How to Make Perfect Flying Geese Units Every Time
Flying Geese are one of the most versatile quilt blocks — they show up in borders, medallions, and classic quilt blocks like Bear’s Paw and Star patterns. But if you’ve ever struggled with wonky points or uneven sizes, this method will help you make perfect, consistent units with less stress.
In this tutorial, we focus on the Ultimate Flying Geese Ruler method — a sew-and-slice technique that gives you accuracy and beautiful results without endless trimming.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather:
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Background fabric (for the wide base of the geese unit)
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Contrast fabric (for the “wing” triangles)
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Iron and pressing surface
Step-by-Step: Using the Creative Grids Ultimate Flying Geese Ruler
1. Cut Your Fabric Squares
With this tool, you start with squares instead of triangles — and the ruler has the cutting information printed right on it for eight sizes.
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One large square — this becomes the “body” (center triangle) of each geese unit.
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Four smaller squares — these become the “wings” (outer triangles).
(Exact cutting sizes depend on the finished size you want; follow the printed chart on the ruler.)
2. Sew First Diagonal Pair
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Place the large square right-side-up.
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Place two of the smaller squares right sides together on opposite corners of the large square.
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Draw or align the diagonal line across each small square.
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Sew ¼″ seam allowance on both sides of the diagonal line.
This attaches the first two “wing” fabrics to the large square.
3. Trim and Press the First Cut
After sewing both seams:
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Cut along the center drawn diagonal line to create two oversized units.
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Press the seams toward the larger triangle pieces so your fabric lays flat.
This gives you the first half of each of your Flying Geese units.
4. Add Remaining Squares
Now take the two remaining small squares and repeat with the two oversized pieces:
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Place each small square right sides together on the corners of the continuing units.
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Draw or align diagonal lines again.
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Sew ¼″ seam allowance on both sides of the diagonal lines.
5. Cut and Press Second Time
After sewing the second pair of small squares:
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Cut along the drawn center diagonal on each unit.
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Press seams away from the center to reduce bulk.
You now have four oversized Flying Geese units ready for trimming.
6. Trim to Final Size Using the Ruler
This is where the Creative Grids Ultimate Flying Geese Tool truly shines — it has built-in markings for Trim #1 and Trim #2 for each size:
Trim #1
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Place your unit right side up.
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Find the marking on the ruler for your desired finished size.
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Align the center seam and dashed guiding lines on the ruler with your seam and point.
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Trim two adjacent sides (typically top and right).
Trim #2
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Rotate the block 180°.
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Line up the same finished-size markings with your trimmed edges.
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Trim the remaining two sides so the unit is square and perfectly sized.
Because the ruler’s measurement guides and gripper dots hold fabric in place, trimming becomes quick and accurate.
Pro Tips for Perfect Points
✔ Make sure the small squares are positioned correctly so the diagonal lines bisect them accurately.
✔ Use a scant ¼″ seam allowance on all sewing steps to account for seam thickness.
✔ Take your time aligning the ruler’s finished size markings when trimming for best results.
See It Live!
To really see these steps in action, check out the complete YouTube video demonstration — watching each cut, sew, and trim step live makes it much easier to follow!
Watch 3 Things LIVE!
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