Just started learning how to make jelly roll rugs, but wondering what the trick is to get them to lay flat? You have come to the right place! Below I will list some of the common issues and how to fix them. These fabric rugs can be tricky to get to lay flat. Once you get these tips I’m sure you will be able to get them flat.
Even Fabric Ropes
When making your fabric tubes or ropes you want to make sure that they are evenly sewn together. You do not want any missing spots of gaps between them. I have found that using a magnetic seam guide helps me a lot with this process. Ensures for straight stitching and helps keep my fabric tubes folded together evenly.
Fold Your Rug Up
One thing that helps me a lot is folding my rug up as it grows. Don’t be afraid to flop it over and roll it up as needed. As these fabric rugs grow they get heavier and can pull under the feet. You do not want that as it will cause uneven tension and possible waves on your edges. Folding your rug up allows for a more even distribution of weight allowing for even tension under the feet when sewing.
Slow Down
When you get sewing sometimes it is easy to get cruising through. It’s important to slow down around the edges when sewing those curves. This helps make sure that the tension is even. You are wanting to allow the machine to do most of the work and just help guide the fabric through. I find using a walking foot very beneficial.
Bunching that Fabric
An important thing you must do for the curves is bunch the fabric up on that inside curve. The fabric tube has a long way to bend, especially in the beginning rows. It needs to have enough material bunched up in order to lay flat. If it is not, you will see the edges start to flip up and become into somewhat of a bowl shape, or what we call cupping. Pinning and ironing as needed may help to keep the material bunched up where you need it to be. The more you make these rugs, the more you will see how that fabric needs to lay.
Pinning and Pressing
As I mentioned earlier, adding pins and ironing may be beneficial as well. When you add the pins around the curved edges you are helping to secure that fabric where it needs to go. Now you may use a stylist and be able to gently assist the fabric through where it needs to, but in my experience especially starting out, using pins is super helpful.
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I have a new book featuring fun jelly roll projects made using fabric strips and batting. The book features 10 of my patterns, full of pictures, tips and sizing guides. My book, Jelly Roll Rug Creations, can be found exclusively here.