10 Eye-Catching Quilt Blocks Made with Flying Geese
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When it comes to quilting, Flying Geese units are one of the most versatile building blocks you can learn. They’re simple triangles that come together to form dynamic shapes. Perfect for stars, borders, pinwheels, and so much more.
Learning how to make and use Flying Geese unlocks dozens of new quilt blocks, giving your projects sharp points and directional movement that’s instantly eye-catching.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 quilt blocks made using Flying Geese. Whether you’re brand new to quilting or ready to try something new, these blocks are a fun way to level up your piecing skills!
1. Sawtooth Star Block
The Sawtooth Star is one of those quilt blocks that every quilter makes at some point, and for good reason! It’s elegant, easy to sew, and incredibly versatile. Flying Geese form the sharp star points, giving the block that crisp, radiant look that makes it so timeless.
You can keep it simple with two contrasting fabrics, or turn it scrappy for a more eclectic, vintage feel. It also scales beautifully — make it large for a pillow front or mini quilt, or piece smaller stars together for a stunning full-size quilt.
Get a step by step Sawtooth Star tutorial from Amy Smart at Diary of a Quilter.
2. Ribbon Star
The Ribbon Star has a modern, playful twist — it looks like ribbons weaving and twisting around a center square. The Flying Geese units give the “ribbons” their direction and motion, creating a lovely sense of depth.
This block looks especially beautiful when you use a gradient of fabrics, like light to dark shades of the same color, or even rainbow tones for a bright, happy finish. It’s one of those blocks that looks more complex than it really is, making it perfect for confident beginners.
Get a step by step Ribbon Star tutorial from Megan Collins.
3. Dutchman’s Puzzle
The Dutchman’s Puzzle is a traditional block that’s been loved by quilters for generations. With eight Flying Geese units arranged in a pinwheel, it has a wonderful sense of motion — like the blades of a windmill turning in the breeze.
It’s one of the best blocks to make when you want to showcase a range of prints or colors. Each “goose” can be a different fabric, giving the block a scrappy, pieced-together charm that’s both lively and classic.
Get the step by step Dutchman’s Puzzle tutorial from Leslie at The Seasoned Homemaker.
4. Dutchman’s Puzzle Variation
This variation on the Dutchman’s Puzzle changes the fabric placement and layout slightly, creating an entirely new visual effect while keeping the same structure. It’s a great example of how a single block design can look completely different just by swapping colors and values.
You can emphasize symmetry or lean into a more improv feel by mixing warm and cool tones. No matter what fabrics you use, this block adds a fun, dynamic twist to any quilt layout.
Get the Dutchman’s Puzzle Variation tutorial at Bonjour Quilts website.
5. Pinwheel
The Pinwheel is one of the simplest blocks you can make, but it never fails to draw the eye. Adding Flying Geese into the mix gives it even more movement, making the “blades” of the pinwheel look like they’re spinning across your quilt.
It’s a cheerful, high-energy block that works with any fabric style — modern prints, traditional florals, or scrappy leftovers from your stash. Whether you’re making one block or a whole quilt full of them, it’s an instant classic.
Get the Pinwheel Quilt Block tutorial & free quilt pattern from Homemade Emily Jane.
6. Sarah’s Choice
Sarah’s Choice is a beautiful block that combines Flying Geese with half-square triangles to create a layered effect. The result feels dimensional and intricate, but it’s surprisingly approachable to make.
The design naturally draws your eye to the center, making it perfect for highlighting a fussy-cut square or a favorite print. It also shines in both two-color versions or with subtle gradients that make the shapes softly blend together.
Get the Sarah’s Choice quilt block tutorial by Epida Studio.
7. Alternating Rows
This block from Threadbare Creations takes Flying Geese in a slightly different direction — literally! Instead of forming stars or pinwheels, the geese are arranged in alternating rows, creating a simple, modern pattern that looks beautiful in any colorway.
It’s a perfect choice if you want to practice accuracy with Flying Geese while ending up with something graphic and clean. The alternating direction adds visual rhythm, making it ideal for larger quilts or borders.
Learn how to make the Alternating Rows block at Threadbare Creations website.
8. Wild Goose Chase
Wild Goose Chase is one of the oldest traditional quilt blocks that features Flying Geese — and it’s still as striking today as it was a century ago. The layout typically features a large center square framed by Flying Geese pointing in all directions, giving the illusion of motion and depth.
This block can look bold and graphic with solids or soft and homey with reproduction prints. It’s also a great design for fussy cutting or showing off a favorite fabric in the center.
Get the free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop.
9. Woodland Path
The Woodland Path block combines Flying Geese, half-square triangles, and squares to create a peaceful, balanced design that feels grounded and natural — perfect for earthy tones or organic textures like linen.
It’s a beautiful choice if you love quilts with subtle movement and depth. The interplay of shapes in this block makes it versatile enough for both modern minimalist layouts and rustic, cottage-style quilts.
Get the full step by step tutorial at Farm & Folk.
10. Toad In The Puddle
Toad in the Puddle is a playful, geometric block. It uses Flying Geese to frame a central square, giving it a classic “block within a block” look.
Despite its quirky name, it’s a beautiful, balanced design that works in just about any fabric combination — from modern solids to scrappy vintage florals. It’s also one of those blocks that rewards contrast: light geese against dark backgrounds (or vice versa) make it really shine.
Check out the full tutorial by Patchwork Square.
Flying Geese are one of those quilting essentials that never go out of style. Once you know how to make them, the possibilities are endless — they can form stars, borders, pinwheels, diamonds, and so much more.
These 10 blocks are just the beginning. Whether you prefer classic layouts or modern twists, Flying Geese add that perfect mix of precision and motion that makes quilts come alive.
So grab your favorite fabrics, make a few Flying Geese, and try one of these blocks — your next quilt might just take flight!
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