Flying Geese Quilt Block: No-Waste Flying Geese Method

Flying Geese are one of those quilt units that show up everywhere once you start paying attention. You’ll see them in star blocks, borders, rows, and modern geometric layouts. They’re simple in shape, but incredibly versatile.

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There are several ways to make Flying Geese, but the no-waste flying geese method is a favorite because it’s efficient and produces multiple matching units at once. If you’re making a quilt that needs a lot of Flying Geese, this method is a great one to have in your toolbox.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what Flying Geese are and how to make them using the no-waste method.

finished no waste flying geese quilt units

What Are Flying Geese?

A Flying Geese unit is a rectangular block made from a large triangle in the center and two smaller triangles on each side. The unit is twice as wide as it is tall, which gives it that long, pointed shape.

Common finished sizes might be 3″ x 6″, 2½” x 5″, or 4″ x 8″, but you’ll find many variations depending on the pattern.

Flying Geese are often used to create star points, zigzag designs, and directional movement in quilts.

What Makes the No-Waste Method Different?

The no-waste Flying Geese method creates four identical Flying Geese units at the same time using one large square and four smaller squares.

Instead of trimming away large chunks of fabric, this method rearranges the pieces through a series of cuts so almost everything becomes part of a unit. It’s efficient, consistent, and especially nice when you need several matching geese.

Creates four Flying Geese units at once using one large square and four small squares.

Fabric Needed

For one set of four Flying Geese units, you’ll need:

One large square for the center triangles
Four small squares for the side triangles

Your pattern or cutting chart will tell you exactly what size to cut based on the finished size you want.

Step-By-Step

How to Make No-Waste Flying Geese

Alt Text: marking diagonal lines and sewing no waste flying geese step one

Start by drawing a diagonal line on the wrong side of each of the four small squares.
Place two small squares on opposite corners of the large square, right sides together, with the drawn lines running from corner to corner across the large square.
Sew ¼” away from each side of the drawn line. You’ll be stitching two parallel seams.

cutting and pressing no waste flying geese step two

Cut on the drawn diagonal line to separate the pieces. You’ll now have two units. Press the small triangles outward.

adding remaining squares to no waste flying geese step three

Next, place one remaining small square on the corner of each unit, right sides together, matching the point of the center triangle. Draw a diagonal line.
Again, sew ¼” away from each side of the line.

cutting and pressing flying geese no waste method step four

Cut on the drawn line to create four units. Press the small triangles outward.
At this point, you’ll have four Flying Geese units.

Trimming the Units

Most no-waste Flying Geese methods intentionally make units slightly oversized. This gives you room to trim them accurately.

Close up of ruler laid on Flying Geese unit ready to trim

Rotated flying geese 180 degrees to trim the other long side using the 2.5 inch mark on ruler

Ruler aligned on flying geese unit using the center line on the point of the unit to trim the two short sides.

Place the unit under your ruler, align the ruler’s diagonal markings with the seam of the large triangle, and trim the first long side.
Rotate the unit 180 degrees and use the dimensions needed to trim unit to proper size (in this case it was 2.5″)
Next I had a 4.5″ ruler to use. I used the center line to align the unit from left to right and trim the final two sides
- If you don’t have the exact sized ruler, calculate what half of the unit size should be to find the center measurement, Trim one short side at a time using that measurement as your center line with the point of the flying geese

Taking time to trim makes a big difference in how well the units fit together later. You should only be trimming of very small bits of fabric.

Pressing Tips

Press seams flat first, then press the small triangles outward. Lift and set the iron rather than sliding to avoid stretching.

Many quilters prefer pressing the side seams toward the small triangles, but consistency is more important than direction. You’ll also find that some patterns will ask you to press seams in a specific direction so units nest together more easily when sewing them into blocks or rows. Following the pattern’s pressing instructions can help reduce bulk and make matching points easier.

back of flying geese quilt block showing pressed seams

Why Quilters Love the No-Waste Method

The no-waste Flying Geese method is popular because it creates multiple matching units quickly, uses fabric efficiently, and produces consistent results when trimmed properly. It’s especially handy for patterns that call for several identical Flying Geese units. You can see in the image below the tiny bits that were trimmed off the four units to make precisely sized flying geese 4 at a time.

You’ll commonly see Flying Geese used in star blocks, borders and sashing, sampler quilts, and modern geometric layouts. Once you’ve made a few sets, the steps start to feel very natural, and this method becomes an easy go-to whenever a pattern calls for Flying Geese.

Get Your No Waste Flying Geese PDF Chart

If you’d like a simple reference to keep by your sewing machine, I’ve put together a free printable PDF with cutting charts and concise step-by-step instructions for the no-waste Flying Geese method. You can sign up below to have the PDF sent straight to your inbox.