Circle of Geese Block Quilt Tutorial

The Circle of Geese quilt block is one of the most striking and beloved foundation paper piecing (FPP) designs in the quilting world. Its bold rotation of flying geese creates a hypnotic circular motion that looks complex but is surprisingly achievable even for confident beginners who are ready to explore FPP.

This block is not only visually impressive but also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play with colors, gradients, scrappy layouts, or modern solids.

Circle of Geese Block Quilt Tutorial

If you enjoy crisp points, geometric movement, and blocks that look far more advanced than they feel to make, the Circle of Geese is an excellent choice for your next project!

⭐ Why the Circle of Geese Block Is So Popular

The design forms a perfect wheel made of four mirrored quadrants of flying geese. When the four sections are joined, their angles create:

• Beautiful symmetry

• Sharp, clean points

Despite its polished look, the block is created with foundation paper piecing, which means your seams and points come out accurate every time.

⭐ Why the Circle of Geese Block Is So Popular

The design forms a perfect wheel made of four mirrored quadrants of flying geese. When the four sections are joined, their angles create:

• Beautiful symmetry

• Sharp, clean points

• The illusion of spinning motion

• A modern, graphic style

Despite its polished look, the block is created with foundation paper piecing, which means your seams and points come out accurate every time.

✂️ Materials Needed

• Assorted fabrics (solids or prints)

• Background fabric

• Printer + paper for FPP templates

• Rotary cutter and ruler

• Fabric glue stick or pins

• Sewing machine with a short stitch length

• Optional: lightbox for easier fabric placement

🧵 How to Make the Circle of Geese Block

This block is divided into four identical paper-pieced sections. Each section contains a sequence of triangles that form one quadrant of the spinning circle.

1. Print Your FPP Templates

Print four copies of the Circle of Geese quadrant template. Be sure your printer scale is set to 100% so the block finishes at the correct size.

2. Prepare Your Fabrics

Cut scraps or color-coordinated pieces large enough to cover each section of the template, always allowing extra for seam allowance and trimming.

3. Begin Paper Piecing

Start with piece A1, placing the fabric wrong-side against the blank side of the paper.
Then:

1. Trim the seam allowance ¼″ beyond the line between A1 and A2

2. Align fabric for A2 right sides together

3. Sew on the line

4. Press open

5. Repeat for all remaining pieces

Continue this process until each of the four quadrants is complete.

4. Trim Your Sections

Use the outer dashed line as your cutting guide. This gives you the perfect ¼″ seam allowance.

5. Join the Quadrants

Sew the units together in pairs, then join those pairs to complete the full circle.

Press your seams carefully to keep the block lying flat.

🎨 Color Inspiration

The Circle of Geese block shines with color play! Here are a few ideas:

• Rainbow Wheel: Make each goose a different color for a vibrant, modern block.

• Two-Tone Spin: Use two colors alternating around the circle.

• Ombre Effect: Start with dark tones in one quadrant and move to lighter ones.

• Scrappy Geese: A fun way to use leftover fabric pieces.

• Monochrome Modern: Mix light, medium, and dark values of a single color.

🪡 Project Ideas Using This Block

• Mini quilts and wall hangings

• Pillow covers

• Centerpiece blocks for modern quilts

• Tote bags

• Table toppers

The spinning movement makes it an eye-catching feature in any project.

FREE TUTORIAL HERE

The Circle of Geese block is a timeless and captivating design that elevates any quilting project with its geometric grace and dynamic movement. With foundation paper piecing, even beginners can achieve the sharp points and smooth rotation that make this block so iconic. Whether you choose bold colors, soft gradients, or scrappy charm, the possibilities are endless.