Now that Memorial Day has passed, it feels like summer has officially begun! In my world, the longer days mean it’s time to scope out fresh modern quilts to make this summer. In between trips to the swimming pool and backyard barbecues, I’ve decided to hone my skills at making Flying Geese quilt blocks this season. I’ve rounded up five quilt patterns to quench my thirst for energetic, bright, and fresh modern quilts. Check them out!

When first learning a new quilt block (or even when getting back into the swing of a tried and true block) it’s nice to make a small project first. The Migration Table Runner by Shannon Schlosser screams summer with sunny fabric choices. The table runner comes together quickly because Shannon shares her technique for making eight Flying Geese blocks at a time in the project instructions. Try mixing simple patterns or even floral fabrics in your own version of this small quilt.

The fabric choices and the name of this quilt remind me of the many summer afternoons playing games with my brother as a kid. I love the way Jenn Nevitt uses the Flying Geese quilt blocks are used to mimic a child’s game of follow the leader. There is something so refreshing about the use of slightly tropical colors paired with a bright white neutral. When you make your own version of this pattern try choosing a bold pattern for the backing fabric and then select fabric for your geese to complement your choice.

Visit far-off lands this summer when you make yourself a magic carpet! Holly Hickman uses Flying Geese blocks to show off vibrant fabric and to create intriguing shifts in color. Once you’ve completed the journey of making the quilt you’ll be ready for any summer adventure, whether it’s a staycation or an exotic vacation. Add tassels to the corners of your quilt for a unique finish, or make the pattern your own by choosing solids or even a mix of fabrics such as chambray, linen, and cotton.

There is something so striking about a neutral quilt with bright pops of color! I can’t help but be captivated by the bold shapes and negative space in this quilt designed by Laurie Vandergriff. She was inspired by a family trip to Tennessee, where her family always needed a map to get from the bottom of the mountain to their cabin hideaway. What a wonderful way to commemorate a family vacation! I’d love to do this myself using fabrics bought on a road trip or even a road map to determine the direction of the arrows on my version of this quilt.

Summer vacation just wouldn’t be complete without a little relaxation. This bolster by Ellen Maxwell combines my two loves of quilting and yoga in one small project. The Flying Geese quilt creates an origami effect as if they are soaring off of the pillow. If yoga isn’t your scene, that’s ok! The bolster pillow is ideal for propping your head up whether you’re spending a night under the stars or lounging at home watching a movie. Since this pattern uses 2 1/2″ strips, choose a few favorites from a Jelly Roll or uses scraps from your last project featuring the strips.

The beginning of a new season is my favorite time to decide what my next project (or projects) will be. Of course, I wish I had all summer to spend sewing; since I don’t I’m pretty happy with these options! I can’t wait to polish my technique for making Flying Geese quilt blocks this summer with these five fresh modern quilting patterns!

Not sure you want to fly with the flock? There are tons of modern quilting patterns to choose from in our quilting store, you’re sure to find a project you can’t wait to make!

Happy Quilting!

P.S. Need a refresher on how to make Flying Geese blocks? Check out this tutorial for making four of them at a time. 

Modern Flying Geese Quilt Patterns We Love: