The Jelly Roll Quilt That Looks Like You Spent Weeks (But Takes a Weekend)

Amanda Taylor · 2026-10-28

Have you ever wanted to make a quilt that looks like you fussed over it for weeks, but secretly took you a weekend? That's the magic of the Jelly Roll Rigatoni quilt. It's the newest addition to the Shortcut Quilt Series, and it's beginner-friendly. Think of it as comfort food for your sewing machine: hearty, satisfying, and way easier than it looks. ### What Exactly Is a Jelly Roll Rigatoni Quilt? If you're new to precuts, a Jelly Roll is a bundle of 2.5-inch fabric strips. The Rigatoni pattern turns those strips into a quilt that's good enough to eat. The name comes from the pasta-like shapes the strips create when pieced together. It's a large lap quilt that's perfect for snuggling under while you binge-watch your favorite shows. ### Why This Pattern Is Perfect for Beginners You don't need to be a master quilter to pull this off. The pattern is free and comes with a video tutorial that walks you through every step. All you need is one Jelly Roll and 3 1/8 yards of background fabric. That's it. No complicated cutting, no tricky templates. Just simple piecing that comes together fast. Here's what you'll love about it: - It's a quick project that uses precuts, so you spend less time cutting and more time sewing. - The pattern is free and includes a step-by-step video tutorial. - It's a great way to show off your favorite fabric collection. - The finished quilt is a generous lap size, perfect for gifts or keeping. ### A Quilt with Vintage Charm For our sample, we used Collections for a Cause: Magnolia by Howard Marcus for Moda Fabrics. The vintage florals and heirloom feel make it look like a treasured antique. But you can choose any Jelly Roll that speaks to you. The pattern is versatile enough to work with modern, traditional, or whimsical fabrics. ### Get Everything You Need If you want to make yours exactly like ours, you can pick up the Jelly Roll Rigatoni Quilt Kit and matching Backing Set. The kit includes the pattern and fabric for the top, so you don't have to hunt down coordinating prints. It's a one-stop shop for a stress-free project. ### Never Run Out of Jelly Rolls Love working with Jelly Rolls? The Jelly Roll Club delivers a fresh Jelly Roll to your door every month. Each one features a new collection from Moda Fabrics, and you save 12% off the individual price. It's a fun way to build your stash and discover new fabrics. > "The Jelly Roll Rigatoni is proof that you don't need complex techniques to make a stunning quilt. Sometimes the simplest patterns are the most satisfying." ### Share Your Creation We'd love to see what you make. Use #JellyRollRigatoni on Facebook and Instagram and tag @fatquartershop so we can cheer you on. Happy quilting!