Traditional pattern, 1850s-1860s, public domain
A dynamic block featuring small triangles arranged around a central unit to create a windblown, turbulent effect. Named for the political turmoil in pre-Civil War Kansas, this pattern uses many small flying geese and half-square triangles to evoke a sense of conflict and movement.
Kansas Troubles dates to the turbulent 1850s-1860s, when Kansas Territory became a battleground between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in the period known as 'Bleeding Kansas.' The pattern's jagged, agitated triangles were said to represent the strife and conflict of the era.
This pattern was named during one of the most violent periods in American pre-Civil War history. The sharp, radiating triangles symbolize the chaos and danger of frontier Kansas. It became part of the rich tradition of quilts that encode American history in their names and designs.
Also known as: Kansas Trouble, Kansas Beauty
finished Block Size
14 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
Central square-in-a-square with radiating flying geese borders on a 7x7 grid
units Required
1 center square-in-a-square unit, 24 small flying geese, 4 corner HST units, 8 side triangles
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center square | Dark red | 3.5" x 3.5" | 1 | — |
| Center setting triangles | Tan | 4.25" x 4.25" | 2 | Cut each diagonally twice to yield 4 triangles for square-in-a-square |
| Flying geese — goose | Dark red | 2" x 3.5" | 12 | — |
| Flying geese — goose | Dark blue | 2" x 3.5" | 12 | — |
| Flying geese — sky squares | Tan | 2" x 2" | 48 | 2 per goose unit; stitch-and-flip method |
| Corner HST squares | Dark red | 3" x 3" | 4 | Pair with tan for HSTs |
| Corner HST squares | Tan | 3" x 3" | 4 | Pair with red for HSTs |
| Side setting strips | Tan | 2" x 5" | 4 | Connector strips between geese sections |
Sew 4 tan setting triangles to the 4 sides of the 3.5-inch center square (add opposite sides first, press, then the remaining two sides). Press seams toward the triangles. Trim to 5" x 5" including seam allowances.
Tip: The triangles are cut slightly oversized — trimming after pressing ensures a perfect square.
Using the stitch-and-flip method, make 12 red flying geese and 12 blue flying geese, each finishing at 1.5" x 3". Place a 2-inch tan square on one end of the goose rectangle, sew diagonally, trim, press, then repeat on the other end. Trim all units to size.
Tip: Draw the diagonal sewing line on the wrong side of every tan square before beginning — batch this step.
Arrange flying geese into 4 border strips of 6 geese each (alternating 3 red and 3 blue). The geese should all point outward from the center. Sew each strip together and press seams in one direction.
Tip: Alternate red and blue geese for maximum visual turbulence, or group by color for a more organized look.
Pair each 3-inch red square with a 3-inch tan square to make 4 half-square triangle units using the draw-sew-cut method. Trim to 2.5" x 2.5". These complete the corners of the block.
Tip: Press HST seams toward the darker fabric.
Attach flying geese strips to opposite sides of the center unit. Add corner HSTs and side connector strips to the remaining two geese strips. Sew these compound strips to the top and bottom of the block. Press all seams away from center.
Tip: Measure and compare opposite sides before sewing — they should be identical lengths.
Press the entire block from the front with steam. Square the block to 14.5" x 14.5" including seam allowances. Verify all flying geese points are visible and sharp.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set with sashing for a structured look
On-point setting with setting triangles for added drama
Alternating with plain blocks in a Civil War reproduction quilt