A pursuit of a focus on the Flying Geese quilt pattern, one of the most beloved quilt patterns! Some quilt designs are so classic and so popular throughout the times that they have simply stuck around. There are good reasons for this. It’s straightforward, yet replete with meaning. I mean, why wouldn’t it be from a migratory geese?
They say that these little triangles were historically used as a symbol for the Underground Railroad and therefore aided in leading people to freedom. Well, that begs the question of whether every stitch made in this quilt has its unique story associated with it!
I can still remember my first encounter with a Flying Geese quilt. I remember picturing those charming geese all flying diagonally on the quilt as I held the quilt looking mesmerized by the beauty. It’s a breathtaking quilting alternative. Who wouldn’t want to give it a go – quilting with flying objects?
1. What I Learned About the Characteristics of a Flying Geese Block
It is constituted of two large triangles; one large “goose” triangle which is the basal triangle and two other smaller “sky” triangles which are the lateral triangles. All the parts of a flying goose block are the upper left right and lower sky panels. This is the beauty of the quilt-patterned triangle sandwich! A famous example is a triangle sandwich that originates from those hot cuts that everyone talks about! (well, at least that is how I prefer referring to it).
The great thing about Flying Geese is that they are unlike jeans which can be categorized as a favorite—they can be found in almost every quilt, no matter how simple or overly intricate and detailed the design is. Plus, they give everything an added feel of movement. I mean, geese are always on the move especially when migrating to warmer climates, hence the patterns and so on bring about considerable movement to the quilt.
2. The Tools and Materials I Can’t Quilt Without
Now that you are interested, let’s prepare you for the work and the real fun! It is always a team effort and in any force there are sidekicks. Out of these sidekicks, these tools have more fabric and fewer capes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fabric for Geese: For a small quilt, a yard is enough but if you feel confident you can always buy extra. Once, I made the foolish assumption that I would only need one yard. Little did I realize there was a ‘sale’ on…lesson learned!
Fabric for Sky: Same as the Geese fabric. Fabric needed need not be on the lower side, 1 yard should be a good option for a baby quilt. And yet again, just to be safe, I always buy a little extra fabric. One never knows if that one triangle part will go crazy in the sewing machine.
Background and Border Fabric: This area can surely be handled by one to two yards of border and sash, in case, one does not tend to go overboard as usual when dealing with fabrics.
Some cutting equipment will be required, as well. If you believed you could rely on simply a pair of scissors, then it is a reality check for you. Oh boy, I attempted. There was chaos all over.
Rotary Cutter: This is like a samurai sword for quilters. Just fast and accurate.
Cutting Mat: This is very important unless you want your countertops to kiss the fabric paint. I discovered that the hard way.
Quilting Ruler: Assists in keeping the fabric cuts even, therefore helping you avoid the random triangle’s embarrassing features. Trust me, wonky triangles are not going to work.
And while these tools are optional, I wouldn’t want to live without them:
Seam Ripper: You are a human, therefore you will be faulty. A promise I swear. In these circumstances, a person will be grateful for the seam ripper.
Fabric Marking Pen: Ideal for the outlining of your stitching lines. Everything will not have to be rough-eyed and will be good.
These tools are also perfect for creating other quilting projects, such as a decorative table runner.
3. How I Measure Up My Flying Geese Units
Okay, let us get to the point. A Flying Geese unit consists of three pieces, which are one large triangle, the “goose,” and two smaller triangles, the “sky.” One thing to remember: the width of any finished Flying Geese block will always be two times the height. For example, if the block is 4 inches in width, the block will be 2 inches in height.
Basic sizes can be noted down as:
- 2 by 4 inches finished size (2.5 by 4.5 inches rough cut)
- 3 by 6 inches finished size (3.5 by 6.5 inches rough cut)
- 4 by 8 inches finished size (4.5 by 8.5 inches rough cut)
For those looking to add more variety, consider incorporating applique techniques alongside your Flying Geese blocks.
I love working on these sorts of blocks. They are so simple that they can be done by novices but manage to leave people spellbound. And quite frankly, I enjoy the scope of being a quilting magician every once in a while.
4. Cutting Your Fabric (Don’t Be Afraid, I Got You Covered)
Now that you’ve got all your materials, let’s get to fabric cutting. Calm down! It is the cutting that most people (alright, me) mess up in the most, but with a bit of concentration, it will be easy for the most part.
Wash and iron the fabric—wrinkles in the fabric like missing socks when doing laundry are magically annoying and will only cause problems in the long run if not taken care of. Just trust me and do the washing and ironing first.
Cutting the Geese: You will have to cut triangles (geese) of large size. For a finished unit measuring 4 inches by 8 inches, cut your starting fabric to the size 8.5 inches by 4.5 inches.
Cutting the Sky: Cut two 4.5-inch squares. However, for goodness’ sake, make sure you have the right measurements first before you get your tools. I once believed I had completely solved a problem: it turned out, regrettably, I fabricated everything one inch smaller than required. D’oh!
Pro tip: Use a new blade in your rotary cutter. Damaged cuts of fabric can be likened to the blunder of the day in the practice of quilting.
5. Time to Assemble My Flying Geese Blocks!
Finally, the most enjoyable: everything is being constructed! This can be accomplished in the following ways:
Traditional Method: A rectangle is considered large and two squares are small. Diagonal lines are to be drawn on the surface of the squares, which should then be sewn along the lines, and trimmed. Repeat for the second square.
No-Waste Method: This one’s a little fancier. Begin with one large square and four smaller squares, draw diagonal lines, and sew along the lines. Cut, press, and repeat. It’s like a fun quilting puzzle.
What is the answer to all of this? Pinning. You must do it. I had to find out the unpleasant way when I was disappointed to see that one of the geese had a nasty turned head.
Finishing Touches Letting everything is ready, it is time for you to press seams and cut the blocks into final shapes. This is the most important step after every single piece has been fused onto the quilt. There is nothing worse than saying, “I’ll press this piece after I finish everything” and your quilt will make it look awful. Anyone would want their quilt to have a checkpoint. Everything looks more polished after a good press.
When your blocks look the same, try to arrange them on the floor and hold them for a second on your design wall or even better, a grid, and start arranging them. Now is the time to let your imagination free.
6. Tips for Success
And now is the time for me to share all the secrets I had to uncover the hard way, by failing a lot and ripping dozens of seams.
Cut the fabric once but measure twice. You have no idea how I wished I could have cut once. Never miss a measurement!
Don’t forget the pressing step. I know it’s tempting, but don’t do it. The blocks that have been perfectly made will always be worth the extra effort.
Ensure that all the pieces have the same size and seams. Once I forgot too, so I did not measure, and let’s just say my quilt came out more trapezium than I would have liked it to. This is so bad!
Thus, in conclusion, this is a beginner’s guide on how not to become chaos in a Flying Geese quilt party. It will only take you a little patience and plenty of fun, and humor, the fabric where your quilt will be ready and it will be flying high.
