This sophisticated cousin of the half-square triangle unit can be used in any half-square triangle block you can think of, and is made quite simply. Starting with a half-square triangle unit, you add a smaller square and sew along the diagonal using a stitch-and-flip technique, much like you use in improvisational piecing.
This super easy block tutorial shows exactly how I made the lovely mini. I made four of these blocks, and you'll see when you stitch these blocks together, they create a gorgeous, interlocked look.
Just as there are several different ways to make half-square triangles, there's several ways to do flying geese. I'll show you the two methods I use most often, and you can decide how you'd like to make yours for your quilt.
The block above used 4" squares for all the patterned blocks and 4"x4.5" blocks for the white blocks. I looked at several other tutorials for Granny Square Quilt Blocks and the consensus seems to be that adding the length on the outside blocks ensures you have enough to trim a true 1/4" seam allowance around the edges. Seemed a bit strange but I did have a generous amount to square up with so I like it.
I finished up my March blocks and I'll be honest, it was WAY more of a struggle than it should have been. We were asked to make 12" Sawtooth Star blocks - easy right?
I would have said yes before I decided to use the no waste method of making the flying geese blocks, which I had used before and loved but this time made me want to cry.
It was one of those simple projects that I thought turned out looking like a million bucks and the panel is what makes it. You could also cut a center square from any fabric that you want to feature!
These fish are too cute not to share! The original pattern can be found here on etsy but I wanted to share some modifications and tips to make them a little easier.
