You will need approximately 16 yards of bias for the "leading" of the stained glass. So, if you are purchasing the pre-made fusible, you will need about 2 rolls.

For those of you making your own bias binding, follow these instructions:

You will need:

  1. 6mm (1/4") bias tape maker
    • You may purchase a standard bias maker at most fabric retail shops, or Walmart, they are made by Clover.
    • Nancy's Notions has a nice collection of bias makers, or you can order individually, that not only make the tape, but have a slot to insert the fusible portion of the tape, so you can make the fusible tape all at once. They also sell the fusible 1/4" webbing.
  2. If using a standard tape maker, you will need a roll of 1/4" (or 5mm) double sided fusible webbing.

    Try to get the lightest version you can find. Joann's carries Steam-A-Seam 2 Double Stick. This is what I am using but keep in mind, it is a bit heavier so the final sewing project will be a bit tougher. You will be going through not only the fusible bias tape, but 2 layers of fabric and batting, all at once. I have tested it and it is doable, so don't worry, just seems like a lot of bulk. :-) But, there is a "lite" version also available, so if you can find that at your shop, go ahead and get it. The Double Stick variety is great though cause it is easily repositionable. It will stick just based on pressure until you do the final ironing down.

  3. Finally, you will need some black fabric for the "leading." You may use another color if you prefer, such as a pewter grey, but I think the look of the black is more in keeping with the Frank Lloyd Wright "feel."

    Now, I am using a Moda Marble, but that is not a requirement. Keep in mind though, if you chose a heavier fabric, like a Kona cotton, you may not be able to easily get the seam allowance portion of the bias strips through the tape maker. That is not a huge problem as you can cut the pieces down. You will need quite a few pieces at between 20-36", so keep that in mind.

    4. Using your black fabric, measure and cut out a 18" x 18" square. (You did prewash the fabric right? If not, please do so.)

    Next, lay our square on your cutting mat and cut it in half diagonally from corner to corner. You may wish to fist fold it in half, make a nice crease, then align your ruler. This will help you get the true bias.

    Next, lay one triangle with the straight of grain edges to the right and bottom, right side up. Lay the other triangle on top, right side down, so that the straight of grain is on the top and right sides. (there is a good diagram of this at http://www.janome.com/technique-0035.html ).

    Sew a 1/4" seam allowance on the right side. Press the seam to set the stitches, then press the seam OPEN.

    Now, lay the fabric so the diagonal seam goes from the lower left to the upper right, and using a white or yellow drawing pencil, draw lines every 1/2" apart. Trim off the excess fabric at the end.

    Next, align the fabric, right sides together, so that the lines meet up, but offset by one line, or 1/2". (Refer to the diagram at the web site posted.) Sew a 1/4" seam allowance again. Press the seams open.

    Now, beginning at the corner 1/2" marking that you skipped, start cutting with your scissors following the line all the way around. You will have a long piece of 1/2" wide bias strip. Roll or fold this up for now.

    Next, following the instructions on your bias tape maker, insert one end of the 1/2" bias fabric you just created into the maker. I find that creating a tip at the end of the fabric helps to guide it through the maker more easily. Use the tip of your seam ripper, or a straight pin, to help guide the tape through using the slot on the bottom of the tape maker, if necessary.

    If you are using the fusible tape maker, then insert your fusible webbing into the little hole at the top of the maker, as your instructions describe.

    Once you have the folded portion of the fabric coming out of the tip of the maker, use your iron (either full size or the mini-clover iron if you are so lucky as to have one), to press the fold in place. I can get a good rythm going if I let the iron butt up slightly against the tip of the maker and glide the iron along as I glide the tape maker down the strip of fabric. Please note, the instructions on the maker say to "not allow the iron to touch the maker" but, just be careful as the tip will get hot. :-)

    Now, assuming you are using the standard maker, apply your fusible webbing, paper side up. Try to line it up as good as you can with the strip. If you are using the Double Stick Steam-A-Seam, you can chose to just finger press the webbing to your fabric at this time. Otherwise, press the webbing down with your iron.

    Once you have done all of your webbing, roll or fold it up so that it is neat. Put it in a baggie to keep it clean, and set it aside for now.

    That completes Session #1's instructions. If you want to get a head start on Week #2, go to Session #2.