The Sawtooth Star Quilt pattern is a traditional quilt block made from squares and flying geese units, forming an eight-point star quilt block. You may also know this nine-patch quilt block as the Evening Star Quilt Block.

This block uses two (2), three (3) or four (4) colors. You can make the block with the center block the same color as the star points, or a different color. The background corners can match the center of the star points, but they can be different if you wish.

Learn how to make a sawtooth star quilt block with our step-by-step directions. This is a popular quilt design that starts with a center square with sawtooth shaped triangles. The triangles in this quilt block pattern are made from flying geese quilt blocks.

Here is the Sawtooth Star block pattern in two colors. The center and the star points are one color, then a second color makes the corners and side background fabric. You may also know this 2-color variation as the Simple Sawtooth Quilt Block, or the Reverse Sawtooth Quilt Block.

Sawtooth star two colors — Sawtooth Star Quilt Block in two (2) colors

Here is a fabric calculator for making a two color sawtooth star quilt block:

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Sawtooth star fabric calculator two color option

Here is the Sawtooth Star Quilt Block in three (3) colors. The center is one color, the stars a second color as well as the corner and sides of a third background color.

The 3-color version is called the Classic Sawtooth Star, Easy Sawtooth Star or Sawtooth Star Frame Quilt Block. It is perfect for fussy cutting – also for highlighting a center focal block.

Here is the fabric calculator for making the sawtooth star quilt block in three (3) colors:

Sawtooth star fabric calculator three color option

Here is the Sawtooth Star Quilt Block pattern with four (4) colors. The center is one color, the corners a second, the star points a third and the sides a fourth color.

Here is a fabric calculator for making the sawtooth star quilt block using four (4) fabrics in different sizes for the finished blocks:

Sawtooth star fabric calculator four fabric option

All variations of the sawtooth quilt block pattern use the same blocks and techniques, but different fabrics in different positions.

For a 12-inch sawtooth star quilt block using three (3) fabrics, create nine units, then sew together like a nine-patch block.

Cut the center block at 6-1/2″ so it will finish as a 6″ square. Cut the four (4) corner blocks at 3-1/2″ square so they will finish as 3″ finished squares.

Then you’ll make four flying geese blocks that finish at 3″ x 6″. See the directions below to make the flying geese quilt blocks, or our article on the No-Waste Flying Geese Quilt Block.

One (1) Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

How to Make the Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The Sawtooth Star Quilt Block is an easy quilt block pattern that is made up of squares and flying geese blocks in a nine-patch format.

This block can be made from two (2), three (3) or four (4) fabrics, depending on the look you want for your quilt.

In this tutorial, I'm making a three (3) color sawtooth star quilt block.

The process is the same for other color options. The fabric are just cut differently - see the fabric calculators above.

Materials

1/4" yard or fat quarter of fabrics of three (3) fabrics
Thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Iron
Ironing Board
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Quilter's Ruler
Marking pen or pencil; I used a Frixion pen

Instructions

Start by cutting your fabrics as outlined in the fabric calculator above. I'm making a 12"-inch, three (3) color Sawtooth Star quilt block, so the corner squares are the same color as the side background used in the no-waste flying geese blocks.
Let's start by making the flying geese blocks. With the squares cut for the flying geese stars (fourth column on each of the charts above), draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of your fabric. That will be your cut line once sewn.

i used a Frixion pen that is removeable with pressing. NOTE: Always test your marking pen/pencil before marking your fabric.
Layer two of the squares on the larger square (fabric from third column on the chart above) on opposite corners, right sides together.
Sew 1/4" from the line. Turn and sew 1/4" on the other side of the marked line. You'll sew on both sides of the drawn line.
Cut along the sewn line making two sections.
Next, layer a marked squares on top of the corner as shown in the picture, right sides together.
Again, sew on both sides of the marked line.
Cut along the line making the no-waste flying geese blocks for the side units.
Press and lay out your blocks in three rows. Press your seams to your preference. Check out our article on pressing seams in quilting.
Sew each of the rows with a quarter inch seam allowance and press. I sew the top row together, the middle row and then the bottom row. Here are all three rows sewn and pressed.
Sew the three (3) rows together and press.
Here is the final three (3) color sawtooth star quilt block.

Notes

NOTE: There are specialty Flying Geese rulers that make it easy to make the blocks. I find the method above just as easy and I don't have to go find the ruler!

Recommended Products

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The Sawtooth Star is one of my favorite quilt blocks. It is perfect for a baby quilt in either 2, 3 or 4 fabrics, or as a throw quilt pattern. These blocks sew up quickly and make a beautiful quilt.

Tips for making easy Sawtooth Star quilt blocks

When selecting your fabrics make sure you have different values. Pick a light and dark value to use in the star points and the background fabrics for the biggest visual impact.
You can select a focus fabric or large print and fussy cut it for the large center block.

Enjoy these sawtooth stars? Check out these other simple star blocks: Variable Star quilt block, Ohio Star quilt block, Simplex Star quilt block, Friendship Star quilt block that uses half square triangles, Ribbon Star quilt block, and Eccentric Star quilt block.f

Browse through more quilt tutorials on Create Whimsy. See more about how to make the No-Waste Flying Geese quilt block. Read the basics of making a nine-patch quilt block.