I'm making a Flying Four Patch block and the Flying Geese part of it is coming out awful. The tips of the points keep getting cut off, the blocks are coming out crooked, and it's not ironing out right. What am I doing wrong?

I'm using a 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangle and then I'm trying to sew on two 2 1/2" squares. I got the measurements here:
http://www.quilterscache.com/F/Flyin...atchBlock.html
And on Page 2 you'll find the instructions on how to sew them together to make the Flying Geese.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

some random suggestions:
pin the pieces together
starch the fabric really well
don't chain piece. I rush alot when I chain piece and tend to get sloppy so take it slow
mark your sewing lines (some people just sew straight across)
recheck your measurements and try sewing the scant 1/4 inch seam.

Also, don't "iron." Just "press" and don't use steam. Steam distorts the fabric

I pressed the fabric, used my pins, marked the line and they still came out looking horrible. I give up for tonight. I might come back and look at it again tomorrow. Thanks for your help, hopetoquilt.

If you still have trouble tomorrow, post some pix and maybe that will help trigger a solution from one of us.

Good idea, will do. Thanks!

Ellenor Burns has a beautiful flying geese ruler, it comes in several sizes and makes life so much easier for those of us who need that little bit of extra help. Good luck.

Someone here on the board said that with QuiltersCache, you need a scant 1/4" seam to make the pattern come out right. That can make all the difference, good luck.

I used the Elanor Burns method and mine came out perfect. Look it up on Quiltinaday.com

I use that method and here is the order that I do it:

1. Make sure the pieces are cut correctly.
2. I draw the line across each square and stack them up.
3. I lay out the rectangles and put one square on each, making sure that they all face the same way. (Sometimes I stick a pin in the side that stays - across the bias)
4. I sew all of the squaeres on the line making sure that nothing shifts during the process.
5. I trim ONLY the triangle from the square fabric - leaving the rectangle behind it intact. That creates slightly thicker geese but it seems to create a more stable block.
6. I press the triangle back. If it is a little off, it won't matter because you have the rectangle as the perfect size.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 on the other side. Make sure to orient the square correctly. (Easy to get the geese going in the wrong direction).

See if it works for you.

Try this method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Mu0C_QL8Y

This is a ridiculous question and please don't be insulted, but I'm just wondering something.

When you're placing the squares on the rectangle, are you lining them up as indicated in the diagram in the pattern?

Or are you stacking the square directly on the rectangle so that 3 sides of the square (top, outer edge and bottom) line up exactly with those of the rectangle?



And once you get it figured out, MadQuilter's #5-6 are really good tips. The all were, but those are especially helpful.

Now THAT is clever. I'm going to have to try that out tomorrow. Thanks!

Here's how I do it. Works every time. Everything you need to know is on this one page. I also use Eleanor's rulers to make sure the finished piece is exactly the measurement I need it.

http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf

Oh, I've tried that flying geese,super easy.I love that affect.

When using these sizes and you layer the squares on the rectangle and sew the diagonals, their "join" is barely enough to allow you a true 1/4" seam when you sew the rectangle to the next block section.

I suggest sewing the block sections together with the geese section on top (undeerf the needle) so that you can see exactly where you need to put your seam allowance to keep your points.

AND, because you are only cutting out the triangle of the small sq., you will have a slightly thicker seam when you open to press.....soooooo, let the needle fit within the seam allowance by a couple of stitches so there's extra room to open and press.

Jan in VA

this is a good tute

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-109252-1.htm

Hope you get it worked out. I got this tute on the board and though it was a great technique for sewing rows.

"A Quilter's Choice" Amazing NEW Technique for Flying Geese"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue1mBo9968Y

The absolute easiest way to making flying geese perfect (in my opinion) is using the Deb Tucker Wing Clipper ruler. It comes in two sizes and is a must have quilt tool. There is a video on uTube that show in detail how to use it.

I don't know if I'll be able to explain how I do mine but hopefully I can. It always seems like there is a little difference in the size of the pieces you measure check and cut but sometimes they just come out different. So, I will lay the squares further to the bottom because they are going to be flipped and pressed up. I press very carefully as to not stretch or wrap the fabric because it's on the bias. Then when I trim my block I make sure that there is a 1/4 inch to the point.
You could also try cutting your squares a smidge bigger and then trim away the excess.

Such great advice on here. I think practice helps. Use extra fabric & try several different ways....as posted on this board,until you find the way that works best for you.Don't be in a rush, just practice.

I use the Eleanor Burns method, but if I don't have enough fabric for that I make mine over sized and trim using Eleanor Burns' templets.

You may prefer the traditional way to do Flying Geese but check out the Ricky Tims, One Seam Flying Geese on YouTube. I've never done them before and this method has allowed me to make a very pretty quilted throw.

I had problems the first time I tried the Flying Geese too. The instructions were not really clear, and I sewed both of the "geese" pieces before I pressed. Later realized the if I had sewed on the first piece, pressed it correctly, and then sewed the second corner piece on and pressed it the block came out almost perfect all of the time. Not sure if that might be your problem.....but good luck with future tries.

http://www.quilterscache.com/H/Howtomakegeese.html check this out. I use method B all the time

Oh.........see that's what I was doing. I sewing both pieces at one time.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! *hugs*

Thanks every one - I am about to start one next weekend. Thread search time :)

I make 3D flying geese - one seam, no waste and they're cute to boot! If I need them to lie flat, I use Marti Michell templates. Fit perfectly every time!

rikki tims has directions for a one seam flying geese block on the quilt show
quiltshow.com

I am just a beginner, but I love the flying geese pattern now that I discovered paper piecing. Found the instructions on the web, and voila - perfect points every time.

This why I love this board, there are so many ways to learn a technique. So you get the opportunity to try what's comfortable to you. Thanks to all.

I have also used the Elenor Burns ruler! Made about 180 flying geese for a quilt & they came out great!

One of my guild members found a Fast Flying Geese pattern and showed all of us how it worked. I used to hate making these blocks, but with the tutorial they have online, it's easy now. Just Google "Fast Flying Geese."

Strangely enough I had the same problem with one I did. A seamstress advised me to try sewing the smaller squares together vertically first, then sew them to pair below horizontally. It worked well for me.

I agree with this one, super easy and super accurate.

Are you making sure after you stitch your first side on you are pressing it open. Then stitching the other side on. Because when you make the flying geese if the one side isn't open and laid back you won't have a good point. Ask me how I know. LOL.
I have learned that from experience. I have thrown many geese away. Now I make my geese 3dimensional and it is so much easier. I only need 2 squares and a rectangle to do them.
Hope this helps.

I agree. Starching very well and then remembering to PRESS, not iron makes a big difference for me. Also re check your 1/4.

When you sewing across the 2 1/2" square - draw a line and then sew just inside that drawn line and it should work. You could check out Eleanor Burn's Quilt in a Day site, as she has a flying geese ruler which makes a big difference and no points lost.

I could be mistaken but I thought the width was supposed to be 2x the height.

Finished - for a standard FG.

But they could be any combo of sizes - fat geese, skinny geese. ;-)
Then the pieces would be more "custom"-sized.