National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
September 19
About National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is an annual celebration for quilters and sewists, dedicated to one of quilting’s most popular precut bundles: the jelly roll. It falls on the third Saturday of September each year, which in 2026 means Saturday, 19 September. The day encourages makers of every skill level to open up a roll of fabric strips and stitch something fun, from a quick table runner to a full quilt.
How to Celebrate National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
This is a hands-on, get-stitching kind of day, and there is no shortage of projects to choose from. Here are some ideas to make the most of it.
- Open that jelly roll you have been saving – Most sewists have at least one pretty bundle tucked away for the right moment. Today is the right moment.
- Try a quick table runner – A jelly roll is ideal for a fast, satisfying runner that can be finished in an afternoon.
- Tackle a jelly roll race quilt – The famous jelly roll race sews all the strips end to end for a striking quilt top in record time.
- Make something beyond a quilt – Jelly roll strips also work beautifully for bags, cushions, rugs, and even clothing.
- Host a sew-along – Invite friends round or join an online group and stitch together throughout the day.
- Learn a new technique – Use the day to try chain piecing, strip sets, or a pattern you have always wanted to attempt.
- Support a local quilt shop – Many shops mark the day with sales, demonstrations, and special events, so it is a good time to stock up.
- Share your makes online – Post photos of your finished projects to inspire other quilters and join the wider community celebration.
What is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day?
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is a celebration of quilting and sewing built around the jelly roll, a precut collection of fabric strips. For quilters, a jelly roll is typically a bundle of 40 to 42 strips, each cut to 2.5 inches wide and rolled together, usually featuring a coordinated fabric collection. The day exists to encourage makers, sewists, and quilters to break open one of these bundles and create something, removing the temptation to simply admire the fabric and never cut into it. It welcomes everyone from absolute beginners to experienced quilters.
When is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day?
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day is observed on the third Saturday of September each year, so the exact date changes annually. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, 19 September. Because the date shifts, the table below shows when it lands over the next few years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 19 September |
| 2027 | Saturday, 18 September |
| 2028 | Saturday, 16 September |
| 2029 | Saturday, 15 September |
| 2030 | Saturday, 21 September |
The History of National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
The jelly roll precut was created by Moda Fabrics, an American quilting fabric company, as a convenient way to offer a coordinated selection of a fabric collection in ready-to-sew strips. The name is a playful nod to the rolled-up, spiral appearance of the bundle, which resembles the dessert of the same name. Precuts like the jelly roll transformed modern quilting by saving makers the time and effort of cutting long strips from yardage.
To celebrate this beloved product and the creativity it inspires, Moda Fabrics designated the third Saturday of September as National Sew a Jelly Roll Day. The aim was simple: to give quilters a dedicated reason to unroll a bundle and start a project rather than keeping it pristine on a shelf. Quilt shops, fabric retailers, and online sewing communities have embraced the day, often running sew-alongs, free patterns, and special offers to mark the occasion.
Sitting in September, the day also dovetails neatly with the wider National Sewing Month, making early autumn a busy and creative time for the quilting world.
Fun Facts About National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
- A standard jelly roll usually contains 40 to 42 fabric strips, each 2.5 inches wide.
- The jelly roll precut and the awareness day were both created by Moda Fabrics.
- The popular jelly roll race technique can produce a full quilt top in a single sitting.
- Jelly rolls can be used for far more than quilts, including bags, runners, cushions, and rugs.
- The day always lands on the third Saturday of September, so the date changes each year.
Why National Sew a Jelly Roll Day Matters
Beyond the projects themselves, the day champions creativity, craftsmanship, and the friendly community that surrounds quilting. It encourages people to actually use the fabric they love rather than hoard it, supports independent quilt shops, and helps pass a traditional craft on to new makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day?
It is an annual celebration of quilting that encourages sewists to open a jelly roll, a bundle of precut fabric strips, and stitch a project such as a quilt, runner, or bag.
When is National Sew a Jelly Roll Day in 2026?
It falls on Saturday, 19 September 2026. The day is always held on the third Saturday of September, so the date shifts slightly each year.
What exactly is a jelly roll in quilting?
A jelly roll is a precut bundle of around 40 to 42 fabric strips, each cut to 2.5 inches wide and rolled together, usually from a single coordinated fabric collection.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your finished makes on social media with #SewAJellyRollDay and #SewAJellyRollDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to dig out a bundle and get stitching! If you love working at the sewing machine, you might also enjoy Sewing Machine Day, which celebrates the tool that makes it all possible.
Related Awareness Days
- Sewing Machine Day – A celebration of the sewing machine, the invention at the heart of every quilting project.
- National Stitch Day – A day honouring stitching in all its forms, from sewing to embroidery.
- National Contract Sewing Month – A month recognising the sewing and textile manufacturing industry.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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