Flying Geese Guide
Flying geese are a classic quilt unit: a large triangle (the "goose") flanked by two smaller triangles (the "sky"). They appear in borders, star blocks, and sampler quilts, and getting the cut sizes right is what keeps them point-perfect.
Cut Sizes for the Regular Method
For the regular method, cut the sky squares at the finished height plus 0.5 inch, and the center geese rectangle at the finished width plus 0.5 inch by the finished height plus 0.5 inch. For a 4 by 2 inch finished unit, that means 2.5 inch sky squares and a 4.5 by 2.5 inch rectangle.
The No-Waste 4-at-a-Time Method
The no-waste method makes four identical geese from one large goose square and four small sky squares. Draw both diagonals on the sky squares, sew a scant 1/4 inch on each side, flip the corners, then repeat on the remaining corners. You end up with four geese and no fabric scraps left behind (beyond the tiny triangle trimmings).
Cut Sizes by Finished Unit
| Finished unit | Sky square | Geese rectangle |
|---|---|---|
| 2×4" | 2.5" | 4.5×2.5" |
| 3×6" | 3.5" | 6.5×3.5" |
| 4×8" | 4.5" | 8.5×4.5" |
Trimming for Sharp Points
Use a flying-geese ruler or a square ruler with a 45-degree line to trim each unit to its exact unfinished size. Keeping the goose point a scant 1/4 inch from the edge preserves the point when the block is sewn into the quilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size do I cut the sky squares for flying geese?
For the regular method, cut the sky squares at the finished geese height plus 0.5 inch. For a finished 4 by 2 inch unit, cut sky squares at 2.5 inches.
What size is the geese rectangle?
Cut the center geese rectangle at the finished width plus 0.5 inch by the finished height plus 0.5 inch. A 4 by 2 inch finished unit uses a 4.5 by 2.5 inch rectangle.
What is the no-waste 4-at-a-time flying geese method?
Start with one large goose square and four small sky squares. Sew and flip corners on both diagonals of the sky squares so you produce four identical flying geese with no leftover fabric.
What are common flying geese finished sizes?
Flying geese are usually twice as wide as they are tall: 2 by 4 inches, 3 by 6 inches, and 4 by 8 inches are the most common finished sizes used in borders and star blocks.
Piecing accuracy
Tools for perfectly squared blocks
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