A jam-sensing method for a dunnage conversion machine includes the following steps: (a) converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage material having characteristics that vary along the length of the dunnage material; (b) sensing the characteristics of the dunnage material; (c) generating a signal that varies as a function of the sensed characteristics; (d) monitoring the generated signal over time; and (e) generating a control signal when variation in the generated signal within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined amount, which would indicate a lack of movement of the material. This control signal can used to shut down the conversion process, thereby minimizing the extent of the jam condition.