May 14, 2002     Added in May, 2002

BLOCK 5, Simple Saw Tooth

Block 5 in the Sampler #101 quilt is another simple block and if you love stars, you certainly are going to like this one.  From a first glance, you can probably see that this block could easily be made by making eight HST (Half-Square Triangles), which we learned how to make in previous blocks.  However, with this block, we're going to learn a new method of making the center "point" sections of the star.  If you look closely, you'll see that this section is merely a "Flying Geese" pattern.

Block 5 is constructed from three of your six fabrics:  Fabrics A, B, and C.  It is actually made up of nine units, thereby making the construction of this a non-typical nine-patch.  An illustration of this, below, is numbered to show the "sections".

It is important to sew with a scant 1/4" (just short of 1/4") seam allowance so that your unfinished block measures 12.5" x 12.5", however, it is even more important to be consistent in your seams.  So, be sure to sew this block with the same seam allowance that you used in the construction of Blocks 1 through 4.

Since this is a sampler that is teaching some of you new techniques, remember that blocks shall get more complicated as we advance through the year, however, the blocks will not become so complicated that you won't be able to do them.  Just follow the instructions, and if you run into a problem, join in on the discussion board on the forum and feel free to ask questions!

Note:  Before cutting out the pieces in the table below, make sure there is enough contrast in the colors you have chosen for the block to show as a "star".  If not, then substitute B with another fabric.  Also, this block provides a great opportunity for you to "fussy cut" B.  "Fussy Cut" means to cut the fabric out so that you are cutting it in a way specifically to get a particular motif or feature of that fabric.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. We are going to make this block in the three sections, as shown in the illustration above, however we are going to make the "Flying Geese" units first.  To make a "Flying Geese", lay one of the 3.5" x 6.5" A rectangular strips, right side facing up.  Next, place a C square on the left corner of the rectangle, wrong side up, so that now, the right side of this square and the right side of the rectangle on bottom are facing together.  Make sure that the square is lined up accurately with the rectangle, all the way out to the edges.  Next, using a pencil (or some other marking device), draw a straight line from one corner of the square to the opposite corner, forming a diagonal line.  Refer to the diagram below to make sure you have done this correctly.

   
   

2. The second step in making the "Flying Geese" is to sew on the line that you just drew.  Be careful to stitch either exactly on the line or a thread or two short of the line (up toward the top, left corner).

3. Next, carefully fold back the bottom of the C square, so that it forms a triangle on top of the rectangle.  Refer to the diagram below to see how this should now look.  
   

4. Press it flat.  Note:  If you choose to trim some of the excess fabric away, do so carefully.  The bottom piece is the foundation, so I rarely trim that away, however, I do always trim out the middle piece of fabric in order to reduce bulk.

5. Now to make the other half of the Flying Geese unit.  Place another C square on the right corner of the rectangle, wrong side up, so that now, the right side of this square and the right side of the rectangle on bottom are facing together.  Using a pencil, draw a diagonal line from the bottom right corner up to its opposite corner, as illustrated below.
   

6. Next, sew on the diagonal line, then fold it back.  Again, you can trim the middle layer away, if you want.  Press it flat.  Note:  When you finish making this Flying Geese unit, the "V" formed should have 1/4" to spare.  This gives you the seam allowance to sew with when you begin sewing the units to the block.  If you do not leave this 1/4", then you will not have sharp, crisp points.  The Flying Geese unit should look similar to this:
   

7. Next, make three more of the Flying Geese units following steps 1 through 6.  You need a total of four of these units.

8. It is now time to begin construction of the entire block of nine patches.  We will begin with section 1, then 2, and lastly, section 3.  Here are the sections:
   

9. Section 1:  Using two of the A squares and one of the Flying Geese units, lay it out exactly like section 1 in step 8.  It is extremely important to have the Flying Geese pointed in the right direction or your star won't star!  Once you have it laid out correctly, sew the two squares onto the Flying Geese, one at a time, then press the seams toward the end squares, so that the end result looks similar to this:
   

10. Section 2:  Using two of the Flying Geese units and the large 6.5" square, lay it out as illustrated in step 8, then sew the units together, making sure that the points of the "star" again are going in the right direction.  Press the seams toward the center square.  When finished, this section looks similar to this:
    

11. Section 3:  Using two of the A squares and one of the Flying Geese units, lay it out exactly like section 3 in step 8.  It is extremely important to have the Flying Geese pointed in the right direction again so that the star points are pointing correctly.  We don't want any broken stars in this quilt!  Once you have it laid out correctly, sew the two squares onto the Flying Geese, one at a time, then press the seams toward the end squares, so that the end result looks similar to this:
    

12. Now that you have all three sections sewn, it's time to sew them together into the block.  Simply lay them in the order shown in step 8, then sew section 1 to 2, and finally sections 1/2 to section 3.   the block flat.  It should now look similar to this:
    

13. Press the block flat.  It should measure 12.5" x 12.5".

Once again, congratulations!  You have just completed Block 5 of the 12 for this Sampler.  We are almost half way finished.  

The following quilt illustrates what a small quilt/wallhanging could look like just by using the first five blocks in this sampler, the Nine-Patch,  the Pinwheel Nine-Patch, the Hole in the Barn Door, the Baby Rails, and the Simple Saw Tooth.

Here is a quilt that illustrates what this block would look like with no sashing, and also used throughout the entire quilt.  Notice the secondary patterns it creates?  

And here is another quilt using this block and Block 4, but twisting Block 4 around 1/4 turn each time clockwise.  Notice how it creates a pinwheel effect?

Here is a sneak peek of the next two blocks!

For more information, please contact quilting@quiltingpassion.com

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