There are different methods to making flying geese units. Making the units by stitching triangles together is the most obvious method of construction.
Cut the fabric
Flying geese are made with two types of triangles. The large triangle is a quarter square and the smaller triangles are half squares.
- for the large triangle, cut a square 7-1/4″ (finish size plus 1-1/4″)
- for the smaller triangles, cut a square 3-7/8″ (finish size plus 7/8″)
Cut the squares into triangles. Three of the large triangles are excess. It is nice if you are making four flying geese units.
It is obvious how they are laid out.
Stitch
Stitch the first side on, right sides together.
Take care not to stretch the side of the larger triangle as it is a bias edge and easily distorted.
Fold the small triangle back and finger press. Then press with an iron, being careful not to move the iron in a back and forth direction.
Add the second side in the same way.
Measure the finished piece and trim to size if necessary. Be sure to allow 1/4″ beyond the tip of the background triangle for seam allowance.
You’re done!
What is good about this method
- cutting is simple
- construction is intuitive
- little fabric waste
What isn’t good about this method
- cutting an stitching must be exact
- bias edges easily stretch
Rating: 2 out of 5
The good things about this method don’t out weigh the bias edges. Unless you are very careful, they will easily distort. Once they stretch, you can’t correct.
Exception: If you have a die cutter to cut the pieces to the exact size, the rating goes to 4 out of 5.
Check out this tutorial for everything you need to know about die-cutting flying geese.
Elizabeth DeCroos
designer, teacher, speaker
Elizabeth enjoys doing all types of sewing and needlework and teaching others new techniques. Find out how to take a course or workshop.