How to Make Flying Geese 3 Ways

Did you know there are three widely used methods for making a Flying Geese unit? The step-by-step tutorials below take a look at each method. Try them all to find your favorite! 

Methods for creating Flying Geese

The traditional Flying Geese method

The first approach is known as the traditional Flying Geese method. It consists of three loose triangles sewn together. The stitching is done on the bias edges and can cause the unit to stretch if not careful. I doubt this method is used much in our modern quilting world today.

Corner triangle Flying Geese method

The second approach is called the corner triangle Flying Geese method. It consists of one rectangle for the “goose” and two squares to create the “sky.” No bias edges are produced using this style.

The corner triangle method is simple and easy!

1. Begin by drawing a diagonal line on the wrong side of both ‘sky’ squares

2. Place one square even with the right side of the rectangle. With the fabrics right sides together, sew directly on the drawn line.

3. Trim away the excess fabric and press the “sky” into place

4. Add the second square in the same manner as above, but on the left side of the rectangle. Stitch, trim and press to complete the corner triangle Flying Geese unit.

5. Once the unit is complete, it should be the same size as the initial “goose” or rectangle measurement. Example: If the beginning rectangle size is 2” x 3-1/2,” the completed Flying Geese unit will also measure 2” x 3-1/2”.

The no-waste Flying Geese method

The last approach is called the no-waste Flying Geese method. No fabric is wasted and this method yields a total of four Flying Geese!

1. Begin with one large square for the “geese” and four smaller squares for the sky. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of all four “sky” squares.

2. Place two squares’ right sides together on top of the larger blue square. The smaller squares will overlap a bit and the drawn diagonal lines will act as one.

3. Stitch a ¼” seam on both sides of the drawn line

4. Cut the section apart using the drawn line as your guide.

5. Press the “sky” fabric up. There will be two units that look like this.

6. Place the remaining squares on top of each unit as shown below.

7. Stitch a ¼” on both sides of the diagonal line, cut apart on the drawn line and press.

Below are four completed Flying Geese made using the no-waste method.

Here’s a look at a completed block taken from the Farmer’s Wife Quilt Revival. This block called Buzzard’s Roost uses both the corner triangle and the no-waste Flying Geese methods.