Free DIY Jelly Roll Floor Pillow Pattern
Pattern Description:
Create a cozy, vivid Jelly Roll Floor Pillow using pre-cut 2½″ strips for a quick,
quilted project. Perfect for playrooms, reading nooks, or casual seating, this pillow
combines colorful fabric strips with a sturdy muslin and batting base.
The quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) technique makes assembly simple, while optional
closures like zippers allow easy removal and washing.
Materials You’ll Need:
● One Jelly Roll - pre-cut 2½″ fabric strips (variety of prints)
● Muslin or solid fabric - about 1 yard, used for the pillow lining/backing
● Batting - enough to cut four 24″ squares (for quilting stability)
● Pillow form or stuffing - roughly 24″ x 24″ (or your preferred size)
● Thread - coordinating with your fabrics
● Basic sewing supplies - sewing machine, scissors/rotary cutter, pins, ruler,
and iron
Cutting & Measurements:
● From batting: Cut (4) squares measuring 24″ x 24″
● From muslin/solid fabric: Cut (4) squares measuring 24″ x 24″
● From the jelly roll strips: Use full strips (2½″ wide) to create quilted panels
for the pillow top and bottom
Abbreviations Used:
● JRS - Jelly Roll Strips (pre-cut 2½″ fabric strips)
● MSLN - Muslin fabric (used for backing or lining)
● BTNG - Batting (used for quilt stability)
● PF - Pillow Form (the pillow insert)
● RSU - Right Side Up (fabric orientation)
● RST - Right Sides Together (for sewing seams)
● SA - Seam Allowance (space between seam line and fabric edge)
● QAYG - Quilt-As-You-Go (technique for sewing quilted panels)
● ZP - Zipper Placement (optional closure)
● LS - Ladder Stitch (hand-stitch used to close gaps invisibly)
● PFILL - Polyfill (stuffing for the pillow)
Instructions for Making the DIY Jelly Roll Floor Pillow Pattern:
Materials & Prep
To begin, gather all materials. You’ll need a jelly roll (JRS) - pre-cut 2½″ strips of
assorted prints - along with muslin (MSLN) or solid fabric for the pillow backing,
batting (BTNG) for quilting stability, and a pillow form (PF) measuring roughly
24″ x 24″.
Also have coordinating thread, sewing machine, pins, scissors/rotary cutter,
ruler, and iron ready.
Cut four squares of MSLN and BTNG, each measuring 24″ x 24″. Keep your
JRS organized for easy access. This prep ensures your project runs smoothly and
keeps fabrics aligned as you sew.
Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) Technique
The QAYG method allows you to assemble the pillow top in manageable sections.
Begin with one BTNG square as the base, layering it under one MSLN square
(RST - right sides together not needed here). Position a single JRS strip
diagonally across the square RSU (right side up).
Add a second strip next to it along one long edge, stitching with a ¼″ SA (seam
allowance). Press each seam open as you go.
Continue adding strips in alternating directions, maintaining a balanced color
pattern, until the entire square is covered.
Repeat for the remaining three squares so you have four fully quilted panels - two
for the top and two for the bottom of the pillow.
Squaring & Trimming
Once all strips are sewn, square up each panel by trimming edges back to 24″ x
24″, ensuring all sides are straight and even.
Proper trimming keeps the pillow neat and ensures the panels align correctly
during assembly.
Assembling Pillow Top & Bottom
Place two quilted panels together RST and sew along one edge using a ½″ SA.
Repeat with the remaining two panels.
Then, join these halves along the edges to form a complete pillow cover, leaving
either a zipper opening (ZP) or a gap for inserting the pillow form.
Adding Closure
For easy removal and washing, install a zipper (ZP) along one edge. Alternatively,
leave a 6-8″ gap and insert the pillow form. Once the PF is inside, hand-stitch the
gap closed with a ladder stitch (LS) to hide seams.
Finishing Touches
Insert the pillow form or stuff with polyfill (PFILL) until the pillow reaches your
desired fullness. Fluff and shake to distribute the filling evenly. Press seams lightly
if necessary to ensure a crisp, professional look.
By following these steps, you’ll create a durable, stylish floor pillow entirely from
jelly roll strips, perfect for cozy corners, playrooms, or decorative seating.
