This article has: Diagram, video, & chart with quilt math.
Beginner Friendly!
These days in late November it is starting to feel chilly in Rome. It makes for beautiful long walks under the crisp blue skies and sparkling sun, but the sun goes down early and it takes all the warmth with it. Then the chill really starts to set in and I start dreaming of warmer places. I question why I am not thinking like the birds who fly to warmer climates for the winter. Of course, because I have quilting on the brain, I also think about Flying Geese.
What are Flying Geese you may ask? In the quilt world Flying Geese look like this:
Flying Geese look like 3 triangles. There is one large triangle in the middle with two small triangles on each side. Where are the geese? I don’t know:) Haha!
It is very easy to make Flying Geese. In fact, by the end of this tutorial you’ll have them nailed down and you will impress everyone. Prepare yourself for oooh, and aahs!
This tutorial is based on my preference of “the old fashioned way” of making Flying Geese. The classic method of one at a time because I think it is the easiest.
If you Google how to make Flying Geese you will find a slew of tutorials. Here are the top two methods:
1) The classic method will give you one unit of Flying Geese at a time.
2) Some other methods will give you 4 or 8 Flying Geese units at a time.
Before you leave me to Google
“how to make 4 or 8 Flying Geese at a time.”
Read my pros and cons.
Classic Method – one unit at a time
PROS
- The quilt math is way simpler. I can’t say it enough. Simple, simple, simple, simple.
- The precision of the points and the unit will make you smile.
- In some ways, the one unit at a time goes a bit faster than the 4 -8 multiple version.
CONS
- There is some waste.
Multiple Method – 4 or 8 at a time
PROS
- You get more Flying Geese units at a time
- Little waste
CONS
- The precision is fine but not as precise as doing one unit at a time.
- You often have to trim down your flying geese unit (is this really a time saver??)
- Trimming the unit is not the simplest and sometimes you need a special ruler. One more thing to buy.
- The quilt math for multiple Flying Geese is not friendly. I feel comfortable calling it my enemy.
Diagrams for how to make Flying Geese – 1 unit
As you read, you will find: Diagrams and a video. There is even a chart with all the quilty math done for you.
I love easy;) Don’t you?
Take a look at this diagram to the right.
It shows the process of how to make Flying Geese.
The diagrams below show you the formula and measurements for how to make Flying Geese.
The formula is to add 1/2″ to the finished size. For example: You want your finished flying geese to be 4 x 2. To achieve this, you need to cut one rectangle 4.5″ x 2.5″. You need to cut 2 squares 2.5″ x 2.5″. Take a look at the charts below. Some of the math is done for you:)
You’re all set! Use the chart below to help you with your quilt math. Below is a video with a demonstration of how to make Flying Geese:)
Share photos on Instagram of your Flying Geese. I would love to see them!
Sending you happy thoughts from Rome! xo
Rachel
