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      Geese & Gander

      An original pattern by Christine Schnaufer.

      As published in Traditional Quilts © 1994
      and published here with permission of the author.
      Revised from original article July, 2001

      This is an easy and original way to make the pieced pattern called Flying Geese. This method is so accurate and easy, you may find it is the only method you choose to use to create your geese!!!

      Making Your 3-D Flying Geese:

      Note: These instructions make a Flying Geese unit that measures 5.5 x 3" before sewing it into a top or project. The finished size is 2.5 x 5" once sewn into a quilt or other project. For other sizes, use the formula shown near the end of the page.

      [IMAGE: Two 3 inch squares of background fabric]

      From each color of your background fabrics, cut two 3" squares.

      [IMAGE: One 5½ x 3 inch rectangle for each center 'goose']

      From each color of your geese fabric, cut one rectangle, 5½" x 3".

      [IMAGE: Fold Your Goose Fabric]

      		Fold the geese fabric rectangle in half, wrong sides together. You should end up with a folded piece of fabric that is 2¾" x 3".

      [IMAGE: Layering the background and goose fabric]

      		Place the folded geese onto the right side of one 3" square. Align only the lower corners. The folded edge of the goose fabric should be UP and the two raw edges should be down.

      [IMAGE: Layer & Sew Your Geese]

      		Cover this stack with the other background square, all right sides together, and sew along one side using a ¼" seam. You may sew on either edge, just be sure that the folded edge of the geese fabric is UP, between the layers of the background fabric.

      [IMAGE: Your Finished Flying Goose Unit]

      Open and press the geese open. Be careful to press each goose fabric evenly, as this is a secret to creating perfect geese. Your pressed triangle/'goose' should look balanced from side to side.

      You will find that you have the right ¼" seam allowance already built into the top of the patch, and that as you sew the geese together into rows, the outside and bottom seam allowance gives perfect points!

      Hints for Using Your 3-D Flying Geese:

      To assemble your geese into a project, make the desired number of rows of geese and lay them side by side until you have a pleasing arrangement.

      If you are using the Flying Geese units in a pattern that uses sashing strips, take care to align the geese across from one another. An easy way to check yourself is to place the row of geese right sides together on top of the sashing strip. This way you can make sure each goose is parallel to the row your have already sewn.

      It is fun to join your strips together with a strip of striped or patterned fabric.

      Once your geese are assembled into a top or project, I recommend quilting only the background squares, and/or the sashing and borders to give full accent to the geese.

      Try experimenting and arranging your geese in a variety of patterns. They will be a project you will love to show off! Place a row down a sleeve or diagonally across a sweatshirt. If you are daring, let a row come up the side of your jeans. Anywhere you use them expect compliments!

      Making Geese in Any Size, The Formula:

      You can make your Flying Geese in any size using the following formula:

      Size of squares = 1/2 inch larger than the desired finished height of the overall unit.

      Height of the rectangle = same as the squares you cut.

      Width of the rectangle = width of square times two minus 1/2 inch.

      In other words, if you cut 2" squares, you would cut the rectangle 2" x 3.5"

      If you need more help with the math please E-mail Christine.

      Here's a star variation made using the 3-D Flying Geese
      for the points of the star.
      Thanks to Rita for sharing!

      Share your 3-D Geese success stories!

      [IMAGE: E-mail Christine

      (I'd love to hear how your 3-D Flying Geese Project turns out!)

      © Copyright Christine Schnaufer, 1994-2003
      All Rights Reserved.

      Original page posted: January 6, 1999

      Revised: July 18, 2001

    End of page