Let's Get Ready to Rumble Part 2

Block #2 - Sawtooth Star

 (Designer Note:  All fabrics will be referred to as either background or scraps when I am working with the blocks.  I picked this block for my BFF Karen Lieberman - I am pretty sure it's her favorite!)

12" Finish size block - make one

 

Cutting

A: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square  - cut 4 of scraps.

C: 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" square - cut 4 of scraps and then cut on the diagonal to yield 8 triangles.  

D: 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square - cut 1 of scraps.

B: 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" square - cut 1 of background fabric.  Then cut on the diagonal twice.

Lay out all the pieces making sure to have the proper supervision.  As you can see two of my fabrics have stripes.  Pay attention to the orientation if your fabrics are directional.  If supervisors approve, move on to the next step ☺

 

Align a smaller triangle (c) on top of a larger triangle (b) making certain bottom edge (left in this picture) is even and you can see the little ear hanging over the edge. Sew a 1/4" seam along the edge with the ear as show below.

 Normally I would press to the dark but in this case construction trumps that rule. You will see why in a bit.

I like to lay out the pieced units with the rest of the block making sure I get my fabrics oriented the right way.  

Now add the other smaller triangle (c) to the partially pieced unit. Press as you did, away from the larger triangle being careful not to stretch the bias out of shape.

After pressing check to see if you have a quarter inch gap between the bigger triangle and the edge (at the pencil point) - this is your seam allowance and if it is off you will cut the point off when you sew them together.

Once all my flying geese units are together I like to lay out the block again to make sure I have the direction of the fabrics positioned the correct way. 

Sew the units together - don't clip the threads in between. Pay close attention to the direction you press. 

Remember you want to see those intersections on the outer edges.

Pin.  I always put a pin on either side of a seam intersection - keeps things nice and accurate.

 

 Important.  See that intersection where the threads cross?  This is the spot you need to pay attention to if you want precision.  

 

When putting the block together you will need to sew this seam. When you get to that intersection, make sure that your needle goes in just beyond the tip of the triangle - just a smidge to the right in this pic.  If you don't pay attention to this you can very easily cut off your points. Always make sure this is facing up when piecing a triangle unit to anything else - if you can see it, you can sew it properly.

 

 Pinning helps me with accuracy.  I know some people don't like to pin but I like ripping out even less!

See that point?  That is piecing perfection and if you are careful when you put the units together you can nail this every time! Press toward the center square. Continue piecing block units together.  Press well.

Ta Dah - Block #2 is done!!!

 

I hope this tutorial helped you piece this block! ☺

 

Quilty hugs....LT