1 1/2 x 3 Inch Flying Geese: Cut Sizes for No-Waste and Stitch-and-Flip
For 1 1/2 x 3 inch finished flying geese, the no-waste method uses one 4 1/4 inch square and four 2 3/8 inch squares to make four geese. The stitch-and-flip method uses a 3 1/2 x 2 inch rectangle and two 2 inch squares per goose. Each unit measures 2 x 3 1/2 inches unfinished.
A flying geese unit is a rectangle twice as wide as it is tall, holding one large triangle (the goose) and two small triangles (the sky). To finish at 1 1/2 x 3 inches, the no-waste method cuts one 4 1/4 inch square and four 2 3/8 inch squares. Units this size fit blocks built on a 1 1/2 inch grid, such as a 6 inch block set as a sawtooth star.
What size do you cut for 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese?
The two methods trade fabric for simplicity: no-waste makes four geese from five squares, while stitch-and-flip makes one goose at a time from a rectangle and two squares. For a size this chart does not cover, use the flying geese calculator.
| Method | Goose fabric | Sky fabric | Geese made | Fabric for 24 geese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-waste (four at a time) | 1 square, 4 1/4 in | 4 squares, 2 3/8 in | 4 | 1/8 yd goose, 1/4 yd sky |
| Stitch and flip | 1 rectangle, 3 1/2 x 2 in | 2 squares, 2 in | 1 | 1/4 yd goose, 1/4 yd sky |
| No-waste, cut to trim | 1 square, 4 1/2 in | 4 squares, 2 1/2 in | 4 | Trim to 2 x 3 1/2 in |
The table above shows that a 4 1/4 inch square and four 2 3/8 inch squares yield four 1 1/2 x 3 inch geese, and that 24 of them take 1/8 yards of goose fabric. The stitch-and-flip corners are sewn exactly like 1 1/2 inch half square triangles, so the same drawn diagonal and 1/4 inch seam apply.
Keep the points
After pressing, the goose tip should sit 1/4 inch below the top edge of the 2 x 3 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 1 1/2 x 3 inch geese?
Four geese, one center square and four corner squares make a 6 inch finished sawtooth star, cut 6 1/2 inches unfinished.
| Finished block | 6 x 6 in |
|---|---|
| Unfinished block | 6 1/2 in |
| Center square, cut | 3 1/2 in |
| Corner squares, cut (4) | 2 in |
| Flying geese units | 4 |
For how many of those stars a quilt needs, and the other grids a block that size divides into, see the 6 inch quilt block chart.
How do other flying geese sizes compare?
Every charted size keeps the same 1 to 2 proportion, so only the cut squares change: the large square is always 1 1/4 inches bigger than the finished width, and the small squares 7/8 inch bigger than the finished height.
| 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
Under $100Slotted 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
Under $100Cut accurate strips before subcutting the squares and rectangles.
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Olfa 17 x 17 Rotating Cutting Mat RM-17S
Under $250Spin 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 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese with no waste?
Cut one large square at 4 1/4 inches for the goose and four small squares at 2 3/8 inches for the sky. Lay two small squares on opposite corners of the large square, draw the diagonal, sew 1/4 inch out from both sides, then cut apart and press. Add a remaining small square to each unit, sew, cut and press again, and you have four geese.
What is the unfinished size of a 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese unit?
A unit that finishes at 1 1/2 x 3 inches measures 2 x 3 1/2 inches before it is sewn into a block, including a 1/4 inch seam allowance on all four sides. The tip of the goose should sit exactly 1/4 inch below the top raw edge, so the point survives the seam that joins it to the next unit.
How do I make 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese with the stitch-and-flip method?
Cut a 3 1/2 x 2 inch rectangle and two 2 inch squares. Draw a diagonal on each square, lay one on a corner of the rectangle, sew on the line, trim 1/4 inch beyond it and press. Repeat on the opposite corner so the two seams meet at the top center. It is the simplest method, but it wastes two small triangles per goose.
What size sawtooth star uses 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese?
Four 1 1/2 x 3 inch geese frame a 3 inch center square, with four 1 1/2 inch corner squares, making a 6 inch finished sawtooth star. Cut the center at 3 1/2 inches and the corners at 2 inches. The whole block measures 6 1/2 inches unfinished.
How much fabric do I need for 24 1 1/2 x 3 inch flying geese?
With the no-waste method, 24 geese take six large squares, which is 1/8 yards of goose fabric, plus 24 small squares, or 1/4 yards of sky fabric. Stitch-and-flip needs 1/4 yards for the rectangles and 1/4 yards for the 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.
