Flying Geese

Hello StitchyMites!

I hope you're all ready to make more Flying Geese.​ Last week we learned about making them using half square triangle units - IMO the easiest option! There's a bunch of others though, I use the four at a time one a lot if I am making loads of them at a time.

I've done this via a video again for you, as I think a lot of you enjoyed that! I've popped the ratios for making the units to different sizes below for easy reference. First up is how I most often make either half square triangle units (like I showed you last week!) using a half square AND a quarter square triangle ruler. I always like using rulers for triangles - they're quick to cut, and quick and accurate to piece. These methods are good too though and they do help deal with bias for those who have triangle bias phobias!

Stitch and Flip

To make Stitch and Flip Flying Geese, cut the rectangle 1/2" larger than the finished flying goose, and the squares half the finished width plus 1/2"

So for a 3" x 6" finished flying goose, cut a rectangle 6 1/2" and two squares 3 1/2".

Four at a time

large squares = finished width of flying geese block + 1 1/4"

4 smaller squares = finished height of flying geese block + 7/8"

So for four 3" x 6" finished flying geese, you would cut one large square 7 1/4", and 4 small squares 3 7/8".

So here goes! This is a fabulous method of making Flying Geese which is quick, accurate and eliminates dealing with too much bias.

Step 1

Cut a large square 6 1/2" and four small squares 3 1/2". These ratios stay the same depending on what size you want your Flying Geese. This size squares produces Geese 3 1/8 x 5 3/4.

Step 2

Using a sharp pencil and a patchwork ruler, rule a line from point to point in one direction on each square. Then rule a line 1/4 to either side of that line.

Step 3

Place a small square at each diagonal corner of the large square, right sides together. The small squares will overlap in the centre by 1/4".

Step 4

Sew up both of the 1/4" lines that you ruled, but NOT up the centre line.

Step 5

Cut along the centre line, giving you two triangles.

Step 6

Press the two small triangles you have created open.

Step 7

Place another small square in the corner of the large triangle with the lines you ruled running towards the corner.

Step 8

Sew up the 1/4 inch lines as before.

Step 9

Cut the triangles apart along the centre line.

Step 10

Repeat with the other half triangle you have left, and you have created four Flying Geese!

Step 11

I know this is very patchwork teacher-y of me, but PLEASE make sure you trim the "ears" off your geese (and any other triangles you are piecing) before you piece them together! You will have a much nicer and flatter result if you do.

Have fun peeps!

Sarah x