The Flying Geese unit is one of the most fundamental building blocks in quilting. Consisting of a large central triangle (the "goose") flanked by two smaller triangles (the "sky"), this rectangular unit creates a sense of motion and direction in quilt designs. Whether you are creating a border, a star block, or a complex modern design, getting the math right is crucial for sharp points and flat seams.
How to Use This Calculator
This calculator is designed to provide cutting measurements for the two most popular construction methods: the "No Waste" (Four-at-a-Time) method and the Traditional (One-at-a-Time) method.
Finished Width: Enter the width of the unit after it is sewn into the quilt (excluding seam allowances). For example, if your pattern calls for a 4″ x 2″ finished unit, enter 4.
Finished Height: Enter the height of the unit. Standard flying geese usually have a height exactly half of their width (2:1 ratio), but this calculator supports custom ratios as well.
Method 1: The "No Waste" (Four-at-a-Time) Method
This is the preferred method for many quilters because it is fast, accurate, and produces zero waste fabric. It uses one large square and four smaller squares to create four identical flying geese units simultaneously.
The Math:
Large Square: Finished Width + 1 1/4 inches.
Small Squares: Finished Height + 7/8 inches.
To construct, you place two small squares on opposite corners of the large square (right sides together), draw a diagonal line, and sew a 1/4″ seam on both sides of the line. After cutting and pressing, you repeat the process with the remaining small squares.
Method 2: The Traditional (One-at-a-Time) Method
This method constructs a single unit using a rectangle and two squares. It involves the "stitch and flip" technique. While intuitive, it does result in some waste (the cut-off corners), though these scraps can often be saved for half-square triangles.
The Math:
Rectangle: (Finished Width + 1/2″) x (Finished Height + 1/2″).
Squares: (Finished Height + 1/2″) squares.
Tips for Precision
Accuracy is key when making flying geese. If your cutting or seam allowance is slightly off, you may lose the "points" of your geese when sewing them into the final block.
Test Block: Always make a test unit before cutting all your fabric.
Scant 1/4″ Seam: Use a "scant" 1/4″ seam allowance (just a thread width less than 1/4″) to account for the fold of the fabric when pressing.
Trimming: Many quilters prefer to cut their pieces slightly larger than the math requires and trim the final unit down to the exact size using a specialty ruler. This calculator gives exact mathematical dimensions; if you prefer to trim, add an extra 1/8″ to 1/4″ to your starting squares.