Traditional / Public Domain — one of the most fundamental star patterns in quilting
A bold star block with pointed 'sawtooth' edges created by flying geese units surrounding a center square. One of the most versatile star patterns, it appears in quilts from colonial times to the present day and is the basis for many complex star variations.
The Sawtooth Star is one of the oldest star patterns, appearing in American quilts from the late 1700s. Its clean lines and strong graphic impact made it a favorite from the very beginning of American quilting tradition.
Star patterns held deep significance in American quilting — they represented hope, guidance (like the North Star), and patriotism. The Sawtooth Star was published in virtually every quilt pattern catalog and newspaper column from the 1850s onward. It was often used as a signature block in album quilts.
Also known as: Variable Star, Star of the East, Tippecanoe and Tyler Too, Evening Star
finished Block Size
12"
seam Allowance
1/4"
grid Basis
3x3 grid (each unit finishes to 4")
units Required
4 flying geese + 4 corner squares + 1 center square
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center Square | Star/Center | 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" | 1 | Star center |
| Corner Square | Background | 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" | 4 | Background corners |
| Goose Rectangle | Star Points | 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" | 4 | For stitch-and-flip geese |
| Sky Square | Background | 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" | 8 | For stitch-and-flip geese — OR use connector square method with smaller squares |
Using the stitch-and-flip method: Draw a diagonal on the wrong side of eight 4 1/2" background squares. Place one on the right half of a star-point rectangle, right sides together. Sew on the diagonal. Trim to 1/4", press. Repeat on the left side. Make 4 geese. Each should finish 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" (4" x 8" finished).
Tip: For waste-free geese: Use one 9 1/4" star square and four 4 7/8" background squares instead.
Check that each flying goose unit measures 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" and each goose point is centered and sharp. Trim as needed. The four background corner squares should measure 4 1/2" x 4 1/2".
Layout in a 3x3 grid: Row 1 = Corner, Goose (point up), Corner. Row 2 = Goose (point right), Center Square, Goose (point left). Row 3 = Corner, Goose (point down), Corner. The four goose points should radiate outward from the center.
Tip: This step is where mistakes happen — double-check that all geese point AWAY from the center.
Sew Corner + Goose + Corner with 1/4" seams. Press seams toward the corner squares.
Sew Goose + Center + Goose. Press seams toward the center square.
Sew Row 3 like Row 1. Then join all three rows, nesting seams at intersections. Press. Block should measure 12 1/2" square.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set — stars across the quilt surface
Alternating with plain blocks for a medallion feel
Stars with sashing and cornerstones