Riley Blake Geese Take Flight - Downloadable PDF

Geese Take Flight Quilt Pattern by Eleanor Dugan for Riley Blake Designs

About This Pattern

Geese Take Flight is a free downloadable PDF quilt pattern designed by Eleanor Dugan for Riley Blake Designs. Rated as an intermediate-level quilting project, this pattern produces a beautifully structured bed or lap quilt with a finished size of approximately 64 inches by 84 inches. The design draws on the classic and beloved Flying Geese quilt block tradition, arranging these iconic triangular units into dynamic horizontal rows that give the impression of geese in flight across the quilt surface.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a full-size quilted throw or bed quilt measuring approximately 64" x 84". The design is built around Flying Geese rows, each finishing at approximately 4" x 60", which are set off by wide sashing strips to frame and highlight the directional movement of the geese units. The overall composition balances the graphic energy of the Flying Geese blocks with the calm, grounding effect of the broader sashing panels, creating a quilt with both visual rhythm and classic appeal.

Design Details and Layout

The quilt layout is structured around alternating Flying Geese rows and sashing strips cut lengthwise for stability and a clean finish. The specific sashing cuts include:

• 2 strips measuring 12½" x approximately 60½"
• 4 strips measuring 5½" x approximately 60½"
• 2 strips measuring 12½" x approximately 64½"

These wide sashing panels frame the Flying Geese rows and contribute significantly to the finished quilt's overall dimensions. The pattern notes that pieces sized to sew to Sashing Stash may be slightly larger than the Sashing Stash unit they are sewn to, and quilters are advised to either ease those pieces to fit or trim flush after sewing and pressing. This attention to precision ensures the integrity of the sashing design elements is preserved throughout assembly.

Techniques Used

This pattern calls upon a range of core and intermediate quilting techniques that make it an excellent project for quilters who have moved beyond the beginner stage and are looking to build their skills further:

• Flying Geese construction — the central technique of the pattern, involving the piecing of triangular units composed of one large triangle (the "goose") flanked by two smaller triangles (the "sky"), repeated across horizontal rows
• Lengthwise strip cutting — sashing strips are cut lengthwise along the fabric grain for added stability and to minimize stretching along the long edges of the quilt
• Sashing assembly — integrating wide sashing panels between pieced rows, requiring careful alignment and pressing to maintain a flat, even quilt top
• Easing and trimming — managing slight size discrepancies between pieced units and sashing panels, a practical intermediate skill that ensures a professional finish
• Quilt assembly with right sides together — standard sewing orientation used throughout the construction process
• Pressing seams — essential at each stage to maintain accuracy and reduce bulk in the finished quilt top

The pattern notes that a basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology is required, placing this firmly in intermediate territory. Quilters should be comfortable with accurate cutting, consistent seam allowances, and working with longer strip units before beginning.

Stitches and Seam Allowances

All piecing in this pattern is worked with a standard ¼" seam allowance, which is the quilting industry standard and is included in all measurements provided. The pattern includes an important note regarding the Sashing Stash option: when using Sashing Stash, quilters sew along the existing design rather than measuring and sewing their own ¼" seam, which is a helpful distinction for those incorporating pre-printed or specialty sashing materials.

Materials: Fabric and Notions

As a Riley Blake Designs pattern, Geese Take Flight is intended to be made with quilting cotton fabric, consistent with the Riley