How to Sew the Classic Sawtooth Patchwork Quilt Block

The Sawtooth Patchwork quilt block is a timeless favorite that’s as versatile as it is beautiful. This 12″ block features a bold star at its center, framed with simple diamond shapes that create striking points and movement. Made with just half-square triangles and square-in-a-square units, it’s easy enough for a beginner while still offering plenty of room for creative fabric choices. This traditional block is a classic that shines on its own or as part of a larger quilt.

I did switch the dark and light placement in the block to make it my own as well as introducing a third color.

Update: I now have a PDF pattern of this block available in my Etsy shop if you prefer to have a printed pattern. Check it out by clicking this link: SAWTOOTH PATCHWORK

Fabric Requirements for a 12″ Finished Sawtooth Patchwork quilt block:

Light/Tan: 2 – 5″ squares, and 5 – 4.5″ squares
Dark/Rust: 12 – 2.5″ squares
Dark/Green: 2 – 5″ squares, and 8 – 2.5″ squares

Sewing Directions:

Half Square Triangle Units:

Step 1:

Using the two Light/Tan 5″ squares and the two Dark/Green 5″ squares, sew together four Half Square Triangle units like the ones in the picture below. Trim/square up the units to 4.5″. You can find my tutorial for making basic Half Square Triangles at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block

Square in a Square Units:

Step 2:

Using a Light/Tan 4.5″ square, two Dark/Rust 2.5″ squares, and two Dark/Green 2.5″ squares “snowball” the corners of the Light/Tan 4.5″ square. I like to work on two opposite corners at a time. Click Square in a Square for a detailed tutorial on making this unit.

Here are the first steps:

Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the 2.5″ squares.
Sew a Dark/Rust square and a Dark/Green square to the Light/Tan square along the marked line (top left image). Note the orientation of the marked line.
Match the corners of the 2.5″ squares and press (top right image).
Open up the 2.5″ squares and trim the seam allowances (bottom left image).
Refold (bottom right image).

Step 3:

Repeat Step 2 on the remaining two corners of the Light/Tan square.

Step 4:

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for a total of four two-color Square in a Square units as shown in the picture below.

Step 5:

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 only using four Dark/Rust 2.5″ squares. You only need one unit with this coloring.

Putting It All Together:

Step 6:

Lay out the Half Square Triangle units, and the Square in a Square units as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like a basic Nine Patch block.

Step 7:

Sew the units into three rows.