A jelly roll typically consists of 40 strips of fabric, each measuring 2.5 inches wide by 42 inches long (the width of the fabric). This equates to approximately 2.75 yards of fabric in total, excluding selvages. These pre-cut fabric bundles are rolled up, resembling a jelly roll dessert, hence the name. They offer quilters and other crafters a convenient and pre-coordinated selection of fabrics from a particular collection.
The pre-cut nature of these bundles significantly reduces preparation time for quilting and sewing projects. Having a variety of coordinating fabrics readily available streamlines the design process and allows for efficient piecing. This standardized size and pre-selection make them ideal for various quilting patterns specifically designed for jelly rolls, promoting creative exploration while simplifying fabric management. The curated collections often reflect specific color palettes or themes, simplifying the task of achieving a harmonious and cohesive final product.