QAF Block of the Month

July 2005

Sawtooth Star

6 1/2" (unfinished) 6" (finished)

Here's an easy star block for summer. Some of you have recently swapped star strips and FQ, so you will have lots of stars on hand for these blocks. We'll use a star fabric for the background and center of this star, and a coordinating solid or TOT bright or darker color for the star points. (I used a star print with dark background, so used a lighter bright for the points.)

This block contains 4 flying geese units. The units must measure 2" x 3 1/2" before being sewn together into the block. You may use any method you are familiar with to make them, but I will give you one easy way to do it here.

You may make up to 2 of the same fabric combination to enter into the BOM.

For each block:

Star Fabric:
Cut (4) 2" squares for the corners of the block
Cut (1) 3 1/2" square for the center of the block
Cut (4) 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles for flying geese

TOT/Solid Fabric:
Cut (8) 2" squares for flying geese (star points)

To Assemble Block: Mark (on the wrong side) of each of the 4 TOT(point) squares once diagonally from corner to corner. Place one square RST on one corner of one of the star fabric rectangles, aligning the drawn line per the direction of the seam as shown on the picture above. Sew ON THE LINE. Fold fabric back and press. Carefully trim out the back portion of the TOT fabric that is now between the point and the rectangle fabric.

Your point fabric should just come to the edges of the rectangle. Because these are such small pieces, we are leaving the rectangle intact for stability. Repeat for the other end of the rectangle, again referring to the picture above. Repeat now for the other 3 flying geese units.

Now you can lay out all your pieces and units as the picture shows and sew them together in rows. Press top and bottom row seams to the corner squares and the center row to the center square. Be sure to square up your blocks to 6 1/2" (unfinished).

Whoever wins these blocks will be able to make a bright and happy quilt! It's summer, make lots! That winner just might be you!

© 2005 Mary Evans