Flying Geese Quilt Block. 3 Ways ~ DIY Tutorial Ideas!

Flying geese are an essential quilt block you'll want in your sewing repertoire, and today we're showing you 3 quick and easy methods for sewing flying geese blocks!

Did you know that this technique dates back to the 1800s? It can be used in many larger blocks like the Dutchman’s Puzzle and any blocks featuring stars. Or, use them as is to create fun patterns that are graphic and modern!

All of the instructions in this post will produce 2x4” finished blocks, but check out the handy charts below for other common finished sizes.

Let's get started!

Supplies Needed

    2 contrasting quilting fabrics (we used Kona Cotton Snow to contrast with Chartreuse, Bright Pink and Navy)
    Rotary Cutter
    Acrylic Rulers (6.5" square size and a longer ruler for marking)
    Marking Pen
    Cutting Mat
    Thread

Method 1: Traditional Method

This method is great for scrappy quilters! This method makes one flying geese block, but you will have 3 main segments left over for additional blocks. If you’d like to make four, just add 3 additional 2 7/8” squares of your "sky" fabric and cut them in half.

This method is great for chain piecing if you cut all your triangles in advance. You do have to be careful when handling your cut fabrics, as you’re working with bias edges that may warp.
Cut:

(1) 5 ¼” square, cut diagonally into 4 (quarter square) triangles
(1) 2 7/8 “ square, cut diagonally into 2 (half square) triangles

Bias edges together, place one small triangle on the right bias edge of the large triangle, sew at ¼”.

Press this before sewing your next triangle on.

Place the second white triangle on the left bias edge of the main triangle, sew at ¼” seam. Press.

Now you have a 1 flying geese block! You can always trim this for more accurate results.

Method 2: Stitch and flip Method

The Stitch and Flip Method seems to be the most common, but it does produce some waste. But, you can use the extra triangle scraps to make small HST’s for another project! This method is also great for chain-piecing, and using full squares adds extra stability while piecing.

Cut:
(1) 2.5” x 4.5” of main fabric
(2) 2.5” squares of contrast fabric

Mark your small white squares diagonally with a marking pen, pencil or chalk. If your fabric is not solid (has a wrong and right side), make sure you have half of your squares with the diagonal line pointing one way and half pointing the other, like the lines of the flying geese block.

Place your right contrasting square on the right side of the rectangular piece, making sure your diagonal mark is going left to right and top to bottom. Sew just along the outside of this line to allow for pressing.

Trim the excess (to the right of the line) and press.

Repeat this for the left side of the block, making sure your diagonal line is going top to bottom, left to right.

Trim for better accuracy.

Method 3: Four at a time

This method is great for when you need a lot of geese, and the method itself can be mind-boggling, but it’s actually quite easy. Accuracy is extremely important for this method to turn out correctly.

Cut:
(1) 5 ¼” square of the main color
(4) 2 7/8” squares of contrasting color

Mark your small squares diagonally.

Place two of your small squares on the large square, one in the top left and one in the bottom right, overlapping slightly, with the markings making a diagonal line.