Modern Monday - Block 5

Sawtooth Star

Block 5 - Sawtooth Star

The Sawtooth Star block is a staple of Traditional quilting. When I was thinking up a Modern version, I knew I didn't want to do the now standard "liberated" version of the block, which is just the block with wonky star points. So I thought, why not do only two sides of the block with wonky points and see what happens? I like the look of the block done this way. You know instantly what it is, but it is also new and interesting to look at, too!

You will need three fabrics for this version. Of course, I chose orange, gray and white! But I also made one point a darker gray. I think that was actually an accident, but I'm going with that I planned it!

Cutting:
This another improvised block, so there is no official cutting. Rather, I'll step you through how I did it and you can make your own decisions as you go.

The first step is to make two flying geese units. Since this is a popular and versatile unit in quiltmaking, I wrote a tutorial on how to make it Modern the way I do it. As we make more blocks in the future with this unit, we will refer back to the tutorial. You can access the tutorial here.

My flying geese units are about 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" finished, so you'll need to cut your background about 3" x 5". Continue as shown in the tutorial to make two units, but don't trim yet. Set aside.

Next, for the star center, cut a piece of white, on the angle, about 5".
You can see how I placed my ruler in the photo.

Go back to the flying geese units. To one end of  one of the flying geese units, add a square. I cut my square about 3"-3 1/4". You'll have to measure to make sure that's big enough for your block

Add the square to one of the flying geese units. Since the square will probably be larger than your flying geese unit, make sure to line it up on the edge with the star point on the flying geese unit. Press to the square. See how the overhang is to the outside? This will trim off later. Your block should be taking shape now.

To the top of the star center, add the short flying geese unit. Press to the star center. Then add the other flying geese unit. Press to the star center.

Trim your block to 6 1/2".