Sawtooth Star Block-also known as Evening Star, Morning Star, Variable Star, North Star

I found it fascinating finding out about the background of the next block in our Quilt Upon a Star Quilt Along.  Our next block is the Sawtooth block.  As you can see, the name came from the way that the triangles resembled the teeth of the saw.  It was first named Sawtooth Star in 1884 when it appeared in the Farm and Fireside Magazine.  As you can see from above, it does have other names.  Just as we swap patterns, so did the women in the 1880s.  Sometimes block patterns would get swapped and they wouldn’t know they name, so they got renamed.  I’ve found five names for this block, if you find any more, do let me know.

For Native Americans, stars were sacred symbols, equated with honour and protection, no wonder that Morning Star quilts were given to newly weds, new born babies, to warriors and to families of those that had died.  I found this fascinating, as I have often used the Sawtooth Block as the basis of my memory cushions. Now they will have a bit more added poignancy.

While I was doing my research, I came across this quilt you see in the picture above.  It is on the Smithsonian National Museum of American History website.  The quilt is dated to between 1840-1860.  I’d encourage you to go over and check out the photos and the information that goes with it.  I just find it amazing to think it’s lasted this long and I love the way it has been made to fit around the bed posts.

The star in the sawtooth block can be made of one colour, or you can choose different colours throughout.  Using contrasting colours, you can get some great designs using the Sawtooth and Reverse sawtooth blocks together.

This quilt along is now only available as part of the Create with Loopy Member’s Club.  You can find out more about joining the Member’s Club here.  You’ll also find some other great projects for using your star blocks, like our Simplex Pot Holder.