Rainbow Bargello Jelly Roll Quilt, you’ve learned about the materials needed, preparation techniques, sewing methods, and how to finish your quilt. This beautiful pattern combines creativity and technique, resulting in a stunning quilt that adds warmth and color to your space.
We hope you found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Don’t hesitate to leave your honest opinions and suggestions in the comments below. Happy quilting, and may your creations bring joy and comfort to your home!
