Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
Four flying geese units form four star points around a center square — a step up from Ohio Star in visual complexity
The Sawtooth Star replaces the smooth points of an Ohio Star with flying geese units, creating four star arms whose serrated edges give the block its name. The result is more visually dynamic than a plain star and introduces the critical skill of making accurately pointed flying geese.
History & Background
The "sawtooth" edge — a row of small triangular teeth, like the teeth of a handsaw — was a beloved decorative element in 19th-century American quilts, appearing in borders, sashing, and as a design motif within blocks. The Sawtooth Star applies this principle to the star form: rather than the smooth geometric points of an Ohio Star, the arms of the Sawtooth Star end in a serrated edge created by flying geese units.
The block's visual energy is higher than a smooth-pointed star. Multiple Sawtooth Stars assembled edge-to-edge create an intricate secondary pattern where the flying geese units of adjacent stars form new diagonal lines and shapes across the quilt surface. This complexity made the Sawtooth Star a popular show quilt pattern in the late 19th century.
Today it remains an important teaching block because it combines two critical techniques — accurate flying geese construction and block assembly from disparate unit types — in a single satisfying project.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut pieces for a 12" finished block
One 6½" center square (6" finished), four 3½" corner squares (3" finished, background), and four flying geese units. For each geese unit: one 6½" × 3½" rectangle (star fabric) + two 3½" squares (background). Row math: 3" corner + 6" goose + 3" corner = 12" ✓. A common mistake is using 4½" corners and 2½"×4½" geese — those proportions produce an 8" block, not 12".
Make four flying geese units
Mark a diagonal on each 3½" background square. Sew onto the rectangle corners as in the standard flying geese method — one square on each end of the 6½"×3½" rectangle. Trim ¼" from the seam, press open. Each finished unit should measure 6½" × 3½" unfinished (6" × 3" finished), with a sharp point exactly ¼" from the raw edge.
Arrange in the 3×3 grid
Place the center square in the middle. Place flying geese units on the four sides — each one pointing inward toward the center. Place corner squares in the four corners.
Sew in rows and join
Sew three rows of three. Nest seams carefully at the junctions between flying geese and corner squares. Join the three rows. Press all seams outward from the center for the flattest finish.
Tips & Techniques
- The flying geese points must sit exactly ¼" from the raw edge — check every unit before assembling the block.
- Press seams in the flying geese units open (not to the side) to reduce bulk at the point.
- For a more complex version, piece the flying geese units from two fabrics each — creating a scrappy star where each point uses a different combination.
Color & Fabric Selection
The Sawtooth Star looks best when the star fabric (in the flying geese rectangles) strongly contrasts with the background. The center square can match the star fabric, match the background, or use an accent color. Using a third accent color in the corner squares creates a more sophisticated result.
Variations & Related Patterns
Ohio Star
Uses quarter-square triangle units instead of flying geese for smoother, wider star points.
Star of the East
A Sawtooth Star with additional detail in the flying geese units.
Quick Facts
Put it to use
NiftyFifty quilters have been swapping blocks like this one since 1997. Browse our historical archive or join a new swap.
Browse quilt swaps →Related Guides
Ohio Star Quilt Block
IntermediateEight crisp star points emerge from four quarter-square triangle units — a pattern that rewards precise piecing
Flying Geese Quilt Block
BeginnerA classic directional unit with countless uses — from single-row borders to full chevron quilts
Quarter-Square Triangle (QST) Quilt Block
IntermediateFour triangles meeting at the center — the essential unit for star points, hourglasses, and pinwheels