Cut It Up QAL: B02 – Flying Geese

I think it’s time to throw another block for the Cut It Up QAL into the mix! By now, most of you have assembled some of your top shelf fabric, and have even cut it up for the first block. If you haven’t quite got there yet, no stressing, because this quilt is all about you. Get there when you want; it’s your house, put your feet up whenever/wherever you like! I want you to have another great quilting tool in your arsenal, so that’s where today’s block takes us: flying geese! They are one of the most foundational blocks in quilting, and can be used in numerous combinations and sizes. Because I know we’re all using some of our most beloved fabrics, I put together a photo tutorial for the no-waste, four-at-a-time method of making flying geese.

Remember, this is only one out of the many ways to make flying geese! You don’t have to follow this method, or even make them at all! For my quilt, I’m using the 2″ x 4″ Finished Size in the chart below, and I have made sixty of them. I know, that seems like a mother-ducking lot! However, that’s only repeating the process below fifteen times, and these are very easily chain-pieced. This will give you enough flying geese to make three, 12.5″ square blocks (assembled however you like), or you could use the flying geese sporadically throughout the quilt design. I’ll check back in soon with how I’m laying my quilt out, but for now, time to start flying!

Some final tips: this method leaves you with an exposed bias-edge which can stretch, so you just want to handle with care once they’re complete. Also, best not to use directional fabrics for this method if you are concerned about your lines all running the same direction. Get creative and honk if you need help!

1. Choose the desired finished size of your flying geese and cut required fabric squares.

2. Layout fabric square components.

3. Mark each of the smaller squares on the diagonal, on the back side of the fabric using a non-permanent marking device. I’ve used a Hera marker. (I’m using solid fabric so marking either side works).

4. Position two of the smaller squares on the larger square, right sides together, so that the marked lines are in alignment. The squares will slightly overlap.

5. Sew a quarter inch on both sides of the marked line.

6. Cut the unit in half on the marked line.

7. Press the “wings” over.

8. Position the remaining two squares on the units as per above.

9. Sew a quarter inch on both sides of the marked line.

10. Cut the units in half on the marked line.

11. Press the “wings” over.

12. Trim off the dog ears.