I really feel a need to share this. It can't just be me who knows how. Flying geese are so simple to do. I read instructions for cutting off corners, or working with triangles, or expensive rulers and I just don't get it. Instead....
Add 7/8" to the finished height of the small triangle. Cut 4 squares this size.
Add 1 1/4" to the finished base of the large triangle. Cut 1.
On wrong side of small squares: Draw diagonal, then draw sewing line 1/4" from both sides. There are awesome 1/2" rulers that make this a snap.
Place 2 small squares on top of one large square across one diagonal- right sides together. Sew on marked sewing lines (both sides). Cut on diagonal, press. (I usually press to the darker fabric.) Place the remaining squares in the blank spot of the resulting pieces. Sew on the sewing lines. Cut again on the diagonal.
You now have 4 completed geese, no waste, and accuracy beyond belief.
A few examples:
For a 2" x 4" goose - cut 4 @2 7/8, cut 1@ 5 1/4. Makes 4.
For a 2 1/2 x 5 goose - cut 4 @ 3 5/8, cut 1 @ 6 3/4. Makes 4
This is really simple math. Anyone can do it. No waste is a fabulous thing.
Try it. I hope you love it as much as I do.

i bookmarked this! Thanks for sharing.

So did I- thanks so much!!

I use the one seam method for making all flying geese blocks and it's super simple but makes only one at a time. Do you mind if I use your method for a demo at my guild?

I don't mind at all. Like I said - I felt a need to share this. It's super easy!

thanks

Ayiyi!
I just read through my careful directions. When you add 1 1/4" to the size of the base of the large triangle - cut a SQUARE that size. Most of you saw that error but I don't want to mess anyone up. 5 squares = 4 geese. Couldn't be simpler - unless the directions aren't clear enough.
Make a note...

can you do a tutorial on this and put in the tutorial section here on the board, thanks

Thank you.

Thanks...I bought the fancy ruler and got great results, but the total amount of waste was way too much...and I was just making a baby quilt. Can't wait to try your method.