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A Sawtooth Star is an eight-pointed quilt block built around a center square, with four star-point units commonly made from flying geese. There is no single standard block size: use the cutting chart in the pattern you choose. The Smithsonian documents an 8-inch version, while modern tutorials offer multiple sizes.
What is a Sawtooth Star quilt block?
The block’s points form an eight-pointed star around a central square. A common construction places four flying-geese units around that center, with each unit contributing two of the star’s points. Fabric contrast makes the star easy to read: a distinct star fabric against a background fabric emphasizes the points.
“Evening Star” is a documented alternate name. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History catalogs a quilt using the “Evening Star” (or “Sawtooth Star”) pattern and describes its pieced 8-inch blocks set diagonally with 8-inch plain blocks. That is one historical layout and size, not a universal measurement: Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
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- Haloes of sawtooth stars adorn a crisp background in the stylish Stars Above Quilt
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- Quilt finishes to approximately 54.5" x 54.5"
- Follow along step by step by searching "How to Make the Stars Above Quilt | Shabby Fabrics" on the Shabby Fabrics YouTube channel.
What does the historical record show?
Museum collections document the pattern across different periods and construction styles. These examples establish that the name and technique have a history, but they do not imply that every Sawtooth Star follows one fixed size or method.
| Example | Date and place | Materials and construction | Documented size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawtooth Star quilt, International Quilt Museum | 1830–1850; probably Pennsylvania, United States; maker unidentified | Cotton; hand pieced | Not stated in the collection record. International Quilt Museum |
| Evening Star/Sawtooth Star quilt, Smithsonian National Museum of American History | 1840–1860 | Pieced star blocks arranged diagonally with plain blocks | 8-inch pieced blocks and 8-inch plain blocks. Smithsonian National Museum of American History |
| Eight-pointed star quilt block, Smithsonian Institution | 1840–1860; Arkansas | Plain-woven green cotton with red and yellow pieced details | 22 by 22 inches. Smithsonian Institution |
| Amish Sawtooth Star quilt, International Quilt Museum | 1920–1940; United States | Machine pieced; cotton broadcloth or muslin | Not stated in the collection record. International Quilt Museum |
How do you make a Sawtooth Star?
The exact cutting dimensions depend on the finished block size and the pattern’s seam allowance. Choose a pattern first, then follow its cutting chart rather than scaling dimensions from a different block or treating the historical 8-inch example as a standard.
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- Choose the finished size and fabrics. Select a pattern with a cutting chart for your intended block size. Choose contrasting fabrics for the star and background so the points remain distinct.
- Cut the center and point-unit pieces. Cut the center square and the pieces specified for four flying-geese units. Keep the pattern’s stated seam allowance and distinguish unfinished unit measurements from the finished block size.
- Piece the flying geese. Sew four units using the method in the pattern. A no-waste method is one modern option; follow its diagrams and dimensions carefully because the cutting chart is specific to that construction.
- Arrange and sew the block. Position the four point units around the center square so the star points face outward. Join the pieces in the order given by the pattern, then check the block’s finished dimensions against its instructions.
Penelope Handmade’s tutorial includes multiple block sizes and uses no-waste flying-geese construction. Its cutting chart is the authority for the size you select: Sawtooth Star Quilt Block tutorial.
What size are the Sawtooth Star flying geese?
There is no single flying-geese size for every Sawtooth Star. The dimensions must match the chosen block size and construction method. Use the tutorial’s cutting chart for the specific finished size you want; do not infer the unit size from the Smithsonian’s documented 8-inch blocks, which describe a historical quilt layout rather than a universal modern pattern.
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How do you choose a Sawtooth Star pattern?
Compare patterns by the details that affect cutting and assembly, not by the name alone.
- Finished block size: Confirm the chart covers the size you want, and note whether measurements describe unfinished units or the completed block.
- Flying-geese method: Check whether the pattern uses a traditional approach or a no-waste method.
- Instructions: Look for clear cutting charts, diagrams, seam-allowance guidance, and any required trimming steps.
- Materials: Check the fabric requirements before cutting, especially if you want to use scraps or a limited fabric selection.
- Format: Confirm whether instructions are printed, downloadable, or provided as an online tutorial.
A pattern such as Penelope Handmade’s multi-size tutorial is useful when you want a no-waste flying-geese option. Follow that pattern’s own chart for its measurements and assembly.
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- The Romance quilt pattern uses fat quarters or yardage and combines the classic sawtooth star block with detail elements to create an updated yet timeless design.
- For quilters who prefer scrap quilts, tips for making a scrappy version are included.
- This full-color, booklet style pattern includes five size options: baby, lap, throw, twin, queen.
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