03/13/09

July 03, 2004

HST Method

     This is perhaps one of the easiest, and most common, methods of making Flying Geese.  This method, however, only yields one (1) Flying Geese block using this process, so must be repeated as many times as you need.  It also tends to be a little slower than other methods, plus has a seam in the middle of the rectangle.  However, as stated above, it is one of the easiest.

     The instructions given below allow you to make any length of Flying Geese that you want.  To take the "math" out of it, though, refer to the chart at the bottom of the page for measurements.

     For greater detail in making HST, refer to the HST Tutorial.  

1. Determine the unfinished length of the Flying Geese block that you need.  For example, 8.5" unfinished.

2. Add .5" to this measurement.  For example, 8.5" + .5" = 9".

3. Divide by 2.  For example 9" / 2 = 4.5".  This means that each HST must measure 4.5" before sewing the two together.

4. Next, add 1" to the measure derived in step 3.  For example, 4.5" + 1" = 5.5".

5. Cut 1 square from Fabric A that measures 5.5" x 5.5".

6. Cut 1 square from Fabric B that measures 5.5" x 5.5".

7. Place these two squares right sides together.

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

9. Sew 1/4" on each side of the drawn line.  Do not sew on the line!

10. Cut the 2 squares apart on the line.  This yields 2 HST.

11. Press the HST flat.

12. Trim the HST to the measure derived in step 3.

13. Sew the 2 HST together to form a Flying Geese block.  The triangles should be in the corners, so that a "V" is formed, such as the sample block below:
    

14. Press the block flat.  It should measure the length determined in step 1.

©