The Art of Flying Geese: Three Techniques You Gotta Try

Hey there, my fabulous quilting friends!

Today, we’re going to dive beak-first into one of quilting’s most iconic elements – the Flying Geese block. 🦢✨ But hold onto your rotary cutters, because we're not just winging it with the basics. Oh no, we're soaring through three fabulous methods to create these beauties, each with its own flair. Ready to take flight? Let’s flap into it!

1. Stitch and Flip – The Classic With a Twist

First up, the good old “stitch and flip.” It’s like the comfort food of quilting techniques – familiar, cozy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for beginners and seasoned quilters alike, this method is as straightforward as it sounds.

When should you use this method? You would use it any time you want to sew scrappy Flying Geese units made from a variety of fabrics, especially when they also have different sizes, as in this quilt here.

2. No Waste Method – Because We’re Quilters, Not Wasters

Next, we're getting eco-chic with the “no waste” method. Four geese at a time, with not a scrap left behind – it’s like magic! If you haven’t tried this method yet, prepare to have your quilting socks knocked off. And if you’re thinking, “But Zen Chic, show me the ways!” – fear not! Check out our YouTube tutorial where we break it down, step by eco-friendly step.

When should you use this method? If you're using at least 4 times the same fabrics and the same unit size in your Flying Geese blocks, like in Zen Chic's Twisted Geese Quilt, this method is a real time and material saver.

3. Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP) – Precision is Key

And finally, for our friends who love a bit of quilting acrobatics, FPP takes the goose cake. It’s like the tightrope walk of quilting – thrilling, precise, and oh-so-rewarding. With FPP, you can achieve those sharp points and intricate designs that make your quilt say, “I’m not just a quilt; I’m a masterpiece.” And because others have also recognized this as a clever technique, there are even such helpful tools as Triangles on a Roll.

When should you use this technique? Anytime you're sewing a whole row of Flying Geese blocks together like in Zen Chic’s Sky Quilt here. And when the angles of the Flying Geese leave the traditional 45° - like in the picture at the bottom - paper piecing becomes essential.

But Wait, There’s More!

If you thought Flying Geese were just a flock of triangles, think again. We’re cooking up something that’s going to elevate your geese game to stratospheric heights. 🚀 Imagine a method that not only respects the tradition but also flips it on its head with a modern twist. Intrigued?

Stay tuned because we’re about to unveil an approach to Flying Geese that will change the way you quilt. It’s part of our upcoming “FLY WITH ME” course – a journey that promises to be nothing short of reshaping the Flying Geese block.

“FLY WITH ME” online class can be booked from May 2024

So, what’s your favorite method? Are you a classic stitch and flipper, an eco-conscious no waster, or a precision-loving FPP’er? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Until next time, keep your seams straight and your imagination wild. Happy quilting, everyone! 🧵✨