Traditional pattern, public domain. One of the oldest American quilt patterns, documented from the early 1800s.
A dramatic block built from concentric rounds of flying geese units radiating outward from a center square, creating a bold starburst or compass-like design. The progressively larger geese create strong visual movement.
Wild Goose Chase is one of the earliest documented American quilt patterns, with references dating to the late 1700s. The name comes from the V-shaped flying geese formations seen during spring and fall bird migrations, a familiar sight across rural America. The pattern predates the block-style construction and was originally made as a whole-quilt design.
The sight of migrating geese was a seasonal marker for farmers — geese flying south signaled winter preparations, and geese flying north heralded spring planting. The Wild Goose Chase pattern honored this natural rhythm. The phrase 'wild goose chase' also refers to a futile pursuit, adding a touch of humor to the quilt name.
Also known as: Flying Geese, Birds in Flight, Goose Chase, Wild Geese Flying
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
Center square with radiating flying geese on all four sides
units Required
1 center square, 4 small flying geese, 4 large flying geese, 4 corner squares
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dark | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Center square |
| B | Medium | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Inner flying geese rectangles |
| C | Background | 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches | 8 | Corner connectors for inner geese |
| D | Dark | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Outer geese squares (stitch-and-flip) |
| E | Background | 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Side fillers for outer geese |
| F | Background | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Corner squares |
Using the connector-corner (stitch-and-flip) method: place a 2 1/2 inch background square on the right end of a medium 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch rectangle, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line and sew on the line. Trim to 1/4 inch and press open. Repeat on the left end with the second background square. The goose point should be centered. Make 4 inner geese, each 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches.
Tip: Sew just a thread's width outside the drawn line (toward the corner) for a perfectly sized goose after trimming.
Sew an inner goose unit to the top and bottom of the center square (goose points facing outward). Press toward the center. Then sew background 2 1/2 inch squares to each end of the remaining two inner geese, creating side strips. Sew these side strips to the left and right of the center unit. Press outward. The unit should now measure 8 1/2 inches square.
Using the stitch-and-flip method on the 4 1/2 inch dark squares: fold a background 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch strip and mark center. Place and sew triangular connector corners to form each goose. Alternatively, use two background triangles sewn to a dark triangle. Each outer goose should measure 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches (square geese for this block). Make 4 outer geese.
Tip: Square geese are made by using connector corners on a square rather than a rectangle.
Sew an outer goose unit to the top and bottom of the center unit (points facing outward). Press outward. Sew corner squares to each end of the remaining two outer geese. Sew these strips to the sides. Press outward.
Press the entire block well. Trim to 12 1/2 inches square. All geese should point outward from the center like a compass rose.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set with sashing — 4x5 blocks with 2-inch sashing for a 58 x 72 inch throw
Single enlarged block (24 inches) as a center medallion with borders
Edge to edge for interlocking starburst secondary patterns