Robert Kaufman Geese Race - Downloadable PDF

Geese Race Quilt Pattern by Ariga Mahmoudlou for Robert Kaufman

The Geese Race quilt pattern is a free, downloadable PDF designed by Ariga Mahmoudlou for Robert Kaufman. This cheerful and colorful quilt finishes at a generous 55" x 63", making it an ideal size for a lap quilt, throw, or children's blanket. Rated as a beginner difficulty project, it is a wonderful introduction to one of quilting's most beloved and classic block structures — the Flying Geese unit — presented here in a lively, race-inspired layout bursting with a vibrant rainbow of hues.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a finished quilt measuring 55 inches by 63 inches, categorized as a blanket or throw. The design is built around the iconic Flying Geese block, a traditional patchwork unit that creates the illusion of geese in flight across the quilt surface. When arranged in rows or columns, these triangular units generate strong directional movement and visual energy — perfectly captured by the "race" theme of this pattern. The finished quilt is suitable for home décor, gifting, or everyday use as a cozy throw.

Techniques Used

As a beginner-level quilting project, Geese Race introduces foundational quilting techniques that are essential building blocks for any quilter's skill set. Key techniques include:

• Cutting fabric accurately from yardage that is 42 inches wide, a standard quilting cotton width
• Piecing Flying Geese units, which involve sewing triangular pieces together with precision to create clean, sharp points — a hallmark of well-executed patchwork
• Assembling quilt blocks into a cohesive top using consistent seam allowances
• Squaring up and pressing seams to ensure flat, accurate units throughout construction
• Binding the quilt using a dedicated binding fabric for a neat, professional finish along all four edges
• Backing and layering the quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric

Flying Geese blocks are traditionally constructed using either the one-at-a-time method or the four-at-a-time method. Both approaches rely on half-square triangle geometry and are excellent for developing accuracy in cutting and sewing diagonal seams — skills that transfer to a wide range of future quilt projects.

Stitches and Sewing Methods

As a quilting pattern, Geese Race is sewn entirely on a standard sewing machine using a consistent straight stitch. The straight stitch is used throughout all piecing stages, from assembling individual Flying Geese units to joining rows of blocks into the complete quilt top. Precise quarter-inch seam allowances are the standard for quilting and are critical to achieving the correct finished dimensions and sharp points on each geese unit. Quilting of the finished sandwich — whether done by hand or machine — adds texture and secures all three layers together.

Materials: Fabric

The pattern features an extensive and vibrant palette of Robert Kaufman fabrics, all based on 42-inch-wide quilting cotton yardage. The fabric lineup includes:

• Color A – K001-1019 (Black): 2-1/4 yards — the dominant background fabric anchoring the design
• Color B – SRK-19936-12 (Grey): 1/4 yard
• Color C – SRK-19936-434 (Bright Pink): 1/4 yard
• Color D – SRK-19936-3 (Red): 1/4 yard
• Color E – SRK-19936-8 (Orange): 1/4 yard
• Color F – SRK-19936-5 (Yellow): 1/4 yard
• Color G – SRK-19936-7 (Green): 1/4 yard
• Color H – SRK-19936-81 (Turquoise): 1/4