Easy No Waste Flying Geese Quilt Block Tutorial
The no waste flying geese method is an efficient technique that eliminates fabric waste and speeds up the process. Flying geese quilt blocks are a favorite among quilters due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal.
Equipment
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting Ruler
- Sewing Machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric marking pen or pencil
Materials
- Fabric for geese main triangles
- Fabric for background small triangles
Estimated Cost 3
Instructions
Step 1: Cutting Fabric
- For this no-waste method, you'll need:
- One large square of geese fabric 5.25 inches by 5.25 inches. Using fractions, this would be 5 ¼” X 5 ¼”. This is the goose fabric.
- Four small squares of background fabric 2.875 inches by 2.875 inches. Using fractions, this would be 2 7/8” X 2 7/8”. This is the sky fabric.
- Ensure your cuts are precise for accurate blocks.
Step 2: Marking Guidelines
- On the wrong side of each small square, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner using a fabric marking pen or pencil.
Step 3: Placing Pieces
- Align two small squares onto opposite corners of the larger square with the right sides together. The marked line should be facing up.
- The two small squares will overlap just a little bit in the middle. Pin them in place.
Step 4: Sewing
- Sew a scant ¼” seam on both sides of the drawn line. A scant seam is just a little less than ¼”.
- Remove the pins as you come up to them. Don’t forget to sew a scant ¼” seam allowance on BOTH sides of the line!
Step 5: Cutting and Pressing
- Cut apart on the drawn line to separate into two units. You can use either a rotary cutter or carefully cut along the line with a scissors to separate into two units.
- Press each of the units open toward the small “sky” triangle pieces. Some people think that at this stage they look a bit ling “dog ears” poking out.
Step 6: Adding the Remaining Small Squares
- For each of the two units align a small square onto the corner without anything sewn to it with the right sides together. The diagonal line should be facing up. Pin in place
- Sew a scant ¼” seam on each side of the drawn line.
Step 7: Sewing and Cutting Again
- Sew a scant quarter-inch seam on both sides of the drawn diagonal lines. Cut apart on the drawn line of each unit and press the units open toward the small “sky” pieces.
- You will now have four flying geese blocks with no fabric waste!
Notes
