Flying Geese Pillow Tutorial

Happy Andina Day, fabric lovers! I am so excited to share with you how to make the Flying Geese Pillow as seen in the Andina by AGF Studio for Art Gallery Fabrics Lookbook.

 

 

As a nod to the Andes Mountains, I arranged Flying Geese units to create a mountain peak effect. For this design, I utilized the Stitch and Flip Method to make my Flying Geese (FG) units to showcase multiple prints. I commonly turn to this method when I need to make a minimal amount of flying geese (FG) in various fabrics. It’s also a great beginner method if you’re new to flying geese. See below FABRIC REQUIREMENTS & CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS Chart for detailed quantities of each fabric used.

 

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS & CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

 

FLYING GEESE: STITCH AND FLIP METHOD

 

(2) 3.5" x 3.5" squares

(1) 3.5" x 6.5" rectangle

 

For ONE FG unit, you will need (2) 3.5″ squares and (1) 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangle.

 

In total, you will cut (36) 3.5 squares and (18) 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangles to make an 18″ square pillow. See FABRIC REQUIREMENTS & CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS Chart for specifics. Feel free to play around with your fabrics – this method provides the perfect opportunity to get scrappy!

 

  

 

1. On the wrong side of both 3.5″ squares, draw a diagonal line (Or skip this step and use diagonal seam tape).

 

 

2. Right sides facing, place one 3.5″ square on top of the 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangle as shown above. Stitch directly on drawn line. Trim seam leaving 1/4″ allowance and press open.

 

 

 

3. Place remaining 3.5″ square on opposite side of 3.5″ x 6.5″ rectangle as shown above. Stitch directly on drawn line. Trim seam leaving 1/4″ allowance and press open.

 

 

Way to sew! You’ve made one FG unit. Only 17 more to go! Once all FG are completed, sew your geese row by row. Press seams open.

 

Next, build fabric and batting sandwiches just as you would a quilt sandwich. Layer as follows (1) Front Block, Batting and Lining square and (2) Backing fabric, Batting and Lining Square. Quilt each sandwich as desired. For mine, I chose to echo stitch the front to highlight the mountain peak effect. For the back, I simply stitched a 2″ crosshatch. After quilting, trim both pieces to 18.5″.

 

Next, install an invisible zipper on one side of the pillow cover. I suggest using a 16″ zipper so you’ll have plenty of room to insert your pillow form. If you need to, you may purchase a larger sized zipper and trim as needed.

 

On both the front and back pieces, mark guides for yourself where the zipper begins and ends. You may use pins at each starting and stopping point of the zipper.

 

Layer the front and back piece with right sides facing – block front facing backing fabric. Stitch down the right side at 1/2 inch beginning with a regular stitch length. CHANGE to a basting stitch at your first mark or pin and then switch back to a regular stitch length at the second pin or mark. Press seam open.

 

Place zipper with pull facing down on top of open seam. Stitch in place utilizing your zipper foot. Be sure to open and close zipper as needed to work around foot.

 

Remove basting stitches and open zipper.

 

Once your zipper is secured, with right sides facing (block front facing backing), sew around perimeter of pillow using 1/4" seam allowance. If desired, add embellishments such as tassels or rick rack. Just be sure to pin your choice inside the layers before stitching around the perimeter.

 

Trim corners to reduce bulk. Turn your cover right side out and insert pillow form. Close zipper and ENJOY!

 

How much fun is Andina? What is your favorite project from the Lookbook? I’m loving the INCA quilt pattern – it’s stunning! Need more ideas? AGF has a plethora of free patterns – click here!

 

Happy Sewing!

With Joy,