How to Make a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block (Using the 4-at-a-Time Flying Geese Method!)

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If you’ve been quilting for a little while, chances are the Sawtooth Star block has caught your eye. It’s one of those timeless blocks that shows up in everything from antique quilts to modern designs.

The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to sew—especially when you use the 4-at-a-time Flying Geese method.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Sawtooth Star block, step by step.

I’m also including a free printable cheat sheet with all the cutting measurements you need for 3″ up to 18″ finished block sizes—no quilt math required.

Grab the free cheat sheet

Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

Download the FREE 5-page Sawtooth Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″ to 18″ finished Sawtooth Star Blocks using either the One at a Time or Four at a Time Flying Geese assembly methods.

    What is a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block?

    The Sawtooth Star is a 9-patch quilt block made up of a center square, four corner squares, and four flying geese units that form the star points.

    It’s super versatile—perfect for beginner and experienced quilters alike—and it looks amazing in everything from scrappy quilts to bold, modern colorways.

    Sawtooth Star Quilt Block Chart

    This chart will show you what size starting squares you need to make your desired Sawtooth Star Quilt Block size. We’ll be using the 4 at a Time Flying Geese method.

    Quickly, let’s go through what each column means.

    The Finished Size means the size your Sawtooth Star Block will be after it’s sewn into your quilt. This size does not account for the ¼” seam allowances all around the block.

    The Unfinished Size means the size of your Sawtooth Star Block before it’s sewn into your quilt. This size includes the ¼” seam allowance all around the block. You will trim your block to this size.

    The Center Square Cut Size means the size your center fabric square should be before you assemble the Sawtooth Star Block. Cut 1 of these squares in the Fabric A fabric.

    The Corner Square Cut Size means the size your corner fabric squares should be before you assemble the Sawtooth Star Block. Cut 4 of these squares in the Fabric A fabric.

    The Large Square for Flying Geese means the size your large fabric A square should be before you assemble the flying geese blocks. Cut 1 of these squares.

    The Small Squares for Flying Geese means the size your small fabric B squares should be before you assemble the flying geese blocks. Cut 4 of these squares.

    The Trim Flying Geese To means the size you will trim your assembled flying geese blocks to before you assemble the Sawtooth Star Block.

    Finished SizeUnfinished SizeCenter
    Square Cut Size (Cut 1)    		Corner
    Square Cut Size (Cut 4)    		Large Square for Flying Geese (Cut 1)Small Squares for Flying Geese (Cut 4)Trim Flying Geese To
    3″3 1/2″2″1 1/4″3″1 3/4″1 1/4″
    x 2″
    4″4 1/2″2 1/2″1 1/2″3 1/2″2″1 1/2″
    x 2 1/2″
    5″5 1/2″3″1 3/4″4″2 1/4″1 3/4″
    x 3″
    6″6 1/2″3 1/2″2″4 1/2″2 1/2″2″
    x 3 1/2″
    7″7 1/2″4″2 1/4″5″2 3/4″2 1/4″
    x 4″
    8″8 1/2″4 1/2″2 1/2″5 1/2″3″2 1/2′
    x 4 1/2″
    9″9 1/2″5″2 3/4″6″3 1/4″2 3/4″
    x 5″
    10″10 1/2″5 1/2″3″6 1/2″3 1/2″3″
    x 5 1/2″
    11″11 1/2″6″3 1/4″7″3 3/4″3 1/4″
    x 6″
    12″12 1/2″6 1/2″3 1/2″7 1/2″4″3 1/2″
    x 6 1/2″
    13″13 1/2″7″3 3/4″8″4 1/4″3 3/4″
    x 7″
    14″14 1/2″7 1/2″4″8 1/2″4 1/2″4″
    x 7 1/2″
    15″15 1/2″8″4 1/4″9″4 3/4″4 1/4″
    x 8″
    16″16 1/2″8 1/2″4 1/2″9 1/2″5″4 1/2″
    x 8 1/2″
    17″17 1/2″9″4 3/4″10″5 1/4″4 3/4″
    x 9″
    18″18 1/2″9 1/2″5″10 1/2″5 1/2″5″
    x 9 1/2″

    Grab the free cheat sheet

    Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

    Download the FREE 5-page Sawtooth Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″ to 18″ finished Sawtooth Star Blocks using either the One at a Time or Four at a Time Flying Geese assembly methods.

      Supplies You’ll Need:

      Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

      • Fabric for your background and star (2 different fabrics is all you need)
      • Rotary cutter, self-healing mat, and a quilting ruler
      • Sewing machine (or hand sewing supplies if that’s your jam)
      • Iron and ironing board or mat
      • Pins or clips if you like using them

      How to Make a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

      The Sawtooth Star Quilt Blocks is a classic quilt block that every quilter should know how to make. The block isn’t complicated, but there are quite a few steps needed to make one. Let’s go through each step to make a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block.

      Step 1: Cut your fabric. The block is made from two fabrics: Fabric A and Fabric B.

      You’ll need the following:
      (1) Center Square (Fabric A)
      (4) Corner Squares (Fabric A)
      (4) Flying Geese Blocks (made up of Fabric A and Fabric B squares)

      We’ll go over the 4 at a Time Flying Geese Block assembly next.

      Not sure what size squares to cut? I made you a printable cheat sheet — it has the cutting measurements for 3″ up to 18″ finished blocks. You can grab it just above in this post.

      Step 2: Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of (4) B squares.

      Step 3: With right sides together, pair (2) marked B squares with (1) A square.

      Step 4: Sew 1/4″ away on both sides of the marked line then cut along the marked line.

      Step 5: Press the partial FG pieces open. Place a marked B square in the corner of each Partial FG piece.

      Step 6: Sew 1/4″ away on both sides of the marked line then cut along the marked line to get (4) FG units. Press and trim to desired size.

      Step 7: Lay out all of your pieces as shown below, taking care to make sure the Flying Geese Blocks are the correct orientation. Sew the rows together, pressing each row in alternating directions. Sew the block together, pressing in whichever direction you choose.

      That’s all there is to it! Repeat this process for as many Sawtooth Star Blocks as you need.

      A Few Tips for Success

      Trim your flying geese carefully so your star points don’t get chopped off.

      Use starch or a pressing spray if your fabric feels too shifty—especially helpful with all the bias edges.

      Chain piece your blocks if you’re making a whole quilt. It saves so much time.

      Double-check your ¼” seam before sewing up a bunch of blocks—just a little variance can make your block size off.

      Fun Variations to Try

      Make it scrappy! Use different prints for each star.

      Try a dark background for a dramatic look.

      Fussy cut the center for a fun little surprise in each block.

      Mix star sizes for a dynamic layout in your quilt.

      Sawtooth Star Block Sizing Cheat Sheet

      Want to make a different size block without figuring out the math yourself? I made a free printable chart you can keep next to your sewing machine.

      Grab the free cheat sheet

      Sawtooth Star Quilt Block

      Download the FREE 5-page Sawtooth Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″ to 18″ finished Sawtooth Star Blocks using either the One at a Time or Four at a Time Flying Geese assembly methods.

        The Sawtooth Star is one of those blocks you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again—it’s bold, beginner-friendly, and plays well with almost any fabric. Once you’ve made one, don’t be surprised if you want to turn it into a whole quilt!

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