I know I have posted on how to make flying geese in the past, but I continue to get requests from readers on what my favorite method is. Without a doubt, my favorite method is to make the flying geese units larger than necessary, and to use Monique Dillard's Fit to be Geese ruler to accurately trim them down to a uniform, perfect size. The ruler comes with instructions, but I am sharing some photos to show you how I do it.
For my current project, I need 1 1/2 by 2 1/2 inch finished geese. I used Monique's "Mini Fit to be Geese" ruler for this project. I cut 2 1/2 inch squares of print fabric for my geese, and cut them in half once on the diagonal. For the "sky" part of the unit, I cut 2 1/4 inch squares of background fabric, and cut those in half once on the diagonal. I sewed the sky units to the short sides of the geese units and ended up with units that look like those in the photo below. Too large, but with plenty of room to be trimmed down to the perfect size.
Kind of wonky, oversized flying geese. No prob, I have my Fit to be Geese ruler to make things right.
Position the ruler over the unit and trim off the top according to the ruler's measurement, which is clearly marked for the size unit you are making.
Flip the unit upside down, position the ruler with everything all lined up, and trim the bottom of the unit.
Flip the unit 180 degrees, line it up with the lines designating your final measurement, and trim the third side.
Flip the unit again, and trim the remaining side. It is so easy, the lines keep you totally on track for a perfect finished unit.
Now, just compare that perfect flying goose unit with the ones on the left that are waiting to be trimmed. Do you see the difference? Sloppy, wonky, oversized geese are transformed into perfect, no sweat, go together without any fudging flying geese. All exactly the finished size that you want. Exactly, I promise. Every single one. If you don't have this ruler, get it.
Nicole-
You introduced me to this fabulous ruler in a previous post and like you, I now will not make flying geese any other way. It is SO worth the trimming to get that perfect piece to fit into your block with no fudging.
Posted by: Linda W. | June 09, 2014 at 04:18 AM
I've never made flying geese. I know ... I can't believe it either. However, a quilt I plan to work on at the retreat next month calls for flying geese ... using a different method. I think I'm going to use your method. I'm curious ... it sounds like you cut your goose piece to be the size you want but cut the sky pieces bigger? And about how much bigger do you cut those sky pieces? Thanks!
Posted by: Kathy ... aka Nana | June 09, 2014 at 04:54 AM
I've been wanting to get this ruler for a while now but have not been able to find it here in Quebec, guess I will have to order it on line and pay the exoensive shipping. I'll consider it an investment because the results certainly look impressive.
Posted by: CarlaHR | June 09, 2014 at 04:58 AM
I LOVE Monique's Fit to be Geese rulers, it's the only way to go!!
Posted by: Thelma | June 09, 2014 at 05:34 AM
Yeah! What Thelma said! Kathy (above) there is a chart on the package with sky & geese sizes to cut to get the finished size called for in your pattern…as the saying goes 'easy peasy!'
Posted by: Jan | June 09, 2014 at 06:11 AM
Interesting and the photos are great! Is having bias on the outside edges a problem?
I don't have this ruler in either size but have used Mary Sue Suit's method that she explains in her book, "All the Blocks are Flying Geese". You start with 2 squares, one an inch smaller than the other and you end up with 4 matching Flying Geese that are a bit oversize. Trim down to the perfect size. Regular rulers are used in this process.
Isn't it great there are no quilt police and that our creative freedom is unfettered?!
I like your idea of using a smaller cutting mat on top of your large mat for these small block units. I'm going to start doing that.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | June 09, 2014 at 06:17 AM
Thank you so much Nicole. This is exactly what I was hoping for. Now I'm off to find the ruler.
Posted by: Jeanna | June 09, 2014 at 08:06 AM
Yea! On Saturday I was searching your blog for posts on flying geese, but I could not find any. Thanks for sharing with such perfect timing!
Posted by: Julie in WA | June 09, 2014 at 09:21 AM
I got it and the Fit to be Square ruler. Love 'em! Love your blog, too! Stay cool up there! It's blazin' hot down here. :(
Posted by: ina | June 09, 2014 at 10:51 AM
I uncovered my flying geese rulers yesterday so I'm going to finally give them a try! Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Miss Jean | June 09, 2014 at 12:02 PM
I'm a little slow! Thank you for the makeup post!!!! I need a kick in the pants once in a while! I bought the BadGirl mascara. I love it! Thanks!
Posted by: Kerry | June 09, 2014 at 09:13 PM
I love Monique's rulers! Life changers! And it's all because you and Carrie introduced them to us awhile ago.
Posted by: greg | June 10, 2014 at 07:15 AM