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foundation paper piecing

Goose Tracks Quilt Block: Construction, Sizes, and Names

Goose Tracks can be made with foundation paper piecing or conventional piecing. Compare the published sizes, keep each pattern’s measurements separate, and check diagrams when searching alternate names.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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The Goose Tracks quilt block is a small-center design with four angular corner units that form track-like shapes. You can sew it with foundation paper piecing or conventional cut-and-piece construction; choose one set of instructions and keep to its measurements, since the two methods use different cutting plans.

What the Goose Tracks block looks like

One published pattern describes Goose Tracks as an uneven nine-patch arranged on a 5-by-5 grid. A small center sits among larger pieces, while four angular corner units create the distinctive tracks. Color contrast helps the corner shapes read clearly, but the patterns do not require a particular fabric brand or collection.

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For a visual reference, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History catalogs a Goose Tracks quilt attributed to Mrs. Ellen Parsons of Shelbyville, Tennessee, and dated 1850–1875. Its seven-inch blocks are set diagonally, with triple sashing and miniature Nine-patch blocks at the intersections. The museum record also describes cotton filling and a plain-woven, open-weave white cotton lining. A handwritten note says Parsons grew and picked cotton, spun it into thread, wove the lining, and pieced and quilted by hand; the museum cautions that this account is difficult to verify. Smithsonian quilt catalog record.

Choose a construction method and finished size

Approach Finished size or scale What the instructions cover
Foundation paper piecing, Generations Quilt Patterns 5, 7½, 10, 12½, or 15 inches finished. The 5-inch sample measures 5½ inches unfinished. Paper-pieced corner units, then rows assembled like a traditional nine-patch. Pattern and tutorial.
Conventional cut-and-piece, Bloomerie Fabrics 15 inches finished; approximately 15½ inches before it is set into a quilt top. Squares, diagonal half-square-triangle construction, rectangles, and a center square. This is a separate pattern; use its own cutting measurements. 2017 tutorial.

Unless the selected instructions specify otherwise, use a ¼-inch seam allowance. Do not combine the Bloomerie cut list with the Generations paper-piecing templates: they are different versions, not interchangeable measurement charts.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Calico Carriage Quilt Designs Geese in The Lillies Pattern, 6 x 9
  • This pattern is Layer Cake friendly in lap, queen, and twin sizes
  • The King size quilt uses all yardage
  • The Flying Geese are made 4 at a time and squared up to be accurate
  • Pattern only, fabric not included.

Make the foundation-paper-pieced version

  1. Choose a size and print its template. Generations Quilt Patterns provides templates for its five listed finished sizes. Check the printed one-inch scale graphic to confirm the page has printed at the intended scale.
  2. Piece the four corner units. Follow the chosen paper template and its fabric placement sequence. The tutorial recommends a short stitch length for foundation piecing; treat this as that pattern author’s setup guidance.
  3. Trim the units. Trim each paper-pieced unit according to the pattern. Its tutorial describes using a ruler and rotary cutter, and suggests a quarter-inch ruler for seam-allowance trimming.
  4. Arrange and sew the block. Lay out the corner units with the center squares and rectangles, sew the pieces into rows, then join the rows. The source describes the assembly as similar to a traditional nine-patch.

The seam allowance is ¼ inch unless the pattern marks an exception. If you are new to paper piecing, keep the paper attached until the seams are secure and follow the template’s order rather than improvising from the finished diagram.

Make the conventional cut-and-piece version

Bloomerie Fabrics’ 2017 tutorial is a 15-inch-finished version. It uses cut squares, diagonal half-square-triangle construction, rectangles, and a center square to build four corner track units and join them with the row pieces. Use the tutorial’s own cutting chart and sequence for this version; its dimensions should not be mixed with the Generations paper-piecing chart.

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Rank #2
Got Geese ? Quilt Pattern by Deb Heatherly
  • Use Creative Grids Ultimate Flying Geese tool or your favorite method
  • Makes a finished 69" x 69" throw or lap quilt
  • Designed by Deb Heatherly of Deb's Cats N Quilts
  • Use a layer cake for contrast colors or your own selection of fabrics

Names and related block searches

Pattern naming varies. Generations Quilt Patterns gives “Signal (Woman’s World)” as an alternate name. It also describes Cross and Crown as based on the same drawing with light and dark values reversed, and lists “Bouquet’s Quilt” and “Tulip Wreath” for that related design. Bloomerie Fabrics associates “Cross & Crown” and “Tulip Wreath” with Goose Tracks. Compare the actual block diagram before treating any alternate name as an identical layout.

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Which tools are optional?

A dedicated die or specialty ruler can suit a particular workflow, but neither is necessary to make the block. The AccuQuilt GO! Goose Tracks die is a 9-inch-finished option for owners of a compatible GO! cutter. AccuQuilt says it cuts one four-color block in one pass, uses 14 shapes, includes ¼-inch seam allowances, and requires a GO! cutting mat measuring 6 by 24 inches. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent speed or accuracy comparisons. AccuQuilt’s description says the die lets users “avoid them all together,” referring to Y-seams; that is vendor copy, not an independently verified performance claim. AccuQuilt product page.

For paper piecing, the Generations tutorial names an Add-A-Quarter Plus ruler for trimming seam allowances, while also describing ruler-and-rotary-cutter trimming. Consider a specialty ruler only if it fits the way you already cut and trim. When choosing between approaches, weigh whether you own a compatible cutter, equipment cost and storage, flexibility with templates and rulers, and your comfort with accurate cutting and foundation paper. The cited pages do not establish that one method is universally faster or more accurate.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Calico Carriage Quilt Designs Geese in The Lillies Pattern, 6 x 9
Calico Carriage Quilt Designs Geese in The Lillies Pattern, 6 x 9
This pattern is Layer Cake friendly in lap, queen, and twin sizes; The King size quilt uses all yardage
$10.00
Bestseller No. 2
Got Geese ? Quilt Pattern by Deb Heatherly
Got Geese ? Quilt Pattern by Deb Heatherly
Use Creative Grids Ultimate Flying Geese tool or your favorite method; Makes a finished 69" x 69" throw or lap quilt
$12.98
Best Value
Sale
Simplicity S3158 Sewing Pattern Summer Clothes for Porch and Lawn Geese, One Size
  • PATTERN S3158 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes decorative porch goose outfits designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
  • IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
  • AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
  • MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your porch goose outfits to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
  • EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for seasonal porch decor, holidays, gifts for goose lovers, and year-round display.
Rank #4
Sale
Simplicity S3223 Porch Goose Clothes Sewing Pattern, Spring Holiday & Special Occasion Outfits for 23-Inch Geese
  • PATTERN S3223 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes decorative porch goose outfits designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
  • IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
  • AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
  • MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your porch goose outfits to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
  • EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for seasonal porch decor, holidays, gifts for goose lovers, and year-round display.

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