Flying_V_Goddess

Its on my resolution list to finish one of the stained glass wall hangings I had in mind. I'm planning to make quilted replicas of the stained glass windows found in the sword room in Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

Video of a player going around the room and looking at said windows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JemfhjF_iDI&fmt=18 (not the best and there is a better angle to view these windows head on, but you get the idea).

I haven't found a whole lot on how to execute making these. But if I'm getting this right, you would cut out the glass parts, put them on some sort of backing fabric, and then stitch bias tape along the edges of the pieces. Correct?

Should I go with muslin or regular cotton for the backing fabric (the fabric that the pieces will be layered on)? Not sure if it matters a whole lot since all my pieces will be covering up the backing fabric (I've seen some quilts where they show the backing fabric and use it as the background).

Also looking for websites that sells Moda marbles. The lower the price the better.

Anything else I should know about stained glass quilts would be helpful. Can't think of any other questions at the moment.

Maggiesmom

I have done a couple of stained glass pieces. You are basically correct in the way you plan to do it. I would use a white background. I know you plan to make a quilt of some type; however I would like to share something that is cool with you.

Fifteen or so years ago when they opened Tammarak (sp), the West Virginia arts center I was traveling a lot from NC to Indiana. I awaited the opening with the greatest of anticipation. Finally, it opened. I stopped allowing myself lots of time to admire all. Well, when I walked in right in front of me was a beautiful stained glass window. I thought what a wonderful depiction of one of WV's real arts, glasswork. As I got closer to it to look, I realized it was not glass at all. It was fabric. They had done the fabric stained glass, backed it in white and hung it where the sun could shine through it. I have never forgotten that one stained glass. I did a small butterfly that way and I have it in my window to brighten my mornings.

amma

I would suggest using a thinner muslin for your foundation fabric. It will keep the quilt top a little lighter and it is reasonably priced too.

You might consider not using a base fabric. There really isn't a need for it, if you are going to fuse down your leading pieces.
It would be cheaper to purchase a couple of applique sheets to work on, when fusing down the leading. These are reusable too :wink: :D:D:D

willferg

Another option is to draw the picture on fusible paper using a Sharpie to make fat lines between the colors and creating room between the colored pieces.

Cut out around the pieces, iron them onto the colors you want, and then reassemble them like puzzle pieces onto a black background. You can then applique them down or stitch near the edge or live with fused pieces (which might not work if you plan to wash it a lot but would be okay for an art quilt).

Hope that helps!

Izaquilter

When I did my small stained glass wall hanging, I used blue fabric that looked like sky when looking out the window. So I would take a good look at what you are going to be sewing & really 'scope' it out. Now some stained glass quilts I have seen only have the black Kona cotton behind them. I have found that I can get Kona cotton at Hobby Lobby for a really good price but if you don't have a Hobby lobby close by I know you can order from Hancocks in Paducah KY

BKrenning

Depending on whether it's to be a quilt or a wall-hanging, you might use a light weight fusible to mount all the pieces on--lightly fusing them in place. You can buy or make your own "lead" bias. I bought black 1/4" from Quilt in a Day with fusible all ready applied. Tucking all the little ends under was the only hard part for me. I was only doing a single block, though so I was able to lay it on a padded board and stab it with pins to hold it down while I used my Clover mini-iron to fuse it. With it all fused, it was much easier to keep it together to machine applique all the bias strips down.

jdiane318

Another help is that Dritz has 1/4" fusible bias tape in different colors that helps when putting your stained glass project together. It comes in 11 yard rolls, in several colors.It can be expensive but use a Joann's coupon and it greatly reduces the cost. It helps simplify the process and saves a great deal of time.

Flying_V_Goddess

What are applique sheets?

I have not heard of a method that doesn't require some sort of base fabric so you got me a little lost. I'm not quite understanding not needing a backing if I'm fusing the bias tape...wouldn't I still need something for the "glass" pieces to go on?

QM

An applique sheet is a plastic sheet you put under things you are fusing together. Your fusable won't stick to it.

A method I use on my applique stems might be useful to you. I put the unfolded bias strip in place and machine sew it. Then you place the second piece with the raw edge next to the first one and fold the bias down over the seam. Depending on what I am making, I then sew it with a narrow 5 stitch zag ----^----^ or hand applique the second side of the stem, or in this case, the lead. This method helps to get one piece under control at a time.

Remember, because of the seam allowances, the 'glass' pieces will butt against each other.

janedee

you need to bear in mind the order you place your pieces and the bias binding - I usually lay mine out and then number them especially if it is a busy design and I would have thought if the whole backing fabric is going to be covered then it wouldn't matter what you use but if you want a border round it then use backing fabric that would be suitable for that as you don't want to put on a separate border as this could cause problems with the final picture - I tend to use a lightweight fusible web for the picture pieces and then machine or hand stitch down the bias which will also catch the picture pieces in place