The glass does not get in the way. I forget it's there and I've sewn with it most of the day. It magnifys the light too. I can see each stitch when I'm machine appliqueing. It's steady as the machine sits on the base of it. I'll rouche the braid thread and then sew it with a straight seam down the middle to use as a piping or spiral it to make flowers or accent applique pieces. It's very soft and flexible. Examples at the booth had it sewn straight (not gathered) into designs like flowers, birds, etc.