No-waste method (four at a time)
This method makes four identical geese from one large square and four small squares, with no leftover triangles. It needs the classic 2:1 proportion (height = half the width).
- Large square (goose): finished width +
1¼" - Small squares (sky/background): finished height +
7/8", four per set
- Place two small squares on opposite corners of the large square, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line through both and sew ¼" on each side.
- Cut on the line and press the small triangles out.
- Place a small square on the remaining corner of each piece, draw a diagonal, sew ¼" on both sides, cut and press. Each half makes two geese.
Traditional stitch-and-flip method
Simpler to understand and works for any proportion, but it wastes two small triangles per goose (you can sew them into bonus HSTs).
- Rectangle (goose): (finished width + ½") × (finished height + ½")
- Squares (sky): finished height + ½", two per goose
Sew a square to one end of the rectangle on the diagonal, trim ¼" past the seam and press. Repeat on the other end with the diagonal going the other way.
Frequently asked questions
What size squares for 4" × 2" flying geese?
With the no-waste method, cut one 5¼" square for every four geese and four 2 7/8" squares of background. With stitch-and-flip, cut 4½" × 2½" rectangles and 2½" squares.
Can I make the no-waste geese oversized?
Yes. A common approach is to add 1½" to the large square and 1" to the small squares, then trim each goose to finished size + ½".
Which flying geese method is most accurate?
Many quilters find the no-waste method faster and the stitch-and-flip method easier to keep accurate. Trimming oversized units gives the best accuracy with either.