3 1/2 x 7 Inch Flying Geese: Cut Sizes for No-Waste and Stitch-and-Flip
For 3 1/2 x 7 inch finished flying geese, the no-waste method uses one 8 1/4 inch square and four 4 3/8 inch squares to make four geese. The stitch-and-flip method uses a 7 1/2 x 4 inch rectangle and two 4 inch squares per goose. Each unit measures 4 x 7 1/2 inches unfinished.
A flying geese unit is a rectangle twice as wide as it is tall, with a large triangle (the goose) and two small triangles (the sky). Units that finish at 3 1/2 x 7 inches fit blocks built on a 3 1/2 inch grid, such as a 14 inch sawtooth star.
What size do you cut for 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese?
| Method | Goose fabric | Sky fabric | Geese made | Fabric for 24 geese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-waste (four at a time) | 1 square, 8 1/4 in | 4 squares, 4 3/8 in | 4 | 1/2 yd goose, 3/8 yd sky |
| Stitch and flip | 1 rectangle, 7 1/2 x 4 in | 2 squares, 4 in | 1 | 5/8 yd goose, 5/8 yd sky |
| No-waste, cut to trim | 1 square, 8 1/2 in | 4 squares, 4 1/2 in | 4 | Trim to 4 x 7 1/2 in |
Keep the points
After pressing, the goose tip should sit 1/4 inch below the top edge of the 4 x 7 1/2 inch unit. If it touches the edge, trim with a flying geese ruler or re-press the seams.
How big is a sawtooth star made with 3 1/2 x 7 inch geese?
| Finished block | 14 x 14 in |
|---|---|
| Unfinished block | 14 1/2 in |
| Center square, cut | 7 1/2 in |
| Corner squares, cut (4) | 4 in |
| Flying geese units | 4 |
How do other flying geese sizes compare?
| Finished | Large square | Small squares | Unfinished unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 x 2 in | 3 1/4 in | 1 7/8 in | 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 in |
| 1 1/2 x 3 in | 4 1/4 in | 2 3/8 in | 2 x 3 1/2 in |
| 2 x 4 in | 5 1/4 in | 2 7/8 in | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in |
| 2 1/2 x 5 in | 6 1/4 in | 3 3/8 in | 3 x 5 1/2 in |
| 3 x 6 in | 7 1/4 in | 3 7/8 in | 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 in |
| 3 1/2 x 7 in | 8 1/4 in | 4 3/8 in | 4 x 7 1/2 in |
| 4 x 8 in | 9 1/4 in | 4 7/8 in | 4 1/2 x 8 1/2 in |
| 6 x 12 in | 13 1/4 in | 6 7/8 in | 6 1/2 x 12 1/2 in |
Tools that make flying geese easier
Bloc Loc Half-Square Triangle Ruler Set #2
$72.75Slotted rulers that lock onto seams for fast, accurate trimming of pieced units.
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Creative Grids 12-1/2 x 24-1/2 Rectangle Quilt Ruler
$55.99Cut accurate strips before subcutting the squares and rectangles.
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Olfa 17 x 17 Rotating Cutting Mat RM-17S
$100.98Spin the mat to trim each unit on all sides without disturbing it.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What size squares make 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese with no waste?
Cut one large square at 8 1/4 inches for the goose and four small squares at 4 3/8 inches for the sky. Place two small squares on opposite corners of the large square, draw the diagonal, sew 1/4 inch on both sides, cut apart and press. Add the remaining small squares to each unit, sew, cut and press again to get four geese.
What is the unfinished size of a 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese unit?
A flying geese unit that finishes at 3 1/2 x 7 inches measures 4 x 7 1/2 inches before it is sewn into a block, including a 1/4 inch seam allowance on all sides. The tip of the goose should sit exactly 1/4 inch below the top raw edge so the point is not cut off when sewn.
How do I make 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese with the stitch-and-flip method?
Cut a 7 1/2 x 4 inch rectangle and two 4 inch squares. Draw a diagonal on each square, lay one on a rectangle corner, sew on the line, trim 1/4 inch beyond it and press. Repeat on the opposite corner so the seams meet at the top center. This method is simple but wastes two small triangles per goose.
What size sawtooth star uses 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese?
Four 3 1/2 x 7 inch geese frame a 7 inch center square, with four 3 1/2 inch corner squares, for a 14 inch finished sawtooth star. Cut the center at 7 1/2 inches and the corners at 4 inches. The block measures 14 1/2 inches unfinished.
How much fabric do I need for 24 3 1/2 x 7 inch flying geese?
With the no-waste method, 24 geese need six large squares, which is 1/2 yards of goose fabric, and 24 small squares, 3/8 yards of sky fabric. Stitch-and-flip uses 5/8 yards for the rectangles and 5/8 yards for 48 corner squares.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.