Hella Basic Blocks: Sawtooth Stars
Join me in making a Hella Basic Block! This month’s focus is on the classic Sawtooth Star. This tutorial will work through block assembly and will offer three sizes of block. It will include tips and time saving tricks to make this block come together fast! Perfect for tossing together a quick and easy quilt, or sharing with your quilting bee for a block of the month!
Here’s what you need to get started for one block:
FABRICS
Two contrasting colors from scrap pieces up to Fat Quarters (18” x 21”) each depending on size of block and piecing method.
TOOLS
Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
Ruler
Sewing Machine
Coordinating Thread
Pencil
Scissors and/or Snips
Straight Pins or Clips
Iron and Pressing Mat
Fabric Cuts
Block Construction
Follow instructions below for all sizes.
Create four-at-a-time Flying Geese by first marking a diagonal guideline across each A1 square. Layer two A1 squares atop one B1 square, right sides together, and sew 1⁄4″ away from each side of the marked diagonal line. Cut along the marked diagonal line to create two units. Press the seams open.
Layer one A1 square atop one unit and sew ¼″ away from each side of the marked diagonal line. Cut along the marked diagonal line to create two (2) Flying Geese. Press open and repeat for the other unit. Trim each block to correct size depending on final block size.
Sew B2 pieces to Flying Geese units to make the top and bottom row of the block. Press seams toward the background pieces. Sew Flying Geese units to the A2 piece to create the middle row. Press seams toward the center piece. Sew all three rows together to make the final block. Press seams open.
Project Ideas
This block comes together so fast and can easily be made into a quilt top. See below for layout ideas based on block size as well as options for mixing and matching to create a one-of-a-kind piece!
Throw Size Quilt
Mixing and Matching
Because the blocks are sized in multiples of three (6, 9, and 12), it is easy to add up smaller blocks to join alongside a larger block. The possibilities are endless!
More Ideas and Inspiration
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This quilt uses 12 inch blocks in a six-by-six grid to give a dramatic effect. I paired two contrasting colors and made two blocks, and then alternated the placement of the fabrics (star to background and vice versa), and made two more! Isn’t it just so fun?
Fabric collection is Essence by Fran Gulick for Riley Blake Designs.
This quilt uses all three size blocks. This option is the second “mix and match” from above. I love how the dark background makes the colors shine!
Fabrics are Starry by Alexia Marcelle Abegg for Ruby Star Society.
This is an oldie but a goodie for me! I made this quilt several years ago as a holiday quilt for my family. I used the 9 inch blocks and used charm pack squares for the center block and matched with a coordinating color for the star points. It’s a family favorite for us and we’ve made so many memories with it each year!
Fabrics are Jolly Darlings and Speckled by Ruby Star Society.
Congratulations on creating your Hella Basic Sawtooth Star Project!
Share your progress and makes on social media using the #HellaBasicBlock and #SarahJeanMakes hashtags. Please tag me at @SarahJeanMakes so I can cheer you on!
