July 06, 2004

Double Square Method

     Yet another method of making Flying Geese, this process yields four (4) Flying Geese, so it speeds up the assembly of this block.  Since this method makes four, then you need to repeat it only one-fourth as much as you need.  For example, if 28 Flying Geese are needed, then follow this method 7 times.  And, as usual, this method is very simple.  This is my second favorite method (with the Quadruple Square Method coming in first).

     The instructions given below allow you to make a specific length of Flying Geese (4.5" x 8.5", unfinished), however, to take the "math" out of it, refer to the chart at the bottom of the page for other measurements.  The process is the same no matter what size being done; the only change is the size of squares to cut in the beginning.

1. Determine how many Flying Geese are needed, then follow these instructions one-half of that amount.  For example, if 8 Flying Geese are needed, then follow these instructions two (2) different times (since this method yields 4 geese each time).

2. Be aware that one square being cut is larger than the other.  The largest square forms background part of the Flying Geese, leaving the smallest square to form to the geese.

3. Cut 1 square from the background fabric that measures 11" x 11".  

4. Cut 1 square from the geese fabric that measures 9.5" x 9.5".  

5. Place these two squares right sides together.:
   Center the smaller square on top of the larger, as shown.
   

6. Draw a line on the wrong side of the smaller fabric, diagonally.
   

7. Sew 1/4" on each side of the drawn line, going down the left side, first, then turn it around and come down the other, as shown.  Do not sew on the line!
     

8. Cut the sewn unit in half, this time cutting down the diagonally marked line, as shown:
   

9. Press each of the two pieces flat, making sure that the seam is pressed toward the larger (background) triangle.
   

10. Placing the right sides together, line up the two sewn pieces, with opposite fabrics on top of one another, as shown below.  Note that the sewn seams will not line up on top of one another!:
    

11. Place a ruler going the opposite direction of the previously sewn seams and draw a diagonal line.
    

12. Once again, sew on each side of the diagonal line, going down one side first, then turning and going down the other.
    

13. Place the ruler on the diagonally marked line and cut the sewn units in half once again.
     

14. This step is simple, but looks (and sounds) complicated.  Just follow this step carefully and it will all be good!  There are now 2 pieced units.  The underneath side of the right photo in step 13 shows that the two seams are not lined up (hence why you can see two "tails" sticking out from beneath on the lower left corner).  On the side that you just sewed, find the "valley" where the two seams do not line up and clip a small notch in this area.  Be careful to NOT cut through the 1/4" seam just sewn.  Refer to the photo below for more detail:
    
    Why are we notching this?  Because when we press it, we will want to press the seam to the same fabric each time, however it is not possible since we sewed it this way.  A notch allows us to press one-half of it one way and the other half the other way.

15. Repeat step 14 for the other sewn piece, also.

16. Press the block toward the geese fabric.  Be careful not to get any wrinkles or puckers.  Notice in the photo on the left below that the seam allowance on the one side is on the opposite side in the other side.  The notch in the middle allows that to happen.  The photo on the right shows the sewn piece from the right side.  You should have two of these at this point.
     

17. It is time to cut these geese apart!  Using a ruler, line the 45° line up with geese and make sure that there is 1/4" clearance, as shown.  
    
    
    

18. Cut along the long side of the ruler.  This gives you 2 non-trimmed geese. 

19. Repeat this step for the other square, now giving you a total of 4 non-trimmed geese.

20. Time to trim the geese!  Line up the ruler with the 45° line going up the geese seam, while at the same time making sure to line the 4.5" line on the ruler along the bottom of the piece, as shown:
    
    
    
    
    Cut along the right side and the top side of the ruler.

21. Turn the unit around, line up the 4.5" line on the bottom, and trim the final side, as shown.
    

22. Repeat the trimming process given in steps 20 and 21 on the other three units.

23. Press all four of the Flying Geese flat.  They should each measure 4.5" x 8.5".
    

     This looks much harder than it is.  After you make the first batch of four Flying Geese, it's a piece of cake!  In fact, the second time I tried this method, it took me less than 5 minutes to make the 2.5" X 4.5" in the chart below!

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