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How to Sew a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
The Sawtooth Star quilt block is a classic and beloved design that has been used in quilting for many years. It features a central star surrounded by background squares, with optional contrasting star points for extra visual interest. Experiment with different color combinations to make it your own!
Materials Needed
- Fabric in at least two colors (background and star fabric)
- Optional: a third fabric for the star points
- Sewing machine and thread
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Ruler
- Iron
Cutting Guide
- Background fabric: one 4½″ square and four 2½″ squares
- Star fabric: one 4½″ square and eight 2½″ squares
- Star point fabric (optional): eight 2½″ squares
Step 1: Choose Your Fabrics
Select at least two fabrics that complement each other — one for the background and one for the star. A third fabric for the star points adds extra visual interest.
Step 2: Sew the Star Points (Optional)
If using a separate star point fabric, sew the star point squares onto the star fabric squares with a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams toward the star fabric.
Step 3: Assemble the Star Points
Place two star point squares on opposite corners of the star fabric square, right sides together. Sew along the diagonal edge with a ¼" seam allowance. Repeat with the remaining star point squares on the other two corners.
Step 4: Trim the Star Points
Trim the excess fabric from the star point seams, leaving a ¼" seam allowance. Press seams toward the star points.
Step 5: Assemble the Block
Place the four background squares and the star block right sides together, aligning the edges. Sew the blocks together with a ¼" seam allowance, matching seams as closely as possible. Press seams toward the background fabric.
Step 6: Trim the Block
Trim the block to 8½″ square, keeping the star points centered and straight.
Congratulations — your Sawtooth Star quilt block is complete! Repeat these steps to create as many blocks as needed. This pattern can be arranged in many ways to create different quilt designs. Have fun experimenting with colors and layouts!
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.
Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.
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