ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
The American Patchwork & Quilting Editors pattern designed by Sherri McConnell makes a five-block runner that finishes at 60-1/2 × 12-1/2 inches. It uses eight colors of flying-geese units in each 12-inch block, with every other block rotated when the blocks are joined. The dimensions and fabric quantities below apply to this specific pattern, not to every flying-geese runner.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Finished size and layout
The pattern, published February 12, 2021, makes five finished 12-inch blocks joined in one row. Each block contains eight differently colored flying-geese units. Rotate every other block as shown in the pattern’s assembly diagram; the completed runner measures 60-1/2 × 12-1/2 inches. See the American Patchwork & Quilting pattern and its diagrams.
Fabric, batting, and cutting requirements
The cutting plan assumes 42 inches of usable fabric width. Follow the pattern diagrams for piece placement, especially if using directional prints.
#1 Best Overall
| Material | Quantity and cutting |
|---|---|
| Solid maroon, green, mustard, light pink, white, dark pink, taupe, and teal | One 18 × 21-inch fat quarter of each color; cut ten 3-1/2-inch squares from each. |
| Solid tan and aqua | One-half yard of each; cut twenty 3-1/2 × 6-1/2-inch rectangles from each. |
| Backing fabric | One yard. |
| Batting | One 21 × 69-inch piece. |
The remaining scraps provide enough 2-1/2-inch-wide strips for the binding. The finishing instructions join assorted strips into a 155-inch-long pieced binding strip. Choose quilting cottons that meet the listed quantities; a fat-quarter bundle can cover the eight colors, but the pattern also calls for separate tan and aqua yardage.
Make the flying-geese units
This pattern uses a marked-square-on-rectangle method. Each unit finishes at 6-1/2 × 3-1/2 inches, measured before sewing into the quilt top.
Rank #2
- Master your craft!
- On the wrong side of a 3-1/2-inch square, mark a diagonal line.
- Place the square on one end of a 3-1/2 × 6-1/2-inch rectangle, right sides together, following the direction shown in the pattern diagram.
- Stitch on the marked line. Trim away the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance, then press the triangle open.
- Repeat with a second square at the other end of the rectangle, orienting it as shown in the diagram. Press open to complete the flying-geese unit.
Make five units in each of the eight colors. Arrange eight units into each block and sew them into rows; join the rows to complete five blocks. Use the pattern layout to preserve the intended color arrangement.
Recommended Free Tools
Join, quilt, and bind the runner
- Lay out all five blocks in a row, rotating every other block according to the pattern’s diagram. Join the blocks to make the top.
- Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing, then baste the layers together.
- Quilt as desired. The published sample uses an allover Baptist Fan design; that quilting choice is not required.
- Join assorted 2-1/2-inch-wide strips into the 155-inch binding strip, then bind the runner.
Other flying-geese table projects
Patterns using flying geese can differ substantially in size, construction, skill level, and tools. These two alternatives are not variations of McConnell’s five-block pattern.
| Pattern | Finished size and unit | Construction and skill | Tools and materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gander by Cut Loose Press | 20-1/2 × 47-1/2 inches; geese finish at 1-3/4 × 3-1/2 inches. | Labeled intermediate; combines flying geese, half-square triangles, and strip sets. | The listing requires the Creative Grids Ultimate Flying Geese Tool Two and recommends the Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper. Consult the pattern listing for its material quantities. |
| SINGER Australia’s flying-geese Christmas placemat / mini table runner | Finished dimensions and geese unit size are not stated on the project page. | A smaller seasonal setting; the page includes quilting, layering, trimming, and binding guidance. Skill level is not stated. | Fabric requirements are provided on the project page; a required specialty tool is not stated. |
The Ultimate Flying Geese Tool Two is named as required for Gander only; it is not a requirement for the Sherri McConnell pattern.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
