Flying Goose Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Flying Goose Quilt Block

The Flying Goose is one of quilting’s most beloved classic blocks, creating a striking directional design perfect for borders, sashing, or full quilt tops.

Materials:

• Fabric for the goose (larger triangle)
• Fabric for the background (smaller triangles)
• Sewing machine & pins
• Iron and ironing board
• Rotary cutter or scissors, cutting mat & ruler

Instructions:

1. Cut one large triangle from the goose fabric. Its dimensions depend on your desired finished block size.
2. Cut four smaller background triangles. To determine their size, take the desired finished block size and add 1¼" to each dimension. For example, for a 6" finished block, cut four triangles measuring 4¼" on each side.
3. Place two smaller triangles right sides together with the large triangle, aligning the edges. Pin in place.
4. Sew along the long edge of the two small triangles with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams toward the small triangles.
5. Repeat steps 3–4 with the remaining two small triangles on the other side of the large triangle to form the goose’s wings.
6. Trim the excess fabric from the back of the block.
7. Repeat to create as many Flying Goose blocks as needed for your quilt.

Tips for success:

• Press seams well to ensure your block lays flat without puckers or wrinkles.
• Use a consistent seam allowance so all your blocks are the same size.
• Cut your triangles accurately for the best results.

Happy quilting!

Making Half-Square Triangles

This technique eliminates the need to directly manipulate the stretchy bias of the triangle. It uses two easy-to-cut squares to produce two half-square triangles.

On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner.

Stack a pair of light and dark squares right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam allowance on each side of the line.

You will end up with something like this:

Now cut along the diagonal line.

Press the seam to set it, then press toward the darkest fabric.

To trim to the exact size, line up the 45° diagonal on your ruler with the seam.

Then carefully trim your block with a rotary cutter.

Hidden Squares Technique

Sew the squares together.

Mark the wrong side of the unit with a pencil line aligning the corners of the squares and the intersection of the seams.

Line up the corner of the square or triangle you will add to the corner of the unit:

Sew a seam one thread’s width from the marked line — this tiny allowance makes room for the fold of the fabric so the point isn’t cut off the triangle. Then fold the triangle into position using the squares to assist alignment, and press.

Trim away excess fabric to reduce bulk, leaving a ¼" seam, and trim the ears.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Important: Always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You’ll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½" to both the length and width. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.

Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".