I used a tightly woven fabric that was given to me. It wasn't very thick like canvas but it held it's shape. I also sewed heavy duty velcro to my leaders and put velcro on my rollers so I can take the entire leader off. It sure makes it easy to attach the quilt pieces to the leaders. I can lay them on my table and use my poor man red snappers and have them ready to go in a few minutes/