2018 Quilt Block of the Month – February Flying Geese Sewing Tips and Tricks

Hello my friend!    Welcome to the second month of the 2018 Quilter’s Planner Block of the Month Sampler Sew Along.  Don’t forget, if you have questions while you’re sewing, join our Facebook group!  You can ask a question, and we’ll answer.  Just be sure to put your question in a new post and tag @QuiltersPlanner.

We are on Block 2 (page 28 in the 2018 Quilter’s Planner Magazine).  Block 2 uses eight flying geese to make a pinwheel design.  This is a classic design.

Block 2 is made using the Four at a Time (No Waste) Flying Geese method.  It’s a great way to make a bunch of flying geese quickly (as long as you want to have 4 that look the same).  

For our Block 2, we used the following feature fabrics by Alison Glass for Andover:  Kraken in Abyss and Reef in Mermaid from Diving Board.

Before we get into some tips for making Block 2, just a quick reminder that we are using a scant ¼” seam allowance (a thread’s width less than a ¼”).  It doesn’t sound like very much, but it starts to add up when you’ve got a lot of seams.

QP Insider Tip #1: Use A Scant 1/4″ Seam Allowance

Remember to use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance when sewing your 4 At A Time Flying Geese!  It will increase your accuracy.   This photo illustrates what it means to sew a scant 1/4″ away from your center cutting line. Instead of sewing on the dark lines in the photo, sew where the pink lines are.

QP Insider Tip #2: Landmarks for Trimming Flying Geese

Squaring up your blocks probably isn’t going to make the list of the most fun things that you’ve done in your life, but taking that little bit of extra time can really pay off.  There are a couple of landmarks that you can use to align your geese: 

A) Before trimming, make sure that you have ¼” above the top point on your geese unit. A 1/4″ at the top of each flying geese unit will make it easy to sew your geese together without cutting off points.  Also, make sure the tip of the triangle  is centered at 3¼” (on a 3½” tall flying geese unit). 

B)  Your units should finish at 6½” wide, so align the seams so that they land on the ¼” and 6¼” marks (when measured ¼” up from the bottom).  If that sounds a bit strange, here’s the reasoning behind it – this is where your seams will be as you sew the flying geese into your block.  (We’re using a 6″ x 24″ long ruler in the photos below.)

Before trimming.  Align the diagonal seam on the right side of your Flying Geese Unit at the 1/4″ mark on your ruler

And align the diagonal seam on the left side of your flying geese unit with the 6 1/4″ mark on your ruler.  Then you can trim.

C) If you are using a square ruler, the 45 degree line is great to use.  Align it where the feature fabric meets the background.  

QP Insider Tip #3:

When sewing a pair of geese together (Block Assembly step 2), try sewing with the 2nd flying geese unit on top (shown in dark blue on the diagram).  You will be able to see your previous lines of stitching so that you don’t sew through the top point of the block.  Add your seam a hair to the right of the intersection (shown by the red line) and you will end up with perfect points every time!

QP Insider Tip #4:

If you’ve chosen to follow the Modern Bliss layout, there are two versions of Block 2 in the quilt pictured on the cover of the magazine (1st row on the right and the 4th row middle).  Feel free to make a second version of this block or choose another favorite later.  Also, don’t forget that the Modern Bliss layout uses blocks set on point (rotated 45 degrees), so that may be something to consider when selecting fabrics.

QP Insider Tip #4:

Consider trying one of the specialty Flying Geese Rulers out on the Market!  We’re working on a video to show you how to use a few.  In the meantime, here are a couple of links to our favorites:

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Guidelines to enter your sewn blocks into our monthly challenge:

(to win prizes on Instagram and Facebook):

Between the 1st and the 7th day of each month, you’ll find the pattern for that month’s block and select your fabrics.

Between the 8th and the 14th, you’ll get your fabrics prepped and cut.

Between the 15th and the end of the month, sew up your block and post it to Instagram (please use the #QP2018sewalong hashtag) or to the Facebook Group (using the same  #QP2018sewalong hashtag).  We will have prizes for both, but you are only eligible to win the monthly prize once.

Rules for for Entering your Sewn Blocks to Win Prizes Online:

When you post a photo of your block on Instagram or in our Facebook group by each deadline set for the month (usually the first of the next month),  you’ll be entered into a drawing for some great prizes from our sponsors: Andover Fabrics, Aurifil, OLFA, and the Quilter’s Planner.

Each month’s entry must be posted by 12:01am Central Time to be eligible.

You must tag @thequiltersplanner on IG and @QuiltersPlanner on Facebook with your entry and use the hashtag #QP2018sewalong so we can track your entry.

If you win one month’s price, you will be eligible to win again at 6 months, and 12 months, if you complete and enter each month’s block on time.

Some prizes may not be available for participants outside the US due to shipping costs.  Winners will be contacted via social media and asked to provide an email address and shipping address.

If a prize alternative is required, it will be sent via email.

If you do not receive your prize within one month, please contact us at [email protected] so we can contact prize sponsors and help coordinate a new shipment.

These contests are not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook in any way.

General Tips for Sewing the 2018 QP Block of the Month Pattern:

Fabric requirements are listed for the whole project on p. 26 of the pattern magazine.  They are also listed per block, if you do not plan to sew the entire sampler.

Along the way, we will provide you with tips and tricks on Instagram, in our Facebook group, and via email for success and to answer your questions as they arise.  

If you’re worried about missing Sew Along dates, we’ve got you covered – reminders will be posted on Instagram, on our Facebook page, and in our Facebook group as we move through the different phases of the Sew Along.

While these aren’t required, 3½” and 4½” square rulers may speed up the process of trimming and squaring your blocks.  If not, there’s no need to worry.  Many quilting rulers have 45 degree lines printed on them.  These handy lines are great for helping you to align your seams.

Happy Sewing!  Please contact us on Instagram or in our Facebook group and tag us if you get stuck or have questions!