Making a sawtooth star block happens in two parts. For every sawtooth star, you'll need to piece together four flying geese first. In this step-by-step guide to making your own sawtooth star (or evening star, or morning star, or variable star, or north star—choose your preferred name), we'll walk you through how to make flying geese four at a time, and how to use them to create a sawtooth star block. 

This block is relatively simple and straightforward, but its intricacy makes it a worthy addition to any quilt, whether you're just starting out with quilting or you're a quilting pro looking for an excuse to break out your longarm quilting machine. Use different combinations of fabrics to give this block new life, or stick to the classics. It's a stand-out block either way. If you're looking for another block to pair with this one, check out our blog on how to make an economy quilt block. 

Stars are the perfect accent on any quilt—a baby blanket for a new relative or a bedspread for the guest bedroom. According to Jane Galley's writeup on the history of the sawtooth star, Native American quilters used the sawtooth star in gifts for newlyweds or babies or warriors because the star is a sacred symbol in their culture. 

The Fabric You'll Need to Make a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

The Sawtooth Star Block Size Chart Cheat Sheet

      

TIP: Choose your finished block size on the sawtooth star cheat sheet first, then use the corresponding flying geese dimensions on the "Flying Geese 4 at a Time" cheat sheet.  

 

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Sew a Sawtooth Star Block

• Layer two of the "B" squares onto two opposing corners of the "A" square. 

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• Draw a line from one of the layered square's corners to the opposite, dividing the shape in half diagonally. 

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• Sew a 1/4" seam on either side of the line you've drawn.

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• Use a rotary blade and cut along the line you've drawn.

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• Press the triangles resulting from the B squares out to make the shape shown in the image above.

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• Layer the remaining two B squares on top of the resulting shape. 

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• Draw another two lines dividing the B squares and the shapes underneath in half. 

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• Sew 1/4" seams on either side of the lines you've drawn.

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• Use a rotary blade and cut along the lines you've drawn.

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• Press the triangles resulting from the B squares out to make the shapes shown in the image above.

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• Trim the seam edges beyond the boundary of the flying geese rectangles. 

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• Lay out the flying geese and the "C" and "D" squares in the pattern shown above.

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• Take the two left columns of the pattern and fold the furthest left column on top of the center column like a book, lining up the edge.

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• Sew a line 1/4" from the layered edge.

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• Press the seams to one side so that the resulting shapes lay flat.

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• Take the remaining column of pieces and fold them on top of the center column like a book, lining up the edge.

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• Sew a straight line 1/4" from the layered edge.

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• Press the seams to one side so that the resulting shapes lay flat.

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• Take one of the pieces and fold them on top of the center piece like a book, lining up the edge.

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• Sew a straight line 1/4" from the layered edge.

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• Press the seams to one side so that the resulting shapes lay flat.

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• Take the last fabric piece and fold it on top of the other shape like a book, lining up the edge.

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• Sew a straight line 1/4" from the layered edge.

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• Press the seams to one side so that the resulting shape lays flat.

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With that, you've made a sawtooth star! Now go ahead and make another one—or whatever other block you think would pair nicely, and create a gorgeous quilt top. May you make something beautiful that you can gift or keep or pass down for years to come.