A flying geese quilt pattern is a classic patchwork quilt design that consists of triangle shapes resembling flying geese. The pattern has been popular with quilters for over a century due to its versatile design and striking visual effect. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and uses of the flying geese quilt pattern.
What is the history of the flying geese quilt pattern?
The flying geese quilt pattern has origins dating back to the late 19th century during the Victorian era. However, the pattern did not gain widespread popularity until the 1930s and 1940s. The pattern’s name comes from the distinctive shape of the patchwork pieces, which resemble a flock of flying geese when sewn together in rows. Some of the earliest examples of flying geese quilts come from Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.
In the 1930s, the pattern saw a resurgence in popularity due to the influence of Ruby McKim, a pioneer in quilt pattern design. McKim published the first patterns specifically for flying geese in the Kansas City Star newspaper. Her patterns inspired other designers and ignited interest in the flying geese design.
By the 1950s, flying geese were a quilting staple. The pattern was beloved for scrap quilts since quilters could use novelty prints and fabric scraps to create the triangular shapes. The flying geese pattern offered an artful way to creatively repurpose fabric remnants.
What are the typical design features?
The most distinctive feature of a flying geese quilt is the flock of triangle “geese” shapes. Traditionally, each flying goose consists of a larger triangle and two smaller right-angle triangles. The geese are arranged in diagonal rows to create the illusion of motion and flight.
Flying geese blocks can be constructed using different techniques:
- Traditional piecing – sewing triangle pieces together
- Foundation paper piecing – sewing fabric to a paper pattern
- No-waste method – cutting geese shapes from squares or rectangles
The size of the finished flying geese block can range from just a few inches across to over 12 inches. It’s common to see flocks comprised of geese in varied sizes for visual interest.
Borders, sashing strips, and alternating block patterns are often used to complement and frame the focal flying geese blocks. Quilters also get creative with fabric selection to make the geese stand out.
What are some common ways to use this pattern?
The flying geese quilt pattern adapts well to projects of all sizes. Here are some common ways the pattern is incorporated:
- Lap quilts: A small flying geese quilt with around 20-30 blocks makes an ideal lightweight lap quilt.
- Baby quilts: Miniature geese blocks are well-suited for infant quilts. The pattern can be used alone or mixed with other patchwork designs.
- Throw quilts: Medium-sized geese blocks work well for lightweight throw blankets, often paired with a solid color fabric.
- Bed quilts: For a Queen or King size bed, larger 6-12 inch geese blocks are ideal and can number in the hundreds.
- Accent pieces: The flying geese pattern also appears on pillows, tote bags, table runners, and other projects as accent pieces.
The flexible pattern can be executed in any size and adapted to projects large and small. Quilters often incorporate flying geese sashing, borders, or medallion duos on projects to complement other blocks.
What are some tips for sewing an accurate flying geese block?
Here are some key tips for sewing neat, precise flying geese units:
- Use an accurate cutting method such as a quilting ruler and rotary cutter.
- Take time to properly pin pieces together before sewing.
- Trim “dog ears” in the seam allowances to reduce bulk.
- Press seams toward the darker fabric after stitching each piece.
- Use a 1⁄4″ seam allowance for all stitching.
- Square up the finished geese blocks using a quilting ruler.
- Use care when joining rows to avoid distorting bias edges.
Proper pressing, trimming, and stitching accuracy are key for creating flying geese units that match up neatly when assembled into rows or blocks.
What are some common design variations?
The classic flying geese pattern provides a versatile foundation for endless design options. Some common variations include:
- Jumbo geese – Extra-large geese sized 8-16 inches or more create a bold, graphic look.
- Tumblers – The geese point in different directions across the quilt.
- Flying ducks – The pattern is executed in brighter colors with yellow beaks added.
- On point – The finished flying geese blocks are set diagonally on point instead of straight.
- Sashed – Sashing strips frame each block to provide separation.
- Borders – Geese units create lively sawtooth or stair step borders.
Quilters also enjoy using novelty prints, gradating colors, and unique color placement to create modern flying geese quilt designs.
What are some ideas for choosing fabrics?
The flying geese pattern looks striking in both scrappy improvised settings as well as controlled color schemes. Here are some tips for selecting fabrics:
- Showcase multiple prints by using a different fabric for each goose triangle.
- Use small-scale prints so the individual motifs remain visible.
- Stick to a color scheme such as neutrals, pastels, or bold batiks.
- Gradient fabrics blended from light to dark create dimension.
- Solid fabrics in alternating colors provide a cleaner, modern look.
- Mixing solids with subtle prints adds depth without being busy.
For a traditional look, small florals, calicos, and chintz prints are classic choices. Modern geese quilts often utilize bright colors, lines, stripes, polka dots, and graphic prints.
What tools do you need to make this quilt pattern?
A basic quilting toolkit is all you need to start a flying geese quilt. Recommended supplies include:
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter, rulers, and mat
- Basic quilting rulers – 6″ x 24″, 6″ square, etc.
- Flying geese specialty ruler (optional)
- Basic quilting supplies – pins, scissors, seam ripper, etc.
- Quilting thread in neutral or matching colors
- Design wall (or large open floor space)
Many quilters enjoy using specialty flying geese rulers with angle guidelines marked. This helps cut precise triangles easily. However, the pattern can be executed successfully using only basic quilting tools.
What other tips help make the process easier?
Here are some additional pointers for an easier flying geese quiltmaking experience:
- Use starch or sizing to stabilize bias edges.
- Chain piece the geese units for efficiency.
- Use a Design wall to audition block placement before sewing rows.
- Be thorough when pressing – don’t skimp on this important step!
- Check measurements as you go to catch errors early.
- Use a 1⁄4″ foot or tape guide for perfect seam allowances.
- Trim dog ears diligently to reduce bulk in the seams.
Take it slow and be precise during the cutting and piecing process. This will pay off with perfectly matched geese and rows. A design wall is also invaluable for arranging the flock before committing it to fabric.
What are some ideas for quilting flying geese blocks?
It’s important to choose a quilting design that complements the pieced geese without being too dense or distracting. Here are some quilting options to consider:
- Outline the geese – Stitch just inside the seam lines of each triangle with a walking foot.
- Stipple the background – Fill the background around the geese with tight allover stippling.
- Diagonal lines – Echo the direction of the geese with diagonal quilting lines.
- Swirls – Gentle swirls in the alternate triangle direction add flow.
- Clamshells – Interlocking clamshell shapes can be stitched in straight rows.
The size of the quilting stitches should complement the scale of the patchwork. Heavier threads like 12-weight cotton or polyester are often used for definition.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Even experienced quilters can struggle with the bias edges and precision sewing involved in flying geese blocks. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Inaccurate cutting leads to pieces not lining up properly.
- Forgetting to square up geese units results in blocks of varied sizes.
- Incorrect seam allowances distort the block measurements.
- Not pressing seams flat causes bumps and tucks in the seams.
- Rushing assembly and not using pins leads to mistakes.
- Poor fabric quality can stretch along the bias.
- Overhandling and tugging bias edges distorts the shapes.
Cut meticulously, press carefully, and handle bias edges gently. Keeping blocks pinned until they are sewn locked in place also prevents stretching and distortion issues.
Conclusion
With its striking flocks of triangle beaks pointing every which way, it’s easy to see why the flying geese quilt pattern has been popular for generations of quilters. The possibilities are endless for putting your own creative stamp on this classic patchwork design. Whether made scrappy, controlled, large, or small, a flying geese quilt combines visual excitement, timeless appeal, and endless versatility.