I've been using this method for years. The best I've ever found!

My problem about doing it this way is I usually buy the fabric I need for the pattern and then realize I need more to do it this way or do I? Not at all good with math :-)

No you don't need more fabric to do this as there's no waste with this method. Your large square needs to be
1 1/4" larger than your finished measurement and the 4 smaller squares need to be 7/8" larger than the finished measurement.
Let's say you want to make a 2"x4" flying geese. Your squares would be 5 1/4" and then four that are 2 7/8"
and you will get four flying geese that are the correct size.
The resulting flying geese will be 2.5" x 4.5". Does that help?
Sharon W. in Texas

This is so cool. I bookmarked and will definitely try it.

Thanks a bunch. You realy come up with great sites. Appreciate the time you put in. Anne

Thanks so much Sharon! I always thought I had to buy extra fabric but what I have to remember is to think through the cutting instructions before hand and not just cut per the instructions. I did try this a few times and found I had trouble cutting off the points when piecing .....do you find there is less of a seam allowance this way? When I make them the "waste" way I don't cut off the points....any thoughts?

Thanks so much for that link. It will be lovely to make Flying Geese without so much hassle and waste!

thank you always looking for info on how to make it simpler for me.

Another nice one!