Basic Blocks: How To Make Flying Geese
Hi friends, welcome to the sixth post in my Learn to Quilt blog series. The goal of this series is to help first-time quilters navigate their way through the learning curve. The first four posts in this series were about what quilting is, the materials needed to quilt, and how to start quilting. This and the next few posts will cover various “Basic Blocks” that are most commonly used in quilt patterns. This article covers Flying Geese.
Beginners, let me know what you think. Did I cover all your questions? Is there more you need to know? Experienced quilters, what was the most confusing part about quilting when you started? Let me know in the comments!
Flying Geese
Flying geese are a popular quilt block design that resembles a flock of geese in flight. They consist of a larger triangle, representing the goose, and two smaller triangles as the background.
When arranged together, these triangles create a dynamic and visually appealing design element in quilts. Knowing how to make flying geese is important for quilters as it allows them to incorporate this versatile and timeless pattern into their projects.
There are a few different ways to make Flying Geese. The most popular method being four-at-a-time. This post focuses on making one-at-a-time, which is a great place for beginners to start.
Materials and Tools
To make Flying Geese, you will need the right materials and tools. Below is a detailed list that explains what materials and tools you need and what they are used for.
Fabric: you'll need two contrasting colors or patterns of fabric
Hera Marker or Butter Knife or Fabric Pencil: to mark lines for stitching or cutting
Pins: to hold the fabric pieces together before and during sewing
Sewing Machine or Needle: to sew the fabric pieces together
Thread: choose a color that matches or complements your fabric
Iron: to press the fabric and seams, which aids in accurate piecing
Rotary Cutter: essential for making accurate and clean cuts on your fabric
Cutting Mat: to protect your work surface when using the rotary cutter
Quilting Ruler: to measure, cut, and trim the fabric
Cutting the Fabric
To make a Flying Goose block, you'll need a rectangle that is one inch wider and one inch taller than your desired finished block, and two squares that are the same height as the rectangle, in a contrasting fabric.
For example, for a 3 inch by 6 inch finished Flying Goose you’ll need one 4 inch by 7 inch rectangle in a floral print, and two 4 inch by 4 inch squares in a solid blue.
Accuracy during cutting really goes a long way. Follow these steps:
Select and Prepare Fabrics
Choose two contrasting fabrics to create your Flying Goose. Ensure that they are pressed, wrinkle-free, and each has one straight edge to start cutting from.
Cut Strips
Using a ruler and rotary cutter, measure and cut uniform strips from each fabric. The width of these strips should be the finished size of your block plus one inch. For instance, if you want your finished block to be 3 inches, cut your strips 4 inches wide.
Cut Squares
From these strips, use a ruler and rotary cutter to measure and cut out the squares. Ensure they are consistent in size.
Cut Rectangle
Repeat the steps above to cut out a rectangle in a contrasting fabric.
Mark Diagonal Lines
On the wrong side of the squares, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite. The drawn line will act as a guide when sewing.
Pin the First Square
With the right sides together, pin one square to the rectangle to prevent movement during sewing. Line up the left corners of the square and the rectangle, and make sure the diagonal guide line is spanning from the lower left corner to the upper right.
Sew the First Square
Now, it's time to sew. With your sewing machine (or by hand), sew directly on the line you have drawn.
Then trim off the excess fabric to the left of the sewn line, leaving a quarter inch seam allowance.
Press the block open with an iron to keep it flat for easier manipulation of the fabric. Press the seams open for less bulk or press the seams to the side for locking seams and matching intersections.
Pin and Sew the Second Square
With the right sides together, pin the remaining square to the rectangle. Line up the right corners of the square and the rectangle, and make sure the diagonal guide line is spanning from the upped left corner to the lower right.
Sew directly on the line you have drawn.
Trim off the excess fabric to the right of the sewn line, leaving a quarter inch seam allowance.
Press the block open.
Trimming the Blocks
Now that your Flying Goose is stitched and pressed, it’s time to trim it. Trim the blocks to be the finished size of your Flying Goose plus half an inch. For instance, if you want your finished block to be 3 inches by 6 inches, trim your block to be 3 and a half inches by 6 and a half inches.
Trimming Flying Geese blocks is a necessary process for any quilting project. It is to ensure they all have uniform sizes, making it easier to piece them together accurately. Follow these steps:
Align Your Ruler
When you're ready to trim, turn your block so the point of the triangle, or goose, is pointing toward you.
Align the diagonal line of your ruler with the seam of the block. This will help ensure you get a straight and square cut along the edges.
Make sure there is at least a quarter inch of fabric below the triangle’s, or goose’s, point.
Trim the First Two Sides
Use your rotary cutter to trim along the top and right edges of the block.
Rotate and Repeat
Turn your block around 180 degrees.
Align the trimmed edges with the 3 and a half and 6 and a half lines of your ruler (this will be different depending on the size of your block), and confirm there is at least a quarter inch of fabric to the above of the triangle’s, or goose’s, point.
Trim the remaining two sides. By now, your block should have perfectly square edges.
Remember!
Practice makes perfect. As you continue to trim your Flying Geese blocks, you'll find that the process becomes easier and quicker. Don't rush, take your time to ensure accuracy and precision in each cut, and you'll have beautifully trimmed blocks ready for your next quilting project.
How to Use Flying Geese
Flying Geese can be used to create many different layouts depending on how you turn them and relate them to each other. They can also be used on many different scales for varying effects.
Below are some layout ideas for you to jump off of. Try making a bunch of Flying Geese, play around with the layout, and see what you come up with!
