Here is the first of the eight blocks in this series. Please enjoy the pictures below. This block finishes at 12″ (unfinished at 12 1/2″).
In my YouTube presentation, I show you three different ways to create the flying geese for the star. I just couldn’t resist the educational opportunity. You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can take the teaching out of the teacher!
The striped part of the block is made from red or white 2 1/2″ strips. See the chart at the bottom for lengths.
The empty corner in the above picture is filled by a 6 1/2″ star. I am making three blocks for my layout. What a great opportunity to make flying geese for the stars three different ways. You can choose your favorite method after giving them all a try. Keep in mind, the more you practice, the better your skills will become.
Here are the three methods:
Making two at a time half square triangles, that are combined to make geese, are probably easiest for beginners who might be intimidated by the flying geese block. I always make blocks oversized and trim to make them perfect. It does take a little extra time, but the results are much better for me.
The second method is sew and flip.
Sew and flip is great because it starts with the finished size block as a base. There is some waste unless you make bonus square triangles. (I only do this if the starting blocks are 2 1/2″ or bigger.)
The third technique is the four at a time method. I am calling it the flock o’geese method.
This method requires cutting less pieces. It is a technique to consider if you have adequate fabric pieces. I always make pieces larger so I can trim to have perfect pieces. I think this technique is the fastest and wastes the least amount of fabric.
Here is the geese fabric (plus corner squares) for each method. All three of these methods are worth perfecting!
Oh, I almost forget! Here are the centers of the stars…3 1/2″ squares.
Here is the finished block:
It is so cute!
Here are all three for my quilt layout:
Here is the printable PDF pattern sheet:
I hope you enjoy making these blocks!
Please remember to leave comments and feedback on my YouTube channel or Facebook page. Comments for this page are turned off because of spammers.
Later,
Lorrie
