Mystery Quilt Alongs Quilt Block Patterns Stars of the Prairie

How to Make a Large Sawtooth Star in a Star Quilt Block

The hot summer months are really kicking in where I live. That means that it is a good idea to stay inside and sew right? Well, you can either sew or go outside and find a pool to cool down in if it is super hot where you are. However you decide to enjoy your summer, you may want to include this whopper of a block. If you have ever wondered how to make a large sawtooth star in a star quilt block, then here is your chance. This stunner measures 18 1/2″ (18″ when finished in a quilt).

I just love it. The block stands well on it’s own (just imagine a striking wall hanging) or it looks great as part of a quilt design. It almost reminds me of a sunflower with the centers that have all of those seeds.

If you are quilting along with my 2021 Stars of the Prairie mystery quilt, this is block 7 and you can find out how many we are making for the month at the end of the tutorial.

*Download the Free Sawtooth Star in a Star Pattern PDF Here*

Please read all instructions carefully before beginning.

Supplies Needed

Along with the fabric, you will need some general quilting supplies.

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How to Make a Large Sawtooth Star in a Star Quilt Block (18 1/2″)

Fabric Needed:

Background Fabric: 1/3 yard, Fabric A: Fat quarter, Fabric B: Fat eighth, Fabric C: Fat eighth, Fabric D: 5” square

Cutting Instructions:

Background Fabric:

  • 4 squares cut 5 inches by 5 inches
  • 4 squares cut 5 ¾ inches by 5 ¾ inches

Fabric A:

  • 4 squares cut 5 ¾ inches by 5 ¾ inches

Fabric B:

  • 4 squares cut 2 ¾ inches by 2 ¾ inches
  • 4 squares cut 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches.

Fabric C:

  • 4 squares cut 3 ½ inches by 3 ½ inches.

Fabric D:

  • 1 square cut 5 inches by 5 inches

Video Tutorial

Block Assembly:

You will be making two different sized of half square triangles.

Pair up the 5 ¾ inch squares (background fabric and fabric A) and the 3 ½ inch squares (fabric B and fabric C). You will have 4 pairs of each.

Start with the larger squares. Take one of the pairs and draw a diagonal line on the back (wrong) side of the lighter fabric. This will be your sewing guide.

Line up each pair of squares with front (right) sides facing each other.

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along both sides of the drawn diagonal line.

Cut down the center, along the drawn line. You will end up with two blocks that need to be pressed open.

Trim them down to 5 inches square. Repeat with the other pairs of the larger squares of fabric. You will end up with 8 half square triangles.

Repeat the process with the smaller squares, matching up the 3 ½ inch squares of fabric B and fabric C. The smaller half square triangles should be trimmed down to 2 ¾ inches square.

Lay out your blocks.

First, sew the center section together.

Next, sew the center outside half square triangles, that are on the left and right of the center star, together. Add then to the left and right side of the center section.

Sew together the top and bottom row.

Lastly, sew the three rows together. The block should measure 18 ½ inches.

My tester block

If You Are Participating in the 2021 Stars of the Prairie Mystery Quilt:

You need to make 1 of these blocks this month.


Feel free to join in the mystery quilt fun. You can find all of the details in this article.

In addition, I have this FB group for people who are participating. It’s a fun place to see what other people are doing for their blocks.

What we’ve done so far:

Show off your progress on social media! Make sure to use the hashtag #createwithclaudiaqal if you post any pictures!

*This mystery quilt along is for entertainment purposes only. Therefore, there are no prizes or giveaways.* Best efforts have been made to ensure that the instructions are correct, however sometime errors occur. If you have any questions, please contact us *

1 Comment

  1. Rlee

    March 13, 2023 at 9:29 PM

    Sunflower 🌻

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