I too prefer the rectangle and two squares method. I sew the trimmings together and often use them in the border of the quilt.

My favorite method is also the rectangle with two squares. When I trim, I keep the two scrap triangles together in a zip loc baggy (quart size) and then use them as leaders and enders making HST. Typically, from a FG unit that finishes at 2" x 4" (the size I seem to use more than any other) the scrap HST after squaring up I can get an unfinished 1 3/4" HST. Many times I further trim down to 1 1/2" size as I use that size a lot more. I then store the squared up HST in zip loc bags according to size. I am saving them up to make a tree of life scrap quilt but there are thousands of block patterns that use HST.

I agree with Krisb. I make HST IF they are big enough! (I can get kind of obsessive about using EVERY little piece!) If they are too little they go into my dog bed scraps. I also like to sew two together to get a scrappy flying goose. I have a project in mind for those-SOMEDAY!

Yes! I do the very same thing.....sure makes a difference in joining those blocks!

I use QIAD's Flying Geese rulers.

We learned how to use the ruler in a BOM class: as the years have gone by I've bought every set from the tiny geese to the giant flying honkers.

I'll add that buying that first ruler wasn't a requirement for that month's block: she also showed us how to make them using the rectangle and two squares. But once I tried EB's ruler, there was no going back!

BTW, if you ever have a chance to see Eleanor's show at a quilt show, go! She's an absolute scream. :D

Me too, I toss them!

I do the same. And I don't save the triangles. Of course, I've only made small flying geese so there isn't much waste. [I know, some of you are freaking out!:D]

There is a method called "no waste flying geese" and once I found that method, that's the only way I make them. Do a Google search for this method to get the sewing instructions.

I found this to be a good tute on "no waste". I like this method as they seem to come out so crisp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTYlIFgpXQ

I made a quilt that had over 200 flying geese units so I experimented with several ways to make flying geese. The best way I found is the Eleanor Burns method. After hours of frustration and uneven patches I love making the geese blocks with this method. Come out perfect every time.