Sawtooth Star Quilt Block Tutorial

Each week for the Riley Blake Block Challenge we've been featuring and making simple, traditional quilt blocks. This week we're making Sawtooth Star blocks. The Sawtooth Star is a traditional 8 point star (with probably many other names) and one of the most classic and versatile quilt blocks. 

As part of this Riley Blake Block Challenge I've been making 6" and 12" blocks. Scroll down to find links to instructions for all of the past week's blocks in 6" and 12" sizes.

I've got a link to a tutorial to make Sawtooth Stars blocks, using my favorite short-cut flying gees method. This includes a free printable chart for making Star blocks ranging in sizes ranging from 4" to 20" and increments in between.

Sawtooth Star Quilt Block Tutorial Here

For my block challenge quilt I'm using my Sugarhouse Park and coordinating Riley Blake woven ginghams for my blocks. 

In case you missed or are looking for the previous blocks for the quilt along you can find all of them linked below  If you're sewing along with us make sure to use the hashtag #RBDBlockChallenge if you share you blocks on Instagram. You can see blocks other people are making here.

Week 1 - Churn Dash 

Week 2 - Log Cabin

Week 3 - Friendship Star

Week 4 - Economy Block

Week 5 - Nine Patch

Week 6 - Shoo Fly Block

A few people have asked me about fabric requirements for this quilt along. Because this is an informal block challenge without a specific pattern, there's not a list of specific fabric requirements. It's a great project for using up stash or leftover scraps. 

I will be putting my blocks together at the end (mid June) and share a tutorial for how I'm doing it. Once that happens, I'll have a better idea of the fabric amounts for the finished quilt. 🙂

Sawtooth Star Quilt Inspiration

As I mentioned, the Sawtooth Star is SO versatile. Here's some more Sawtooth Star quilt inspiration for you!

One thing I love to do with these classic star blocks is to throw a handful in to spice up a simple patchwork quilt. They give just a little bit of added interest to the quilt. As you can see, you can get a variety of looks from these blocks based on fabric placement and contrast.

You can make "solid" star blocks by using the same fabric for the star center as you use for your points as in this scrappy Gingham Girls variation made by Kairle Oaks.

Playing with color can create a whole new look for this traditional block. For example the two-tone gray and white creates a sleek, modern looking design in this quilt. (Free pattern here.)

This quilt also shows off another feature for Sawtooth Stars - the center portion of the star is perfect for featuring another quilt block, or a smaller scale repetition the larger block motif. 

Here's a fun example of using orphan sawtooth star quilt blocks and making some cute quilt block coasters with a fussy-cut center motif.

Sawtooth Stars are definitely one of my go-to blocks for a little extra something-something.

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