Flying Geese Quilt Pattern – “Detour” Table Runner

Here’s a fun and easy large quilted table runner. This flying geese quilt pattern is called “Detour”, it’s the mini version of my throw size “Flight” quilt pattern. Get it? Flight for larger quilt and detour for the shorter version! Finished size measures 16.5″ x 72.5″.

It’s made up of geese blocks, containing 4 flying geese units made with half-square triangles. Such an easy method of making flying geese as long as you don’t mind a seam line.

It’s very common for me to have left over quilt blocks when making scrappy quilt patterns. My belief is the more color the better, this includes using a wide variety of fabrics. Quilt blocks will get eliminated if I have too much of a certain color or fabric pattern while laying it out. I won’t know it until I see it laid out, hence the leftover quilt blocks.

Use these blocks for other quilt projects like a pot holder, table runner, placemats or even a tote bag. You won’t always get the perfect size for this secondary quilt project, but it’s still a useful and practical item to have around your house.

Make sure you check this out!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How To Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design 4 quilts or sewing projects! You can jot down ideas, draw mock ups of quilts and write your cutting dimensions and finished quilt size for future reference. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process!

Flying Geese Quilt Pattern – Detour Table Runner

This free pattern, “Detour,” is made with 9 geese blocks, each containing four flying geese units made with half-square triangles. It’s made from fat quarters and neutral background fabrics. 

Cutting Instructions

Background fabric: 36 squares (5″ x 5″) (cotton muslin fabric unbleached, Lori Holt Bee Background Pewter Stitched Circles, Bee Background Honeycomb and Garden Gatherings Shirtings Rose)

Print fabric: 36 squares (5″ x 5″) (Lori Holt Bee Plaids Fat Quarter Bundle)

Below are detailed instructions for the block and border. You may want to check out my full tutorial on how to make half square triangles if you have never made them before.

Assemble HST

First thing to do is take a single block from your background fabric and a single block from your print fabric. Lay right sides facing each other. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner. Sew 1/4″ seam allowance down both sides of the drawn line.

Once you have sewed on both sides of the marked lines, cut on the diagonal line using a rotary cutter, quilt ruler and cutting matt. 

Before you press each half-square triangle, square up with a quilting ruler and rotary cutter. For more efficient results, try this specialty ruler to speed things along. You only trim two sides and remove dog ears. This is achieved by squaring unit up while it is still folded in half. Press when done with hot iron.

You may want to check out my full quilt pattern tutorial for this step with pictures and instructions if you are new to quilting.

Assemble Flying Geese

The best part of this pattern, it’s made with a large square (or geese block) so it works up fast. I’ve used four matching flying geese units per block but you can mix and match your fabric to your liking. Sew two half square triangles together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance (as shown below). Repeat until you have 4 completed flying geese units.

To make the flying geese blocks, you will sew 4 flying geese units together by stacking them and attaching together using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press when done. 

Assemble Quilt Top

No need to square up each quilt block. Each geese block size should be 8.5″ x 16.5″. Layout your geese blocks into one row, alternating the direction for every other block. Or layout however you prefer, it’s really doesn’t matter.

Sew the blocks together to form a row. Always use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Make sure you nest the seam where the blocks meet so that everything aligns correctly and you get perfect points for your geese. Press with iron when done.

Perfect seam allowances get this way when you sew straight, and use the same allowance when sewing each until, block, row and border using the same measurement. Even if your “perfect seam allowance” ends up not being a true 1/4″, it will still be perfect for making sure all your quilt pieces work together.

Finishing Touches

With your quilt top complete, it’s time to assemble the quilt sandwich and start quilting! Layer your quilt top, batting, and backing, then baste the layers together using quilt basting spray or pins.

Quilt as desired! This sample was done with diagonal straight line machine quilting on my home sewing machine. I used a multi colored thread and it’s stunning on the back with this cross hatch quilt design.

If you are a new quilter and need to machine quilt with straight lines, check out these straight line machine quilting designs for ideas and inspiration.

After quilting, trim the excess batting and backing, then attach your binding using your favorite method. I used 1.5″ single fold binding.

Give your quilt a final press and inspect for any loose threads. Wash it in cold water, gentle cycle with a Shout Color Catcher Sheet to catch any colors that bleed in the wash and dry on low heat. 

Sew Nikki Free Resources

More Table Runner Patterns

Crochet Table Topper Pattern

Granny Square Table Topper (JAYG)

Suggested Quilt Tutorials

Beginner Quilting Supplies

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)

28 mm Rotary Cutter

28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades

45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)

45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)

60 mm Rotary Cutter

60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades

5″ x 20″ Straight Line Ruler

4.5″ Square Ruler for half square triangles

12.5″ Square Ruler for blocks

Cut Resistant Gloves

Stiletto

Sewing Pins

Sewing Thread

Universal Sewing Needles

Cotton Batting

Sewing Machine Beginner

Sewing Machine Intermediate

SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER!

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! I’m Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you’ll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Whether you’re stitching up a cozy quilt, crocheting a vintage-inspired blanket, or diving into upcycled sewing, I’m here to make the process fun and stress-free. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let’s create something beautiful together!

Scrap quilts are my all time favorite and they don’t always need to contain every print in  your stash to keep it colorful. This quilt is simple, clean and modern but with a scrappy feel to it.  You can change the look of the quilt by how many different fabrics you use and the placement of the geese blocks. 

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Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.