January Block of the Month Party: Flying Geese and Fun!

Welcome to the Sweet Potato Quilts Block of the Month (BOM) Party! Each month in 2025, we’ll tackle a 12-inch quilt block, bringing together creativity and community. By the end of the year, you’ll have pieced together a stunning throw-size quilt that’s full of charm and new skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned quilter, this BOM journey is designed to inspire and encourage you.

January Block: Flying Geese Delight

This month, we’re kicking off the BOM with a block that features flying geese units. Using the 4-at-a-time method, you’ll create crisp, perfectly trimmed geese that fit beautifully into the overall design. This technique is quick, efficient, and fun once you get the hang of it. Ready to dive in? Check out this video tutorial to see it all in action:

Materials and Cutting Instructions

You can make this quilt using scraps, precuts, or yardage—whatever works best for you! Here’s what you need to know:

Working with Yardage

• Check out the yardage cutting section on page 2 of your pattern each month. This section outlines what width-of-fabric cuts to make.
• If you don’t use the entire strip, save the remainder for future months. The instructions will guide you when it’s time to reuse leftover strips.

Working with Scraps

• Skip straight to the Piece Count column in the cutting instructions. This will tell you exactly what pieces to cut from your scraps.

Working with Precuts

• Focus on the left column of the cutting instructions. This will show you the smallest precut size needed for each piece (e.g., F8).

Preparing Your Fabric: Starching Tips

For this block (and future blocks), you’ll work with some smaller pieces that bring intricate detail to your quilt. Starching your fabric before cutting can make a world of difference in accuracy. Here’s how:

1. Spray your fabric generously to dampen it. You can’t overdo it!
2. Press the fabric dry. You’ll notice it feels slightly stiffer, making it easier to work with.

While starching is optional, it’s highly recommended for better precision and clean seams.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 4-at-a-Time Flying Geese

Step 1: Gather Your Pieces

For this block, you’ll need:

• One 5 1/2-inch square of background fabric
• Four 3-inch squares of coordinating fabric (with diagonal lines drawn on the back)

Step 2: Sew the First Seams

1. Place two smaller squares, right sides together, onto the larger square. The smaller squares should overlap slightly in the middle.
2. Sew a 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the diagonal line.

Pro tip: Use a fabric leader (a small scrap piece) before starting your seams. This prevents the machine from “eating” the pointed angles of your fabric.

Step 3: Cut and Press

1. Press the unit flat to settle the stitches.
2. Cut along the drawn diagonal line to separate the unit into two parts.
3. Press the triangle flaps open.

Step 4: Sew the Second Seams

1. Take the remaining two smaller squares and place them right sides together on the corners of the heart-shaped units.
2. Sew a 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the diagonal line.
3. Press the unit flat, then cut along the diagonal line to separate the pieces again.

Step 5: Trim Your Flying Geese

Trimming ensures your flying geese are precisely 4 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. Here’s what to look for:

• The triangle tip should be 1/4 inch away from the edge to preserve the point after sewing.
• The tip should be centered, aligning with the 2 1/4-inch mark on your ruler.

Rotate and trim the other sides to achieve a perfectly shaped flying geese unit.

Assembly Tips for Crisp Points

When piecing your block, follow the pressing suggestions on page 5 of the pattern. These are designed to help seams nest neatly and create crisp points. For example:

• Outer row seams are pressed outward.
• Middle row seams are pressed inward.

If your fabric is lighter, pressing seams toward darker fabrics helps prevent them from showing through. Finally, when sewing rows together, press seams open to reduce bulk.

Why Accuracy Matters

When sewing flying geese into your block, ensure the 1/4-inch seam intersects the triangle’s tip. This ensures your points stay sharp and precise in the final block. Take your time with trimming and alignment—it’s worth the effort!

Celebrate Your First Block!

Congratulations! You’ve completed your first Block of the Month. Not only have you tackled flying geese with confidence, but you’ve also set the tone for an exciting year of quilting. Don’t forget to share your block in our exclusive BOM Facebook group to connect with other quilters and celebrate your progress.

Ready to join the fun? Sign up for the BOM Party today and start your quilting adventure!