misoop

I am currently piecing a top with 3 flying geese units in each block before adding triangles around the FG. I am very careful to mark my little squares diagonally for the flying geese and sew very straight down the diagonal lines, etc. I press carefully after each corner is sew, the add the other corner and repeat. Nonetheless, I still do not end up with a perfect rectangle. It's always smaller than the 5 inches it's supposed to be in some part of the FG. It will be 5" in some places but not consistent through out the rectangle. Any suggestions....how do you prevent this? I'm open for all kinds of suggestions.

woody

There are a few different techniques to try here http://blog.shopmartingale.com/quilt...-flying-geese/ or perhaps look up some videos on flying geese, they might help.

Tartan

Can you over cut the background and trim them down? I always use the rectangle method that you sew the squares on each corner on the diagonal and then trim the extra off. It wastes a little material but my geese turn out nicely.

Boonedox

Run, don't walk to your LQS and get a Wing Clipper. I was amazed at how much that helps. I have Deb Tucker's Wing Clipper and I just love it. I use it all the time, works great to trim HSTs too.

misoop

Well, AFTER I had cut out all of my flying geese pieces and started sewing them, I remembered that I had bought the Wing Clipper several years ago at a quilt show!! I found it last night and "looked" at it. Made me so mad at myself. Too late now to use it. I can't remember if I had better luck with it when I tried it or not. I'm sure I probably did!! Oh well....such is the life of a quilter.

ManiacQuilter2

I always use Eleanor Burns method making 4 flying Geese units out of two squares. I am sure there is a video on her website. They come out perfect every time. But if you happen to be off a bit, you can always make the correction before trimming them down.

Scissor Queen

Sew to the seam allowance side of your line and that should give you enough extra to make up for the thread thickness.

mandyrose

http://www.patchpieces.com/files/flyinggeese.pdf I found this method worked for me way better then the rectangle and sqs in the corners...ugh!my geese were coming out so wonky I gave up, in the future if I have a need and make flying geese more often I will consider getting the wing clipper

misoop

I will definitely try this, since I've already cut all my pieces and can't start over. I do have the Wing Clipper and will use it next time...or even the method of making 4 at one time as several have mentioned. Thanks everyone!

Gannyrosie

Starch your fabric very well before cutting. This has helped me alot. I used to never starch and now, well, I can't live without it.