Quilted Stained Glass Book Cover

Stitch up some Stained Glass for a book cover.  We will turn an ordinary composition notebook into a work of art.  Makes a beautiful gift or a treasure just for yourself. Learn these techniques so you can add stained glass to lots of different projects, or make a cover for any size book.

Supplies needed for “stained glass” project:

Composition Notebook (7.5 X 9.75)

4.0 double needle

⅓ yard of Black Quilters Cotton WOF

Scraps to fill in each “pane of glass”. I used 6 leftover charm squares for the sample pictured.

6 ½  X 8 ½ backing scrap (will not show)

fusible backing with 1 paper side

2 yards of quilters ¼”  iron-on bias, black.

11 X 16 thin batting (or slightly larger)

Cut black cotton:

(2) 6 X 11   for inside Flap  (use the selvage as the finished edge if you like)

(1) 6 X 11  for Spine

(2) 2 X 6 ½

(2) 2 X 11 ½

(1) 8 ½ X 11

Your cover can be any design you like, but will measure 11 X 16 when ready to sew book cover.  I have used pieced quilt blocks, applique, or an embroidered design.

For the “stained glass” cover cut a piece of fusible backing 8 ½ X 6 ½ .  Draw straight or gently curved lines through the rectangle and number each space. The numbers will help you assemble the cut pieces.  Cut on the lines and iron the shape to the wrong side of your chosen scrap. Cut around the shape and re-assemble on your backing, remembering that it will be a mirror image of your original.  Remove the paper and press in place.

Press fusible bias along each line and stitch down with a 4.0 double needle.  

Cut 2” strips to frame.  You need 2ea. 6 ½ and 2ea. 11 ½ .  Sew on top and bottom, then sides, using a ¼ “ seam allowance. Trim to 8 X 11. Cut an 8 ½ X 11 black and attach to the left side of the “stained glass with a ¼” seam.

Place on the batting and quilt as desired.  Trim to 11 X 16.

Finish one 11” edge of the inside flat if you decided not to use the selvage.  The spine piece does not need to be finished.

With right sides together, place the Flaps on either end of the quilted outside piece.  Then center the Spine piece. Pin in place and sew around the entire rectangle with a ½ “ seam.  Your inside measurement should be 10 X 15. Trim the corners and turn right side out.

Install your notebook and Enjoy.