Traditional Tuesday - Block 5

Sawtooth Star

Block 5 - Sawtooth Star

I would argue that the Sawtooth Star block is the most popular quilt block and has been for the last 10 years or so. And I think Alex Anderson of Simply Quilts is the reason. She said many, many times on her show that it was her favorite, and I think it became ours as well! Because of that, it's a great block to have in your bag of tricks.

For my Sawtooth Star, I chose a busy, blue print for the star and a pink small print for the background. Using a busy print will hide less-than-perfect points if you're unsure of your skills. Great for beginners or lazy experienced quilters (like me!).

Cutting:
From the pink, cut
4 - 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles
4 - 2" squares

From the blue print, cut
8 - 2" squares
1 - 3 1/2" square

The cut fabrics.

First you need to make 4 flying geese units. There are many, many ways to make flying geese units, but this is the way I like best for small ones.

Line up one blue square on the end of one pink rectangle, right sides together. Sew on the diagonal from corner to corner. You can see I chain pieced all four at the same time.

Then trim off the corner leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press open with the seam going to the star point.

Repeat with the remaining blue squares on the other end of the rectangle.

Trim off the point.

Press open and you have your flying geese unit. Make 4.

Lay out the units like it will look when the block is sewn and sew into rows. Press opposing seams.

Join the rows together pressing seams to one side. Your block should be 6 1/2" unfinished.