The Sawtooth Star is one of my favourite traditional quilt blocks. A simple block with 4 flying geese. You could fussy cut the centre to highlight some of your favourite fabrics, or just keep it simple and modern with solid fabrics, like I tend to do. In African American and African Nova Scotian cultures, the Sawtooth Star is also known as “North Star.”
This tutorial gives you instructions for a 10″ finished block (10-1/2″ unfinished), but check out the chart at the end of the post to make it in any size. I use the no-waste flying geese method, which I outline in more detail in this post.
The sample fabrics here are Spoonflower Petal Signature Solids in Blush, Graphite, and Natural. Don’t forget that you can get 20% off at Spoonflower til the end of 2022 using the code 20ANDREA2022.
Fabric / Cutting
Fabric A (Background):
- (4) 3” x 3” squares
- (1) 6½” x 6½” square
Fabric B (Star):
- (4) 3⅝” x 3⅝” squares
Fabric C (Centre):
- (1) 5½” x 5½” square
- On the wrong side of the Fabric B squares, draw a diagonal from corner to corner.
- Align and pin two Fabric B squares on opposite corners of the 6½” x 6½” square of Fabric A.
- Sew ¼” from either side of the marked lines.
- Cut along the marked line. Press the seam allowance toward Fabric B.
- Place a Fabric B square on the corner of Fabric A. Sew ¼” from either side of the marked line. Repeat with the other unit and remaining Fabric B square.
- Cut along the marked line. Press the seam allowance toward Fabric B.
- Trim the flying geese units to 3” x 5½”, making sure to trim ¼” away from the point. Align the triangle’s point with the mid-point of the long edge (2¾”), as shown in the diagram.
- Layout the flying geese units with the other fabric squares in the arrangement shown here.
- Assemble the block with a scant ¼” seam allowance. What is the a scant 1/4″ seam allowance? Check out what you need to know here. Press the seam allowances away from the flying geese units. Alternatively, press the seams open.
And there you have it!
Want to make Sawtooth Star blocks in all different sizes? Here is a handy chart for a range of sizes.
Want to use this block to make a calendar wall hanging?
Great instructions
Glad they’re helpful!