Block 101 - Flying Geese

Flying geese are my probably my favorite block to make.  There is something almost magical about how this block is made using the 4 at a time method often called the 'no waste method'.

To make a set of 4 geese, you'll need one large square and four small squares.  Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each of the four small squares.

Pin 2 of the small squares onto the larger square, right sides together and lining up your diagonal lines. Sew a scant ¼'' to either side of the drawn line.

 Cut apart  and finger press seams open.

To each unit, pin a small square, right sides together, lining up the diagonal line to the corner and sew a scant ¼'' to one side of the drawn line.   Cut apart and press seam open.

Tada!  You just made 4 lovely magical flying geese.

You need to trim carefully to get to the desired size.  Any ruler would work - my favorite is the Wing Clipper (affiliate link) - and the key is to make sure the tip of the geese is centered and that there is a generous ¼'' between the tip and the edge so that you won't lose the tip when you sew them together.

You can make geese in all sizes and the formula for creating geese any size you want is easy.  Start with any finish size you want - the height and the width.  The height will be half the size of the width.

For the primary color (red) add 1½" to the width (W) you want and cut a square at that size.   For the secondary color (white) add 1'' to the height (H) and cut 4 squares at that size.   

Confused?  Try the table or let's do some math:

You need a flying geese unit which will finish in your quilt at 4'' tall and 8'' wide (4 x 8")?  You'll need to cut a square at 9½'' (width of 8'' plus 1½'') of the primary color.  You'll need to cut 4 squares of the secondary color at 5'' (height of 4'' plus 1'').

Now start creating your very own flock!

Have a wonderful day! Patty