Hello, Hello My Stitching Friends!
Heather here from The Sewing Loft back for our monthly sit & sew session.
I’m not sure about you but the dog days of summer have had me looking for relief in the studio these days. I think that’s why I’m so excited to get stitching on the next block of the Starry Night Quilt Sampler.
Block 7 is Split Geese block. This block is a variation of the traditional flying geese classic unit we explored in block 5. Since the Starry Night Sampler requires 3 full blocks of these pretties, you will notice a few large strips in the cutting section. Have no fear, this is not a typo and will help streamline your sewing.
For those of you just joining the fun be sure to check out the full supply list and materials list before starting. To make it easy, I have created a printable download that you can get here.
Now, let’s take a look at today’s block, Split Geese, and get started.
Cutting Instructions for Split Geese:
- Cut 6 White 4″ Squares sub cut into 4 triangles (a)
- Cut 6 Navy Polka Dot 4″ Squares sub cut into 4 triangles (a)
- Cut 3 Indigo Polka Dot 26″ x 2″
- Cut 3 Peony Net 26″ x 2″
**Cutting instructions yields 3 blocks.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS
Sewing Assembly for Split Geese:
You will notice that the sewing is fairly simple on this block. We use many of the
- Following color key, place 26″ x 2″ rectangles right sides together and stitch using 1/4″ seam allowance to join. Press open and sub cut into (4) 6 1/2″ units. Repeat to 2 times to create a total of 12 sub cut rectangle units.
- Using the 45° lines on your quilting ruler, sub cut each unit to create a triangle.
- Sewing with a 1/4″ seam allowance join triangle (a) to sub cut triangle (b) right sides together; press. *Note that triangle (a) will overhang 1/4″ on each side of seam allowance. Repeat to opposite side and create 12 units.
- Trim each unit to 3 1/2″ x 6 1/2″. Join 4 units together to create a 6″ x 12″ finished block (6 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ including outer seam allowance). Repeat to make 3 blocks.
Now, as you were slicing away, you will have striped triangles left over from step 2, save them. We will use them later. For more easy tips to help you achieve block successI’ve put together a few of my favorite tips here.
Remember, you will need 3 finished 9 Split Geese blocks to complete the Starry Night Quilt Sampler.
Well, that’s it for now. Don’t forget that I’ll be back next month with a next block in the Starry Night Quilt Block of the Month series. In the meantime, be sure to come find me on social media and share a few pictures of your finished block using #StarryNightQuilt as a tag, I want to see your blocks stitched together!
This method of making flying geese was very challenging and I’ve made them before. I just couldn’t get them to come out the right size and used a different method.
Kathy thank you for your comment. Was there a certain step that tripped you up? What technique did you end up using? I have not made mine yet so I am curious.
Niki
Hello Kathy,
I’m happy to hear that you created them. As with many blocks in quilting there was several different ways to achieve the final look. Please let me know if there was a specific stepped that you found challenging. Looking forward to seeing your final quilt.
~Heather
I also had trouble getting them the right size. I think it had to do with the sub-cutting part. If the blocks are cut into a 6.5″ length, how is it possible to end up with a 6.5″ length after adding the triangles.
Also, my cut-off triangles that I am supposed to use for the four squares block measured 3.25″ on each side-I don’t think this will end up making the 3.5″ square triangles later on. Please help.
I figured it out. The initial subcut needs to be 7″ long rather than 6.5″ long as directed. The subsequent leftover triangles then work for the four corners block if you sew the two-tone block in the center of the triangle (the solid triangle should extend 1/4″ beyond the two-tone on each end).