Flying Geese are one of the most iconic quilt blocks, but sometimes it’s fun to let them break free from rigid rows. That’s where the Wandering Geese block comes in—an improv-style variation created through foundation paper piecing (FPP).
This block is beginner-friendly if you have basic paper piecing skills, scrap-happy, and a wonderful way to add energy and movement to your quilts.
✨ Want to sew without scrolling? Grab the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF version of this Wandering Geese tutorial in my Etsy shop for just $1.00! Perfect for your pattern binder.
Why You’ll Love Wandering Geese
Signature-ready – use the white “sky” sections as autograph blocks for a memory quilt (like I did in my traveling quilt project!)
Improv freedom with paper piecing accuracy
Perfect scrap buster for triangles, strips, and leftover bits
Flexible sizes – make strips, borders, or full blocks
What You’ll Need
- Paper for your foundation templates
- Pencil and ruler
- Fabric scraps for geese + background
- Add-A-Quarter ruler
- Rotary cutter & mat
- Neutral thread + paper piecing needle (90/14)
- Iron for crisp pressing
Want polished finishes on all your projects? Don’t miss my Free Hidden Zipper Pillow Tutorial.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Prep Your Paper Template
- Decide the width and length of your block or strip. Cut your paper foundation to that size.
- If making a border, cut multiple strips of equal width.
2. Create Your Triangle Template
- Cut a triangle template for the “goose” shape you want.
- Place your first triangle and trace it onto the paper foundation.
- Continue across, alternating the direction of your geese.
3. Add Guidelines & Numbers
- Draw a horizontal line along the bottom of each triangle.
- From the tip of the goose, draw a diagonal line to the base (the shortest path to the line above).
- Number your sections so you know the order to sew.
- Fold the lines in advance—this makes piecing much easier!
4. Begin Paper Piecing
- Start with your goose fabric. Place it right side up on the back of the paper.
- Add your background fabric right sides together, making sure it extends past the line above the goose, not just to the top point.
- Stitch along the line, then press open.
5. Trim & Continue
- Use your add-a-quarter ruler to trim seam allowances. (This is not that ruler – but I’ve learned over time!)
- Continue piecing geese across the strip, alternating directions.
6. Build Your Strip or Block
- Keep piecing until your strip is complete.
- When finished, trim the outside edges for a neat block.
How I Used Mine
For a friend’s traveling quilt, I used the geese as a long block along one edge.
For my own traveling quilt, I used wandering geese strips as a signature block. I had friends sign the white background sections, then embroidered over them—a beautiful way to add personal touches and memories.
Want a Printable Copy?
🖨️ Download the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF version of this tutorial for just $1.00 in my Etsy shop. Great for keeping at your sewing table or binder.
Final Thoughts
The Wandering Geese block is a fun way to bring movement, improv, and personality into your quilting. It looks complex but is actually easy and forgiving—as long as you can sew a straight line, you can do this!
Try it as a quilt border, a scrappy mini quilt, or even a signature block project. And don’t forget to share your makes—tag me @fourrobbins so I can see your geese take flight!
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