"Flirty" Jelly Roll Lap Quilt

A 55”x55” lap quilt featuring Sandy Gervais’ “Flirt” for Moda, composed of (36) 9.5” (unfinished) square blocks.

Recipe by Erin Davis of Sew at Home Mummy

1 Moda ‘Flirt’ by Sandy Gervais Jelly Roll

2.75 yards Bella Solids ‘Etchings Slate’ #9900-170 for background fabric

3.5 yards of backing fabric; I used #17703-16 from the ‘Flirt’ line

64”x64” piece of batting

Unused jelly roll strips for binding

Cutting:

From Jelly Roll:

• PIECE A (2.5”x 5.5”): from jelly roll strips, cut 36 pieces of 2.5” x 5.5”. For a scrappier look, use as many different patterns as possible from the roll.
• Binding: use your discretion, but I cut 14" strips, using as many fabrics from the roll as possible for a scrappier look

From Background Yardage:

• PIECE B (2.5” x 2.5”): cut 72 pieces
• PIECE C (4” x 9.5”): cut 36 pieces
• PIECE D (5.5” x 9.5”): cut 18 pieces
• PIECE E (2.5” x 9.5”): cut 18 pieces

Piecing:

Assume 1/4" seam allowance.

1. Stitch (2) B pieces to the short sides of (1) piece of A creating a center block strip as seen below. To save time, chain-piece like I have in the picture. Press seams to gray. 

Chain piece! It's more fun that way...

2. Repeat Step 1. to create (36) block center pieces.

3. Separate your block center pieces into two piles of (18) each. I divided the two piles by strip color; for every primarily red strip I put in one pile, another went in pile #2, and so on. 

Your blocks will be assembled like this:

4. Stitch (2) C pieces to the long sides of (18) block center pieces. Press towards gray. You've created your "Block 1"s!

5. Stitch a D piece and an E piece on either side of the long sides of the other (18) block center pieces. Press seams towards gray. You've created your "Block 2"s!

Composing your Quilt Top:

1. This is where a design wall or large table comes in really handy. Randomly lay out your blocks in a 6 block x 6 block grid. Make sure to vary block orientation (i.e. center strips lying both horizontal & vertical). Create a balance that you’re comfortable with. 

Make sure to have fun with it! I do suggest looking at the layout you choose close up and from a distance, and to leave it overnight and come back to it with fresh eyes to make sure you love the placement of the blocks.

There! I'm happy with this layout!

2. Once you’re happy with the layout, take a piece of masking tape, and number the rows from 1 - 6, on the first block on the far left of the quilt, like this:

Numbering the rows will allow you to remove them from the design wall and make sure that you maintain the right order and orientation you painstakingly decided on in the above step:

3. Stitch your blocks together in rows. Make sure to press your seams in alternating directions for each row.

4. Join your rows, nesting your seams to eliminate bulk. Press long seams open.

Nest & pin, nest & pin!

 5. Remove your masking tape number markers - your quilt top is done!

Finishing the Quilt:

1. Cut your 3.5 yards of backing fabric into 2 pieces 1.75 yards (63”) long; join pieces vertically. Press seam open.

2. Layer your backing, batting and quilt top; quilt as desired.

3. Use the remaining jelly roll strips to bind your quilt – cut several shorter pieces and sew together for a scrappier look. I joined my 14" pieces together using a 45 degree angle.

Scrappy binding!!

One super snuggly 55"x55" lap quilt perfect for cuddling up on the couch with!

If you have a minute, stop by my blog - there are almost always shenanigans a-brewing. Thanks for reading, and happy quilting!

Erin Davis
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