By Laura Loewen

When you need multiple flying geese (FG) of identical fabrics it is easiest to make them with the no waste FG method. This method makes 4 FG units. Begin with one large square cut 1.25” larger than your finished FG width, long side, and four small squares cut 1” larger than your finished FG height, short side. Our example shows a finished FG unit at 2”x4”, so we begin with (1) 5.25” square [long side + 1.25”], and (4) 3” squares [short side + 1”]. This can be translated to any size FG units you desire.

Step 1

Align (2) of the small squares to opposite corners of the larger square. Draw a line diagonal across both small squares, corner to corner of the large square.

Step 2

Sew ¼” on both sides of the drawn line.

Step 3

Cut on drawn line. Press open.

Step 4

Align a remaining small square to each of the units created. Draw a diagonal line perpendicular to the first seam, corner to corner of the small square.

Step 5

Sew ¼” on both sides of drawn lines of both units created.

Step 6

Cut along drawn lines. Press open.

By Laura Loewen

There are times when you need to make just one flying goose block (FG). This method shows how to make a single FG using one rectangle and two squares. Sew all seams as directed or at ¼”. (note: most pictures show a finished FG unit in opposite colors next to the illustrated FG steps in the tutorial)

Step 1

Begin with (1) rectangle cut the size of your unfinished FG unit (1/2” larger than your finished FG unit), and (2) squares cut the same as the short length of the rectangle.

Step 2

Line up one square at the end of the rectangle, right sides together. Draw a line from corner to corner of the square piece.

Step 3

Sew directly on the drawn line, from corner to corner.

Step 4

Trim the excess fabric ¼” from sewn seam away from the body of rectangle.

Step 5

Press open.

Step 6

Line up second cut square on opposite end of rectangle. Draw a line from outer edge to center point created by first sewn seam, corner to corner of the square.

By Laura Loewen

Our January block is a Millcreek Star. By selecting modern fabrics you can create a new take on this traditional block. This block uses squares, half-square triangle (HST) units, and quarter-square triangle (QST) units. Please reference our HST and QST tutorials for creating these units.

Use 1/4” seam allowance unless otherwise instructed. Cutting and instructions are provided for a 12” finished block.

We suggest using six fabrics for this block. If you need help planning out your colors, you can download a coloring sheet for the whole quilt here, or just the January, February, and March blocks here.

Step 1

Cut fabric pieces from your chosen fabrics.

Fabric A (White):

(4) 3.5” squares

(4) 4” squares

Fabric B (Red):

(2) 4” squares

Fabric C (Teal):

(2) 4” squares

Fabric D (Green):

(2) 4” squares

(1) 4.5” squares

Fabric E (Orange):

(2) 4” squares

(1) 4.5” squares

Fabric F (Navy):

(2) 4.5” squares

Units needed for Millcreek Block:

(4) 3.5” A/B HST units

(4) 3.5” A/C HST units

(4) 3.5” A squares

(2) 3.5” D/F/D QST units

(2) 3.5” E/F/E QST units

Step 2

Assemble D/F and E/F HST units from 4.5” squares to use in QST. Trim to 4”.

Assemble D/F/D and E/F/E QST units. Trim to 3.5”. There will be (2) extra QST from each color combination that won’t be used in the block.*

Reference our QST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 3

Assemble A/B and A/C HST units from 4” squares. Trim to 3.5”.

Reference our paired HST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 4

Arrange your block layout. Take care to place the QST units in the correct position to create the pinwheel effect. Reference our QST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 5

Assemble block in rows or quadrants. This is a basic 16-patch block construction.

Step 6

Trim block to 12.5” square.

Boulder MQG members can download a PDF of the pattern in the member area.

Play along with us and make sure you share your blocks so we can see your progress! On Instagram use #bouldermqgbom18 and tag us @bouldermqg  On Facebook share your blocks on the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild page. We may even share your blocks on our blog, Facebook, or Instagram!

*Make sure to save the extra pieces from your block for a special challenge project later in the year.

By Laura Loewen

Quarter-square triangles (QST) are easy to assemble. These units are commonly used to make a double pinwheel block. They are sometimes referred to as 3-patch QST, or 3-square QST. They differ from an hourglass, which can also be referred to as a quarter-square triangle block.

You start with 3 cut squares and end up with two QST units. Begin by cutting two squares 1.5” larger than your finished QST, these pieces will be the quarter triangles. Cut one square 1” larger than your finished QST, this is the half triangle. Our example shows a 3” finished QST. So we use two squares cut at 4.5” and one square cut at 4”.

Step 1

Cut (2) squares 1.5” larger than your finished QST for the quarter triangle pieces. Cut (1) square 1” larger than your finished QST for the half triangle pieces.

Step 2

Assemble HST units from your larger squares. See our paired HST tutorial for detailed instructions. Don’t forget to trim. HST units will be the same unfinished size as your third square.

Step 3

Discard, or set aside, one HST unit. Place remaining HST unit and cut third square right sides together.

Step 4

Draw diagonal line, perpendicular to HST seam, from corner to corner.

Step 5

Sew ¼” on either side of drawn line.

Step 6

Cut on drawn line. (picture shows one unit flipped over to illustrate the new seams are perpendicular to the original HST seam)

Step 7

Press open and trim ½” larger than finished QST. Take care to line up all diagonals at corners.

By Laura Loewen

Making paired half-square triangles (HST) is simple and easy using two squares cut 1” larger than your finished HST. Our example photo shows a 3” finished HST. We start with 4” cut squares and trim our HST to 3.5” unfinished.

Step 1

Begin with (2) squares the same size, one of each of two different fabrics.

Step 2

Line up squares right sides together. Draw one diagonal line from corner to corner.

Step 3

Sew ¼” on either side of the drawn line. (pictured are extra squares cut and ready to be sewn for step 2 and one square unit sewn and ready for cutting as in step 4 )

Step 4

Cut along drawn diagonal line.

Step 5

Press open and trim to unfinished size, ½” bigger than finished size. Take care to line up diagonals at corners.