Originally Posted by ktbb

let's try this explanation. The full block has 8 flying geese in it and the finished size of the block is 12 by 12. (I always work with finished sizes then add seam allowance a the end). In the placement of the final clock, each side of the finished large block has four units (one goose equals half of the side and the ends of two other geese make up the other half of that side. Draw out your block, or look at a photo of a block to make sure you understand this.

This means that to get what the video call length of the block is the longest measurement - which takes up one half of one side...that means 12 inches divided by 2 equals 6 inches finished for the length.

In the same way, the width of the block is the shortest measurement of the individual goose block - looking at the drawing/photo, you see that two of these fit into one half of the finished block. Therefore, four would fit into one side if you placed them that way...and 12 inches divided by 4 is 3 inches....which is what the video calls the width of the block.

The formula for cutting your squares is:

Large square = finished length of 6 inches plus 1 1/4 inches...so cut the big square 7 1/4 inches
small squares = finished width of 3 inches plus 7/8 inches...so cut 4 small squares 3 7/8 inches

does that make sense? Given this formula - you can figure the dimensions for any size of flying geese I want to make....this is a great formula. thanks for asking the question.