Jelly Roll Toddler Quilt Tutorial

Originally By Amy Lollis, February 25, 2023

Hi! I'm Amy from Happy Hippie Studio, and I'm super stoked to be bringing you a fun tutorial for a toddler quilt using the new Sunbeam Jelly Roll by Ruby Star Society.

Rashida outdid herself once again with her modern design and color palette. Those pink starbursts? SWOON! This fabric line lends itself so beautifully to many different nursery styles. I'm currently in a moody vibrant vibe, and this fits PERFECTLY!

As a new mom, I made ALL the baby quilts. And then my baby outgrew them so quickly, and it broke my heart that they only got used a few times! So with the second and third kiddos, I skipped making baby quilts and went straight to toddler quilts so they could use them a lot longer. No more making itty bitty quilts that get outgrown in a few months! Other parents appreciate the gesture as well: I've gotten pictures of a seven-year-old still enjoying her "baby" quilt!

This tutorial will give you a 40"x50" quilt.

*Speaking of being a new mom: if you have postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis, please know that you aren't alone. It's normal, it's treatable, and you don't need to suffer in silence. It can be terrifying to feel these things, and needing help doesn't make you a failure or a bad mom. When you're ready, there is a national hotline for moms, which you can reach at 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS). They aren't trying to take away your baby, they're just there to hold space for your big feelings and direct you to care providers in your area to help you through this difficult time. Please know that all the Insta/Pinterest/Facebook moms that seem to be blissed out on their perfect little families are either full of shit or have lots of help, and you don't need to feel bad because you're struggling. If your house is a mess, your hair hasn't been washed in a week, and you need medication to make it through the day, that's just fine.

With that being said, back to quilting:

This tutorial is super simple and perfect for a beginner quilter.

You will need: 1 Jelly Roll - I used Sunbeam by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Ruby Star Society 1.5 yards backing fabric - I used Speckled Sunstone .5 yard binding (optional, you can use scraps) - I used Speckled Cactus 1 piece of batting at least 42"x52"

* Note that all pieces are sewn right sides together (RST) and all seams are pressed open unless otherwise noted. The quilt finishes at 40"x50"

Ready? Let's do this!

1. Unroll the jelly roll and select (20) strips for the center sashing for (20) blocks. From each of these, cut (1) 19.5" strip for a total of (20) 19.5" strips.
2. From each 19.5" strip, subcut (1) 10.5" strip and (2) 4.5" strips. Pin matching sets together and set aside.
3. From remaining fabric, cut a total of (80) 7" strips.
   Subcut each 7" strip into (1) 2.5" square + (1) 4.5" strip. Pin matching sets together and set aside.
4. From remaining fabric, cut (80) individual 2.5" squares. Set aside.
5. Make the Quarter Log Cabin Blocks:
   Sew (1) individual 2.5" square from step 3 to (1) 2.5" square from step 2.
   Sew matching 4.5" strip from step 2 to the unit you just made. Press toward the 4.5" strip. Repeat to make (80) Quarter Log Cabin Blocks.
   
6. Assemble the quilt blocks using the sashing sets from step 1:
   
   1. Sew (1) 4.5" center sashing strip to the side of a Quarter Log Cabin block as shown, being mindful of block rotation (individual 2.5" squares should not be touching sashing pieces). Press open.
      
   2. Sew another Quarter Log Cabin (QLC) block to the other side of the center sashing strip as shown, being mindful of block rotation (individual 2.5" squares should not be touching sashing pieces). Press open.
      
   3. Repeat steps 6a-6b with the matching 4.5" center sashing piece. You now have (2) finished QLC + Sashing + QLC units.
      
   4. Sew matching 10.5" center sashing strip to the top of one QLC + Sashing + QLC unit, being mindful of unit rotation (individual 2.5" squares should not be touching sashing pieces).
      
   5. Repeat on the opposite side, being mindful of unit rotation (individual 2.5" squares should not be touching sashing pieces).
   Congratulations, you've finished your first block! Repeat to make (20) finished blocks, squaring each one to 10.5" square.
   
   
7. Assembling the quilt:
   1. Sew blocks together into five rows of (4) blocks each. Make sure to line up your seams when sewing your blocks together! 
   2. Sew row together.
      
8. Finish your quilt:
   1. Baste quilt. I use and LOVE 505 spray baste. Make sure you press both sides after you spray baste to really prevent puckering! 
   2. Quilt it! This is where a lot of quilters tend to procrastinate (myself included!) If you can't decide on a quilting style, a simple grid of straight-line quilting is always classy. My top tip for quilting: add just a row or two of big stitch hand quilting to make the quilt look bespoke. There's just something about hand stitches!
      
   3. Trim backing and batting even with the edge of the quilt top.
9. Binding:
   1. Cut (5) 2.5" x width of fabric (WOF) strips of binding and join.
   2. Fold and press binding in half wrong sides together lengthwise.
   3. Sew binding on to the front of the quilt with .25" seam, mitering corners. Press toward the edge of the quilt.
   4. Fold binding to the back of the quilt and pin in place.
   5. Sew by machine with an 1/8" seam, using slightly larger-than-normal stitches, OR hand stitch in place, making sure not to pick up the fabric from the quilt top.
      

Congratulations, you're done! Remember that quilts are meant to be enjoyed. It can be machine washed on cold and dried on low. Most stains come out with an OxyClean gel stick (hello, spit-up!).

If you need help, you can always reach out to me via DM on Instagram @happyhippiestudio

Don't forget to tag @happyhippiestudio and @wyldwoodcreative to have your quilt featured!

Thank you so much for sewing along,

Piece. Love. Quilt.