Use this Bias Calculator (it is an Excel spreadhseet) to calculate fabric needs for creating your bias strip. Enter the dimensions of your quilt and the width of the bias strip you'd like to use, and it will tell you how big a square of fabric you'll need to cut the strips. Or enter the dimensions of your square of fabric and the width of the bias strip, and it will tell you how long a strip you can make.

I love browsing through my local quilt stores -- but most of my fabric purchases are done online. Online fabric stores are often excellent sources of quality fabric -- but sadly, very few color-correct their swatch images before posting them. This means that you will see the perfect shade of teal or purple online, order several yards of it, then be surprised to receive yards of green and fuscia fabric in the mail!

The first time you order from a website, I suggest asking for swatches of your chosen fabric first. Or call them up or email them and ask if they color-correct their image before posting it to the web. Somre of these companies will sell you small swatches of the fabrics you are interested in.