Swirling Sawtooth Star: A Modern Take on the Classic Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
The Swirling Sawtooth Star is my modern take on the classic sawtooth star quilt block—a block quilters have made for generations. In this first post of my Tradition with a Twist series, I’m taking a familiar quilt block and giving it new life with curved piecing, movement, and a fresh modern feel. If you love honoring quilting traditions while experimenting with contemporary design, this block is for you.
What Is a Sawtooth Star Quilt Block?
This is what the traditional Sawtooth Star block looks like!
I even found an example of this block going back to the 1840s on the Smithsonian website. Wild!
A Modern Take on the Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
I really love making traditional quilt blocks, as I feel that is a thread through time. I think it is so fascinating that today I can be making quilt blocks that a woman was making 100 years ago (or more!). That curiosity is what inspired my Tradition with a Twist series: a collection of quilt blocks where I start with a classic design and then “jazz it up” with modern elements.
For the sawtooth star, I kept asking myself one question:
What if I added curves? lol
The Design Evolution of the Swirling Sawtooth Star
Introducing Curves
First, I tried to just replace the points with curves, and it didn’t really speak to me. It didn’t still present as a Sawtooth Star.
Having the Sawtooth Shine
So instead, I ended up on a journey of creating different variations where the Sawtooth was in the center and the curved blocks surrounded it. In the end, I liked the second variation of the two below and that is what we’re making today!
Swirling Sawtooth Star Quilt Block Cutting Overview
If you’re comfortable with basic piecing and ready to explore curves, this block is a fun next step.
Here’s a high-level overview of how the Swirling Sawtooth Star comes together in a 12.5″ unfinished block:
- Half-Square Triangles:
4 – 3 1/2″ (unfinished) HSTs (Outer 4 corners) - Orange Peels:
8 – 3 1/2″ (unfinished) Orange Peels - Flying Geese:
4 – 2″ x 3 1/2″ (unfinished) Flying Geese - Squares:
4 – 2″ x 2″ squares
1 – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ square
This overview is meant to help you understand the structure of the block if you want to creat it on your own. Full cutting measurements, piecing order, diagrams, subunit assembly are included in the pattern.
How to Make the Swirling Sawtooth Star
You can sew the block together according to the diagram above.
If you’d like a PDF with all of this in a single handy package to sew this block, you have two easy options.
Option 1: Purchase the Swirling Sawtooth Star PDF Pattern
The PDF pattern includes:
- Full cutting instructions
- Step-by-step piecing directions
- Templates & Instructions
- As this is a pattern for a single block – fabric requirements are not included.
👉 Swirling Sawtooth Star (Block Only) 12.5″ unfinished block – Digital Download – Tasha Quilts
Option 2: Join The Quilter’s Clubhouse
The Swirling Sawtooth Star pattern is also available inside The Quilter’s Clubhouse, along with:
- A growing library of quilt patterns and templates
- Community challenges and encouragement
- A cozy, good-vibe quilting space away from social media where we only allow good vibes!
👉 Quilters Clubhouse Membership – Tasha Quilts
If you enjoy experimenting with design and want access to patterns like this as they’re released, the Clubhouse might be a great fit for you.
Tradition with a Twist Quilt Block Series
The Swirling Sawtooth Star is the first block in my Tradition with a Twist series, where I explore how classic quilt blocks can be reimagined in fresh, modern ways.
There are plenty more traditional blocks waiting for their own twist—and I’d love your input.
Is there a quilt block you’d like to see reimagined next? Let me know in the comments or send me a message. Your suggestion might just become the next design.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
Is the sawtooth star quilt block beginner friendly?
The traditional sawtooth star is a great beginner block. The Swirling Sawtooth Star introduces curved piecing, making it best suited for confident beginners or intermediate quilters.
Can the Swirling Sawtooth Star be used in a full quilt?
Absolutely. This block works beautifully as a statement block or repeated into a full quilt layout. Fabric placement and color choices can dramatically change the final look.
