Jelly Roll Rigatoni Quilt: The Beginner Pattern You'll Want to Try

Eleanor Vance · 2026-10-28

If you've ever looked at a quilt and thought, "I could never make that," I've got news for you. The Jelly Roll Rigatoni quilt might just change your mind. It's the latest addition to the Shortcut Quilt Series, and it's designed to be beginner-friendly while still looking like you spent weeks on it. Seriously, this quilt is good enough to eat—hence the pasta name. So what's the secret? Precuts. Jelly Rolls, to be exact. These pre-cut strips of fabric save you hours of cutting and make the whole process feel like a breeze. And the best part? The pattern is absolutely free. You heard that right—no hidden costs, just pure quilting joy. Plus, there's a step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through every stitch. ### What You'll Need to Get Started To make your own Jelly Roll Rigatoni quilt, you'll need just two things: one Jelly Roll and 3 1/8 yards of background fabric. That's it. With those supplies, you'll end up with a large lap quilt that's perfect for snuggling on the couch or gifting to a friend. If you want yours to look exactly like the one in the pictures, you can grab the Jelly Roll Rigatoni Quilt Kit and matching Backing Set. It takes the guesswork out of fabric selection. The sample quilt was made with Collections for a Cause: Magnolia by Howard Marcus for Moda Fabrics. The vintage florals and heirloom feel give it a classic, timeless look that works in any home. But don't let that limit you—this pattern is a fantastic way to show off your favorite Jelly Roll collection. Whether you're into bright modern prints or soft pastels, the Rigatoni pattern lets the fabric shine. ### Why Jelly Rolls Are a Quilter's Best Friend If you're new to precuts, Jelly Rolls are bundles of 2.5-inch strips, usually containing the entire collection of a fabric line. They're incredibly versatile and save you from rotary cutting fatigue. The Jelly Roll Rigatoni pattern takes full advantage of these strips, piecing them together in a way that looks complex but is actually straightforward. It's the kind of project that keeps you engaged without overwhelming you. And if you find yourself hooked on Jelly Rolls (trust me, it happens), there's a Jelly Roll Club that delivers a fresh roll to your door every month. Each month 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 designers. ### Tips for Success - **Read the pattern through first.** It's short, but a quick read helps you understand the flow. - **Watch the video tutorial.** Sometimes seeing someone else do it makes all the difference. - **Press as you go.** It makes piecing more accurate and your quilt lie flatter. - **Have fun with it.** This isn't a competition—it's a creative outlet. > "I've sewn for years, and this is one of the most satisfying quick quilts I've made. The Rigatoni pattern is a keeper." — A happy quilter Once you're done, share your creation using #JellyRollRigatoni on social media. It's always inspiring to see how different fabrics change the look of a pattern. So gather your supplies, fire up your sewing machine, and get ready to sew a quilt that's as fun to make as it is to use. Happy quilting!