This mystery quilt is designed to show you two different ways to make perfect flying geese blocks. The clue links are listed at the bottom of this tutorial. To print just this clue, use the green Print Friendly button at the bottom of this page.
In this clue, you are putting the quilt top together.
Before we can add borders, we need to put the blocks together into a top first.
Make (3) rows like the one below. These are your odd rows. Press your seams to the right. Your row should measure 12-1/2″ × 48-1/2″.
Make (2) rows like the one below. These are your even rows. Press your seams to the left. Your row should measure 12-1/2″ × 48-1/2″.
Starting with an odd row, sew alternating rows into a top as shown below. Because of the way you pressed your seams, they should just nestle at each intersection. Use pins to encourage this behavior. Your top should measure 60-1/2″ × 48-1/2″.
IF YOU ARE MAKING THE LARGER SIZE
You will need to make a (6) rows of 5 blocks each, so you would need (3) even rows and (3) odd rows. Your top will measure 72-1/2″ × 60-1/2″.
The Floating Border
When a border is made of the same fabric as the background and is sewn so that it surrounds the center, it is called a floating border. It gives a little separation between the center and the outer border, thus “floating” it away from the outer border.
Forcing the quilt top to match two identically cut borders will force the quilt top to remain square. Sew a 3-1/2″ × 60-1/2″ Background Strip to both sides of the top, matching the center of the strip to the center of the quilt top, easing to fit if necessary. Press to the border.
Sew a 3-1/2″ × 54-1/2″ Background Strip to both sides of the tops, matching the center of the strip to the center of the quilt top, easing to fit if necessary. Press to the border. Your quilt top should measure 54-1/2″ × 66-1/2″.
Mystery Clues
Don’t forget that anyone who sends me a picture of any step in this mystery before 1/3/23 will receive a copy of the final pattern. Send your pictures to phoebemoondesigns@gmail.com
Fabric Requirements
Cutting Instructions (clue available 12/31 at 9AM Eastern)
The Flying Geese for Block One (clue available 1/1/23 at 9AM Eastern)
The Flying Geese for Block Two (clue available 1/1/23 at 10AM Eastern)
More Blocks (clue available 1/1/23 at 11AM Eastern)
Even More Blocks (clue available 1/1/23 at noon Eastern
The Last Quilt Block (clue available 1/1/23 at 1PM Eastern
Borders (clue available 1/1/23 at 2PM Eastern)
The Final Frontier (clue available 1/1/23 at 3PM Eastern
Picture Page
Have another tip to offer? Send it to me or reply below and I will add it here.
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