What happens when you wash a Jelly Roll Rug!?! Plus, how to fix it if your rug isn't flat

The number one question I get asked about the jelly roll rug is what happens when you wash it. We find out in this video! I wash a rug, and we take a look at the stitches and how it holds up.
Plus, I show you how to fix your rug if it didn't turn out flat and give you some tips and tricks to make your rugs flatter in the future!
We have everything you need to make the rug at Quilt Addicts Anonymous. Get all the supplies and see the jelly rolls we have in stock at this link: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Supplies
- Jelly Roll Rug Pattern: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
- Jelly-Roll Rug Squared Pattern: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
1 Jelly Roll: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Two rolls of Bosal Katahin On-A-Roll 100% Organic Cotton: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Size 14-18 Denim Sewing Machine Needle: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
1 Large Spool of Aurifil Thread (at least 1200 yards) to blend or contrast with your fabrics: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Sewing machine in good working order
Frixion Gel Pen: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.co...
Watch the Ultimate Jelly Roll Rug Tutorial: www.quiltaddictsanonymous.com...
Watch the Official Jelly Roll Rug Squared video: • Official Jelly Roll Ru...
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Music: Bailar by El Neon, Bonita by Beiba, Calor De Verano by Beiba, Green Summer Waves by Qeeo, In The Clouds by Daxten, The New Beginnings by Qeeo from Epidemic Sound.

[@angiejackson5723]

Thank you for encouraging me to rip out and start over. My very first one was a bowl. I ironed and ironed and it never flattened. I ripped the entire rug apart. Watched a ton of videos and started over and this time it’s flat and beautiful.

[@deanhenthorn1890]

Once I get the jelly roll rope made, I wash it three times in hot water. Then dry it in a hot dryer cycle. This will shrink it now and when you sew it into a rug, most of the shrinkage has already occurred. I also use a walking foot attachment so it pulls the fabric evenly. As with any sewing, don’t pull the fabric but let the machine feed it smoothly and evenly. Lays flat every time. That’s my advice.

[@Lpsb232]

How do you keep the jelly roll rope from becoming a tangled mess in the washer? Just curious.

[@firedawgysgirl5216]

What batting do you use and do you pre shrink it?

[@deanhenthorn1890]

@@Lpsb232 I use a laundry bag , my wife has one for unmentionable things don’t get damaged by the agitator.

[@deanhenthorn1890]

@@firedawgysgirl5216 cotton batting. No prewashing it.

[@Jeremo67]

I came to the comments for exactly this. Thank you!

[@joolson5031]

Thank you for talking about this problem! No one else is being honest about this problem. I thought I was the only one having my rug cup and scallop. You are awesome!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You are so welcome!

[@mollysmith6055]

So after watching several videos about these rugs this video has convinced me that I should not waste my time on this pattern, fabric and batting because I have a 'basic level' sewing machine. Thank you for saving me time and money.

[@je1514]

Give it a try by cutting your own 2.5" strips and batting as an experiment before you invest in purchasing jelly roll strips and Bosal batting strips. It is absolutely critical that when sewing you use your hand to guide the rug under your foot (doesn't need to be a walking foot), gently push the strip against the area you are connecting the strip to and NEVER pull or stretch the strips when going around the curved end! I've watched many videos before trying this out and many make it a point to say let your machine do the work -- no pulling/stretching! I believe by following these tips you will certainly be able to make a rug on a lower end machine! Good Luck!

[@mssixty3426]

I haven't even watched a quarter of the video yet, but thank you so much for the comments regarding the feed dogs and varying abilities of the different grades of sewing machines. I have never heard of this before, thought the extra expense was only in computerized models or additional features. All of my machines are lower end beginners models - now I know what to look out for! Again, many thanks!

[@ellenhofer3343]

Thank you so much for showing we are all human and stuff just happens. Happy to know there is a way to fix it.

[@Saucyakld]

Mine was $69 and I realised shortened the stitch stopped the rolling. Mine turned out a success!

[@Angel-yl1ck]

Thanks, I was wondering about the stitch length. I have been told the width is 5.0. What length stitch did you use. Tnx

[@hannagracealexander6258]

You can also stack cardboard around your sewing machine, or anything like that to make a temporary “extension table”. It helps the rugs turn out more flat, and it’s easier to sew.

[@lindaalbert8404]

Heres what I learned on making jelly roll rugs. You need to do this on a flat surface so an extention table is a must. After 2 to 4 rows steam pressing keeps rows flat. Absolutely No Stretching especially on the rounds. Thats the key for me. Your colors are very nice.

[@beckiebrown720]

Thank you so much for this video! I bought a Jelly Roll and the roll batting but have been to scared to make the rug after reading all about the issues. You’re video is encouraging!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You can do it!

[@deliagutierrez6970]

I wash and out in the dryer just enough to where it is between damp and dry...I put under my area rug in the living room and it stays flat. The rugs I gifted dont curl at the ends just my first rug I made

[@janetehoffman]

Thank you for doing the heavy lifting on this issue! Your dedication is awesome!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you!

[@artiejohnson703]

Great information for washing your rug. Thanks for sharing your video with all of us.

[@annnoraconte6112]

I just got the pattern and am planning on making this, thanks so very much for the tips!!!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Good luck! We have all the other supplies you need at shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com

[@alikat321]

Just like you said, using the batting rolls makes it easy. I made my first rug on my BabyLock Rachel ($500 machine) with an extension table and it came out great :)

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

That is the same model I used when I made the original using batting rolls. That one laid flat!

[@alikat321]

Quilt Addicts Anonymous your rug looked great and a really appreciated all of the tips ❤️ The Rachel is a great little machine for the price 😊

[@syorich1403]

You really are a darling! Thanks for taking this on! I can’t wait to make one. I’m looking for a jelly roll that goes w my India decor

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you! I hope you find the perfect one!

[@tinaandersen8910]

Thank you for all this great info!!

[@suebean3873]

Excellent tutorial, thank you so much. I was wondering how to wash it, so thank you.

[@geraldinelombardo7434]

I’ve never heard of a run being made with batting. I’m going to trace back a few videos to watch this process! Thanks for sharing. Just an FYI, when making ‘rugs’ I’ve heard to go slow and not to stretch as you go around corners. Looking forward to making one!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

They are so much fun! We have everything you need to make one. Just click on the link in the video description to get everything you need.

[@sharoncruz2249]

Thank you very helpful

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@tangofools]

wonder if your machine has a triple zig-zag (like you use for knits) if that would work better. It would definitely be stronger

[@rnpenelope5672]

Thank you!

[@cindychihasz5398]

Great video. Will Pellon batting rolls work? I've only used Bosal and some I cut myself. Getting ready to wash one of mine. I've been a bit nervous but I'm going to do it. Thanks for the help.

[@rsislandcrafts]

Thank you for those tips. My old brother sewing machine couldn’t handle the process. My new machine is a Juki with a huge extension table. I’m really looking forward to making a rug now.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I think it will go much better for you on the Juki! Good luck.

[@edinicelima2195]

Lindos seus trabalhos

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Gracias.

[@robynbrown2693]

Thankyou, now to unpick& start again !

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

😢 sorry you have to I pick, but that’s better than a wobbly rug!

[@ragtagsam]

Thank you! Such happy colors! I saw that the round rug pattern is coming out in November, will you be doing that one too?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

That is the plan!

[@oskarmolly]

I used a very old Viking but it was top of the line at that time and I had very few issues with sewing it and not many problems keeping it flat. I did iron often. I plan on doing a few more, this was my test one to see how it did and thankfully my machine is powerful so there wasn't any issues at all going through the thick fabric. I tried it with a walking foot but then I found out that I didn't need that at all.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad it worked out for you.

[@ellenhofer3343]

My old Viking Diamond totally failed me when I tried to make one. My much newer Baby Lock dated much better. Nothing against Viking, I've had several since 1995, but love my Baby Lock for ease of use much better.

[@bon47ful]

Wow. Thanks so much for showing us this whole process, Stephanie. ❤️ I was waiting for this video before I started my rug. But now I’m worried that, even with the Bosal and building up an extension space with books, the Brother CS 6000i I’m using won’t be enough to handle the sewing. I have both patterns...maybe if I start with the straight version? What do you think? Thank you again. Showing us how you ripped out and resewed the curves was amazing. 👍🏼😊👍🏼

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

That is definitely considered a basic machine. I would start with the straight one. That should go fine on your machine. Then once you have the hang of it give the oval a try. Just stack books on your table to make it like an extension table and go very slow, pressing every row

[@bon47ful]

Quilt Addicts Anonymous Thank you. I’m bringing the Brother for maintenance today, just in case that will help a little bit. Then I’ll do the straight rug. ❤️ God bless.

[@susanhanna1077]

+bonnie musselman I made the straight version on my Brother SB3129 and it came out great. Good luck with yours.

[@bon47ful]

Susan Hanna Thanks for chiming in, Susan! That is great news. 😊

[@jamietenbarge3307]

Love the fabrics in your daughter’s rug. Name of fabric collection(s)? Thank you for these tutorials.

[@gailnoll]

excellent video!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thanks!

[@carlabattle8301]

How do you keep your straight quilt rug straight?

[@florianngulik286]

Hello, What you said about the more expensive the machine the flatter. Well I dispell that theory. I have a Bernina 570SE QE and mine is like an oval bowl even though I tried to not pull on it. I am bummed as I used a jelly roll that I love!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I'm so sorry! You can still fix it, however!

[@margedummitt7937]

Lady's hint to making this rug and having it be flat. Lower your tension if your tension is on your basic #4 bring it down to 3 or a pinch less.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Great tip

[@gail7275]

I'm working on a jelly roll rug - I've created a flat surface, using my walking foot and it will has wavy edges. I do use the Best Press and steam to flatten these waves, ease the fabric in while sewing, and still I have to stop every 3-4 rows and repeat the flattening process. My concern is that once it is finished and washed , won't it just pop back to the wavy edges once again ?? I'm scared to try it !

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

It will pop back up. You need to have it flat without pressing in order for it to stay flat. You’re going to have to rip it to the point where the waves began and try again if you want it to be flat. Sorry 😢

[@rkrbec]

What is the name of the jelly roll that you used? I love the colors

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I used Tula Pink’s All Stars in Pom poms and stripes

[@debglastetter851]

Stephanie, I have a question. I am having some problems with my rug. When I get to about the 10th time going around my rug starts to get wavy on the sides. I have a Bernina 770QE and I also have a Sew Steady extension table. I have taken the sewing out numerous times. Do you have any suggestions?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

The long sides or the curved sides?

[@debglastetter851]

The long sides

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You may be easing in some extra fabric on the long sides. Also check and see if the rug is leaning off the side of the extensions table as it gets longer. That can also cause a bend.

[@debglastetter851]

Thank you Stephanie

[@debglastetter851]

Stephine! Thank you for your help. I took your suggestions and now I have no waves.

[@abbeyp8834]

I'm just wondering how would you gift it? If you roll it up could it make it warp out of shape?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

If it is truly flat it will go back to that shape. If it isn’t it will warp.

[@eleonorasicignano3813]

Quanto costa un chit per fare questo tappetino grazie

[@tavoboyd2780]

Did you wash it after the redo? How did it hold up?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I haven’t had a chance to wash it a second time, but I am sure it will be fine with just a bit of ironing when it is dry now that it is flat.

[@sherrolsaxon82]

Do you treat your rugs with a water protection spray????

[@tinagurule5930]

Do you pre wash jelly rolls.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

No, you wouldn’t have anything left if you press shed them.

[@Jhg19210]

You mentioned a rolling walking foot - I have a walking foot. Are they different?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

They are similar. A rolling foot is fancier and usually only comes with high end machines. But a walking foot works just fine.

[@Jhg19210]

Thank you. I appreciate you getting back with an answer.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Of course! You’re welcome.

[@ellenhofer3343]

I have a Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II and it was high end at the time. (4 years ago). It came with a regular walking foot

[@doreneboult1913]

Have you wash your rug after you resew it?? how it it work out

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I haven’t had a chance to wash it again yet.

[@abbeyp8834]

It cant be put in dryer?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I wouldn’t the batting could shrink.

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

Yes, I out mine in the dryer and it turns out great, we have had to wash ours several times already, new puppy, and it just keeps coming out nicely, there was not shrinking in the dryer and we use Hot water and no problem, we use a 100 percent cotton batting, all from the same pkg, not just scrapes so they are all consistent.

[@abbeyp8834]

@@janetmcadamsbailey1874 Thanks! Not washing a rug is gross 😝

[@cathycudney393]

So take and cut some color same diamonds and cut diamond shapes and Batt them and sew them in

[@simonevercosa3329]

Minha filha o que aconteceu com suas sobrancelhas? ????😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@LazarevaLigia]

👍👍👍👏👏👏😳😳😳😊😊😊😘😘😘

[@nmjewells]

Brother's machines have longer feed dogs, even their machines that are under $300

[@brendaschaub1789]

If you're going to give your Jelly Roll Rug as a Christmas gift can you fold it and put it in a box?

[@vedabrunero2214]

What would happen if you made one without batting?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

It would be really flimsy

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

it would be like putting 1 pcs of fabric on the floor, nothing looking or feeling like a rug.....

[@ellenhofer3343]

following. I'm also thinking it would have no weight & ve like fabric laying on the floor, also

[@654Bearcub]

I just made my first rug, I used as a test to learn to make the rug, rather then buying jelly roll I used fat quarters cut into 2.5 in strips, and 1 3/4 in felt, I cut into strips in place of the Bosal roll. I love it, and it is flat

[@tammybaker4378]

In done everything that has been mentioned ..someone needs to say if you dont have a expensive machine, you should not even try it. The fabric and batting is to pricey to end up this thing rolling up .I've done everything to flatten it out ! I've ripped out stiches...I've ironed very very often...and now I'm pulling our my hair ! This should not take a week to make I'm thinking! I'm so disappointed with this project

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Have you built up your surface around the sewing machine with books so they are the same height as your sewing machine base? You need it super flat or your rug will never be flat

[@tammybaker4378]

i did.... I just finished a quilt so it was still set up from that. ive decided that im going to have to sew this by hand and maybe that will help it.....it will take forever

[@debbienelson3952]

@@tammybaker4378 i ripped my first one out to the section where it started rolling up. ironed it real well the mary ellens best spray. then used the part i ripped apart to make a smaller one. dont give up and you will get it. also dont stretch it as you sew.