How to Sew: Flying Geese Quilt Blocks One at a Time
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make Flying Geese quilt block units, one at a time, using the stitch & flip technique. Further down the page you’ll also find a useful demonstration video where you can watch this technique in action!
So, what are Flying Geese quilt blocks?
Well, they are one of the basic quilt blocks that you will see frequently either on their own, or combined with other blocks to make other designs.
Flying Geese quilt block units are rectangular, rather than square, and are based on a ratio of 2:1
i.e. they are twice as wide as they are high.
Flying Geese are made up of one larger triangle in the middle, known as the ‘geese’ and two smaller triangles to the left and right know as the ‘sky’.
GET the Step-by-Step Guide - How to Sew Flying Geese Quilt Blocks
Before you get started, if you’d like a useful print out of the step-by-step guide PLUS some really helpful advice on what do do if you’re still having issues PLUS how to make Half Square Triangles at the same time, then sign up for the newsletter below and a copy of this handy pdf will be sent to your inbox.
READ How to Flying Geese Quilt Blocks
Follow this super quick Step-by-Step Guide as to how to make Flying Geese quilt block units, one at a time. If you’d rather skip to the video, just scroll further down the page!
Step 1 – Prepare Fabrics (optional)
When making Flying Geese quilt blocks you will be sewing, pressing and cutting on the bias (i.e. diagonally across the straight grain) of the fabric. This means that there are a few times when the fabric can easily to stretch and distort out of shape. In order to minimise the risk of this happening, before cutting out, you can treat your fabrics with a spray of starch or starch alternative such as home-made sizing or something like Best Press or standard laundry starch spray.
Preparing your fabrics will give them a bit more body or crispness. It will also help to reduce fraying and it’s likely to help you with cutting accuracy.
Step 2 – Cut Fabrics
To make Flying Geese quilt block units you will need one rectangle and two identically sized squares. You can use the formulas below to calculate the sizes required or you can sign up for the step-by-step guide and cutting chart.
Rectangle =
(finished width + ½”) x (finished height + ½”)
Squares (cut 2) =
(finished height + ½”)
Step 3 – Mark Stitching Line
On the reverse of all both of the squares draw a line with a fabric marking pen that runs diagonally from point to point.
Step 4 – Position the First Square and Pin
Place the first square on top of the rectangle, with Right Sides Together (RST). The marked line should run diagonally across the corner of the rectangle as shown in this diagram.
Pin together if desired. If using pins, keep them clear of the stitching area.
WARNING!
Do not be tempted to sew the second square in place at this stage…you must wait until after the next step
Step 5 – Sew the First Square
Sew the width of a line of stitching to the right hand side of the drawn line (nearest the outer edge of the block), removing any pins as you go.
Sewing to the side of the line will result in a more accurate block.
BONUS
Want to make some Half Square Triangles at the same time?
Scroll down to see how you can make use of the scraps!
Step 6 – Pressing and Trimming
There are two different options when it comes to pressing and trimming:
Option 1 – Trim then Press Trim away the excess, ¼” away from the stitching line. Flip the triangle over the line of stitching and press.
Option 2 – Press then Trim (then press again!) Flip the triangle over the line of stitches towards the outer edges of the block. Line up the raw edges of the triangle with the raw edges of the rectangle underneath. Press in place. Allow the fabric to cool. Peel back the upper layer of the triangle and then trim away the excess, ¼” away from the stitching line. Press again if required. Watch the video for a demo of this method.
This second method can sometimes help with accuracy. Why not try both methods to see which one works best for you?
trimming
pressing
Step 7 – Add the Second Square
Repeat steps 4-6 to add the second square. The square being added will overlap the top of the first sky section at the top of the block.
Trim and press or press then trim as desired (see step 6 above).
BONUS – Make HSTs at the same time – no waste!
The excess fabric that is removed when using the Stitch & Flip technique can be used to make BONUS Half Square Triangles, which can be used in other patchwork projects.
There are two different options for making these HSTs. You can make them after trimming away the excess (after steps 6 & 7) or you can follow the steps below to make them at the same time as the rest of the main block.
Making BONUS HSTs at the same time:
When marking the smaller squares in step 3, mark an additional line ½” away from the central line.
Place the squares with the shorter, second line nearer the outer edge of the block.
Both lines of stitching can be sewn at the same time.
Cut between the lines of stitching to reveal a ready made HST at the same time as the Stitch & Flip quilt block.
Still Struggling with Accuracy?
If you are finding that your Flying Geese blocks are not coming out the anticipated size, double check the following:
• Size of starting squares and rectangle (did you cut them out exactly?)
• Position of stitching line. It needs to be just next to the line for best results
• Pressing, rather the ironing (don’t use a sweeping motion)
Failing all of that, check out the step-by-step guide (fill out the form above) for how to make your Flying Geese units oversized and how to trim them down accurately to get the perfect blocks you are looking for.
Want to Try a Different Method?
Making quilt blocks with Foundation Paper Piecing allows you to make accurate blocks, even when working on a smaller scale!
There are templates available for making individual Flying Geese Blocks or Strips of Flying Geese which are perfect for quilt borders.
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