The Jelly Roll Quilt That Looks Like Rigatoni (And Why Beginners Love It)

Amanda Johnson · 2026-10-28

If you've ever stared at a jelly roll and thought, "What can I make with this?" — you're not alone. The Jelly Roll Rigatoni quilt answers that question with a resounding "pasta-bilities!" This beginner-friendly pattern from Fat Quarter Shop's Shortcut Quilt Series turns one jelly roll and a bit of background fabric into a lap quilt that looks good enough to eat. ### What Is Jelly Roll Rigatoni? It's a free quilt pattern that uses pre-cut 2.5-inch strips (that's a jelly roll) and 3 1/8 yards of background fabric. The result? A large lap quilt that comes together fast. The "rigatoni" name comes from the tube-like shapes created by the blocks — they really do look like little pasta pieces. ### Why Beginners Love This Pattern - **It's free.** You don't pay a dime for the pattern. - **It uses precuts.** No need to cut hundreds of strips yourself. - **There's a video tutorial.** Fat Quarter Shop walks you through every step on YouTube. - **It's fast.** You can finish the top in a weekend. ### Fabric Choice Makes All the Difference The sample quilt was made with *Collections for a Cause: Magnolia* by Howard Marcus for Moda Fabrics. The vintage florals give it an heirloom feel that's both classic and enduring. But you can use any jelly roll you love — that's the beauty of it. ### What You'll Need - 1 jelly roll (40 strips, 2.5 inches x 44 inches) - 3 1/8 yards background fabric - Basic sewing supplies (rotary cutter, mat, ruler, sewing machine, thread) - The free pattern (download it from Fat Quarter Shop's website) ### How to Get Started 1. **Download the pattern.** It's free and comes with a step-by-step video. 2. **Pick your jelly roll.** Choose a collection that speaks to you. 3. **Cut your background fabric.** Follow the pattern's cutting instructions. 4. **Sew the blocks.** The video tutorial makes it easy to follow along. 5. **Assemble the quilt top.** Before you know it, you'll have a finished top. ### The Jelly Roll Club: A Convenient Option If you love jelly rolls, the Jelly Roll Club delivers one roll to your door each month. Each roll features a new collection from Moda Fabrics, and you save 12% off the individual price. It's a great way to build your stash without leaving home. ### Share Your Creation Once you've finished your quilt, share it on social media with #JellyRollRigatoni and tag @fatquartershop. It's always fun to see how different fabric choices change the look of the same pattern. > "This quilt is proof that you don't need years of experience to make something beautiful. All you need is a jelly roll, some background fabric, and a free afternoon." ### Final Thoughts The Jelly Roll Rigatoni quilt is a delightful project for anyone who wants to dip their toes into quilting without feeling overwhelmed. It's quick, it's free, and it's a great way to show off your favorite fabric collection. So grab a jelly roll and get sewing — your lap will thank you. Happy quilting!