QOV Block
“A Tribute to Yoda”, designed by Lisa Sutherland, is one of the suggested quilt patterns for the Quilts of Valor (QOV) program for the CT Piecemakers Quilt Guild in Trumbull, CT.
The block in this quilt includes flying geese blocks. There are several methods for making these blocks but we all agree that crisp clean points are the hallmark of a well-sewn flying geese block.
Access this free pattern on the official QOV website by visiting: https://www.qovf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/A-Tribute-To-Yoda.pdf for complete directions on how to sew and assemble the blocks and quilt top.
Flying Geese Block method #1
In preparation for the QOV workshop I experimented with several methods of assembling and cutting a flying geese block. What follows is my favorite method as it proved to be fast, easy and didn’t waste fabric.
Measurements below will result in flying geese blocks sized for the “Tribute to Yoda” quilt referenced above.
The pattern calls for two different sizes of flying geese blocks.
The larger block will be cut to 3 1/2″ x 6″. Cut the “goose” fabric to measure 7 1/2″ square and the four pieces of “sky” fabric to each measure 4″.
The smaller block will be cut to 2″ x 3 1/2″. Cut the “goose” fabric to measure 4 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ square and the four pieces of “sky” fabric to each measure 2 1/2″.
This method will result in 4 equally sized flying geese blocks.
Use your favorite marking tool to draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the four smaller squares.
RST, lay each of the smaller blocks on top of a large block, matching corners as shown above. The lines drawn will align and the squares will overlap a bit.
Use a straight stitch to sew 1/4 on each side of the drawn lines from corner to corner.
Use your rotary cutter to cut along the drawn line, cutting the blocks into 2 sections each.
Press seams towards the smaller blocks.
With RST, lay another small square on top of each split section.
Once again, sew a straight line 1/4″ on each side of the drawn lines.
Use your rotary cutter to cut along the original diagonal lines. Press the seams open toward the smaller squares. You now have four flying geese units.
Trimming Flying Geese Block Method #1
Begin by trimming the top of the block with a generous 1/4″ seam allowance.
Trim the opposite side to equal the finished measure of the height of the block.
A rotary cutting mat is vital at this point. Line up the top point of the block with a 1″ line on the mat. Divide the width of the block by 2. Use your rotary cutting ruler to measure and trim the block to half of the width.
Flip the block. Use your ruler to trim the block to the entire width of the block.
Flying Geese Block Method #2
The cutting measurements of block pieces when using the Wing Clipper ruler to trim are slightly different. Please be certain to check the chart included in the directions for the correct measurements.
For those of us who enjoy the security of using a ruler to measure our pieces, the Wing Clipper ruler by Deb Tucker is a sure thing. Deb has put together a wonderful YouTube video explaining the process from start to finish. The directions, included with the ruler, come with a chart of dimensions to guide rotary cutting the necessary pieces. Watch Deb’s YouTube video here:
This is one sure way to make flying geese blocks with crisp clean points!
Looking to purchase a Wing Clipper ruler? Click on the link to find it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NstBiV
If you make a purchase, it won’t raise your cost, but I’ll be paid a bit.