Technique question: Converting measurements for flying geese block pieces
 

Not a very compelling title, I know, however...I'm trying to think through all the ramifications of converting the measurements, considering the pros and cons of cutting triangle pieces for flying geese units, per the pattern's instructions, versus cutting rectangles and squares for the same geese units so I can use a stitch-and-flip technique to avoid sewing bias edges of three triangles together. If I cut triangles, the seams are 1/4 from the cut edges. If I cut squares to position in the corners of the rectangles, sew corner to corner on each side, will the geese units be a different size than that of the first method? I'm a little befuddled because instructions earlier in the pattern have me cutting and using a stitch-and-flip method for construction of one star block, and now it's having me cut triangles for a different construction method for the same block design, just a bigger finished block. Should I just cut and piece as directed or shall I continue to overthink it? LOL If I should stitch and flip, is there a formula that will help the math come out right? I know I'm capable of doing it either way, I'm just trying to minimize the opportunities for things to slip out of whack. Is there a YouTube video or website link that talks about stuff like this?

If you do the stitch and flip method -

The formula is: finished size of rectangle plus 1/2 inch
The squares are Height of the rectangle plus 1/2 inch

Example: You want to have 3 x 6 inch geese - cut the rectangle 3-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches
Cut the squares 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches

The differences:

Stitch and flip - you trim off those "excess" triangles

If using all triangles - one has to trim off those "dog ears"

Which way is easier for you?

You could follow the pattern directions just for the sake of following them - and then if you make it again, you will know which way works better for you.

I like to use the no-math flying geese ruler. It makes four at a time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046IUD68...a-319559781291

When using stitch and flip you can also stitch a second line 1/2" apart
to make another half square triangle...instead of going to waste. If the
flying geese is very small then I don't bother. But that's just me.
http://quiltville.blogspot.ca/2011/0...triangles.html

I suspect the instructions to use all triangles is to save on fabric.
The downside to sewing triangles is that you will be sewing on
the bias which tend to stretch.

If you use the "No Waste" method for making 4 at a time, you do not need a ruler! Just google to find the method, so easy!

Kitsie! This may actually work! My instructions tell me to cut squares first, then the triangles needed from those. So, all I have to do is stop at the squares stage and I'll test one. I think this just may net me the size they're supposed to be! Yay! (Now all I need do is pay careful attention to the direction my small squares lie on the larger ones before I stitch corner to corner. The "wings" are a directional stripe! Could I POSSIBLY create more issues for myself? LOL)

I always make mine a little larger and square them up. If you purchase the Triangulations CD you will have many different sizes to chose from and make perfect FG.

Another option is the new Creative Grids Flying Geese ruler. I like the no waste version for a lot of geese and the Creative Grids ruler for a few. I'm taking a Flying Geese Sampler class right now and we have used the no waste method, the Lazy Girl Flying Geese Ruler, and the Creative Grids Flying Geese ruler.