A flying geese unit is only as good as its finished size, and this tool builds and trims eight of the most-used sizes straight from plain squares. Make four matching geese at a time, then trim each one to an exact, ready-to-piece size against the printed guides. The cutting chart for every size is printed right on the ruler, so the numbers are always in reach.

The Ultimate Flying Geese Tool covers the everyday whole-inch and half-inch sizes, from a small 1/2" x 1" up to 4" x 8" finished. The exclusive Creative Grids non-slip backing keeps the ruler from shifting while you cut.

What's Included

This listing is for the tool only. It comes with fully illustrated step-by-step instructions. Fabric, thread, and other notions are not included.

How to Use It

Pick a finished size from the chart printed on the ruler, then choose a method from the illustrated instructions. The four-at-a-time method starts with one large square and four smaller squares: draw a diagonal line, stitch a quarter inch on each side, cut apart, and press to yield four matching geese at once. For example, one 5-3/4" square and four 3-1/4" squares make four 2" x 4" geese. A one-at-a-time fold-back method is also charted, building a single goose from one rectangle and two squares. Both charts use the same letter labels and finished sizes as the ruler.

Each unit comes out a little oversized on purpose, then trims to an exact size against the tool, which is the surest way to a crisp, accurate goose. Find the letter for your size and line it up over the sewn unit, then trim the first two sides at Trim #1. A dashed line marks the quarter-inch seam allowance at the point, so the tip stays intact. Rotate the mat, match the same letter at Trim #2, line the freshly trimmed edges up with the dashed guides, and trim the last two sides. The non-slip backing lets you nudge the ruler into place, then holds with light pressure so nothing shifts while you cut, and the dog-ears come off as you go.

This is a flying geese tool. It pieces and trims flying geese units in the eight sizes listed. It is not a general-purpose square ruler, and it does not make the in-between quarter-inch heights of Tool Two.

Perfect For

• Quilters who want the everyday flying geese sizes most patterns call for, all in one tool
• Sewists who want accurate geese from squares without buying special triangle templates or wrestling stretchy bias triangles
• Making four matching geese at once for borders, sashings, stars, and pinwheels
• Anyone who likes a no-math tool with the cutting chart printed right on the ruler

Why You'll Love This Tool

Four geese at a time from squares keeps the work moving, and a final trim to an exact size means the points line up when it is time to assemble. The non-slip backing holds while you cut, so the ruler stays put and the cuts stay clean.

The eight sizes here are the workhorses: whole-inch and half-inch finished heights from 1/2" to 4", each twice as wide as it is tall. These are the geese that turn up again and again in stars, sashings, and borders, which makes this the tool that earns a permanent spot on the cutting table.

The two-step trim becomes second nature in a block or two: Trim #1, rotate, Trim #2. With the chart printed on the ruler, the cutting numbers stay right there in your hand.

Product Details

• Brand: Creative Grids
• Item #: CGRDH4
• Designer: Deb Heatherly
• Category: Quilting Ruler and Trim Tool
• Type: Flying geese assembly and trimming tool
• Finished Sizes (8): 1/2" x 1", 1" x 2", 1-1/2" x 3", 2" x 4", 2-1/2" x 5", 3" x 6", 3-1/2" x 7", 4" x 8"
• Method: Four geese at a time from squares (cutting chart printed on the tool); a one-at-a-time fold-back method is also included
• Total Tool Size: 8-1/2" x 8-1/2"
• Material: Non-slip acrylic
• Markings: Cutting chart, finished sizes, and Trim #1 and Trim #2 guides printed on the tool
• Includes: The tool and fully illustrated step-by-step instructions
• Made in the United States

Need More Geese Sizes?

The Ultimate Flying Geese Tool Two by Deb Heatherly (CGRDH42) makes the companion set of eight in-between sizes, from 3/4" x 1-1/2" up to 4-1/4" x 8-1/2" finished. Together the two tools cover flying geese in every quarter-inch finished height from 1/2" to 4-1/4".