Mystery Quilt 2026 - Month 6

We've officially hit the halfway mark on our 2026 Mystery Quilt journey! It's incredibly rewarding to see how much we're all learning and growing as quilters, all while celebrating the rich history of quilting during our nation's 250th anniversary. Thank you for being a part of this exciting adventure. I'm truly sew happy to share this creative time with you each month as we unveil new blocks. This June, we're diving into one of the oldest and most iconic American quilt blocks: the Sawtooth Star, a design celebrated under many different names throughout history.

The Sawtooth Star, with its sharp, distinctive points, boasts a lineage stretching back centuries. Its versatility allows for countless variations in color and fabric placement, making it a perennial favorite among quilters. Whether you know it as the North Star, the Wanderer's Star, or the Evening Star, its fundamental structure remains a testament to the enduring power of simple geometric design in storytelling through fabric.

This particular block holds a special place in American quilting history, often appearing in quilts passed down through generations. Its creation often symbolized hopes for good fortune and a safe journey for those embarking on new paths. As we construct this iconic block, we're not just stitching fabric; we're connecting with a legacy of artistry, resilience, and shared heritage, all contributing to the narrative of American quilts.

Sawtooth Star: A Block by Many Names

This month, we're diving into a beloved quilt block, a design that's both timeless and striking. Its foundation is a simple solid center square, anchoring the entire block. Radiating outwards are four meticulously crafted "flying geese" units. These dynamic triangles create the distinct star points that give this block its signature look. Rounding out the design are four equally important corner squares, providing a balanced finish. This arrangement of a central square, flying geese, and corner accents forms a wonderfully cohesive and attractive quilt block.

History

While the exact origins of the Sawtooth Star quilt pattern are a bit of a mystery, we know surviving examples date back to the early 1800s. Interestingly, antique quilts featuring this block have been found from the 1830s and 1850s, often referred to then as the "Evening Star." The pattern officially earned its "Sawtooth Star" moniker when it was published in Farm & Fireside magazine. The name perfectly captures the sharp, angular triangles within, reminiscent of a saw's cutting teeth.

During the American Civil War, historians and storytellers noted the block, frequently called the "North Star," may have served as a hidden communication method. In quilts, it was theoretically used to guide escaping slaves, pointing them toward the North Star and the promise of safety and freedom.

Later, when missionaries introduced textiles to indigenous communities in the 19th century, the star pattern found a profound spiritual connection. Native Americans associated stars with honor, protection, and generosity. The Sawtooth Star, often called the "Morning Star" in these contexts, became a highly sacred design. To this day, these beautiful quilts are still gifted to newborns, newlyweds, and warriors as symbols of protection throughout their lives.

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women throughout the expanding American West often shared sewing pattern pieces, sometimes without even knowing their original names. Because of this, the Sawtooth Star quilt block became known by many different names, including the North Star, Morning Star, Evening Star, and Variable Star.

Let's get all of our supplies ready!

No matter which fabrics you select, your mystery quilt is bound to look incredible! You can use your own fabric scraps and follow the cues of red, light, and blue for a lovely patriotic feel. Alternatively, choose your favorite color palette and focus on matching light and dark values to create a truly unique, scrappy style.

(These notions are just my recommendations)

For our Mystery Quilt - Month 6, you will need:

• Fabrics
• Creative Grids® Quilt Ruler 6½" x 6½" or Creative Grids® Quilt Ruler 4½" x 12½"
• Crisp Fabric Spray 
  (Edyta’s Tip: I like to press all my fabric ahead of cutting. I use Crisp for a nice finish!)
• Aurifil Thread – 2310, 2326, or 2312 recommended  
• Sew Daisy Fabric Markers (Use fabric markers to stay organized)
• Olfa Folding Mat
• Olfa Rotary and Blades 
  (Edyta’s Tip: Always have a stash of fresh blades for your rotary and remember to change your rotary blade)
• Pins, Scissors, Needle Threader
• Microtex Needles 70/10

Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to start this month’s mystery quilt block!

Block 6
5" x 5" unfinished
Make 8.

Cutting Directions:

Select a variety of lights and blues for a scrappy look.
I used the same blue fabric for each of the star centers and various blues for the star points.

Light Fabric: 
32 light 1⅝" squares
32 light quarter square triangles (QST) cut from 8 - 3½" squares

Blue Fabrics: 
64 blue half-square triangles (HST) cut from 32 - 2" squares

Center Blue Fabric: 
8 blue 2¾" squares

NOTE: I will be pressing seam allowances open in this block.

Block Assembly

Flying Geese: Arrange 2 blue 2" HSTs and 1 light 3½" QST as shown. Sew one HST to QST.

Sew remaining blue HST to light QST and press.

Make 32 Flying Geese units. 
Unfinished Flying Geese unit size is 1⅝" x 2¾" - trim if necessary.

Arrange and sew 4 Flying Geese, 4 light 1⅝" squares, and 1 blue 2¾" center square into rows as shown.

Sew rows together and press.

Unfinished size is 5" x 5" .
Make 8 Sawtooth Stars.

Using last months blocks, arrange and sew groups with Sawtooth Stars into rows as shown. 

Sew rows together and press seams.

STAY TUNED for the alternative Mystery Quilt 2025
Center Block -  it will be released next month!

COLOR OPTIONS

Get inspired by our red, white, and blue mystery quilt ideas! Explore classic Americana shades or go bold with modern twists. Mix and match fabrics to create a unique quilt that reflects your personal style. Don't hesitate to experiment with textures and tones – quilting is all about making it your own. Craft something truly special!

Here is inspiration for a scrappier quilt! In this example, I combined fabrics from the Farmers Daughter, Square Dance, and Laundry Line collections to give it a more traditional feel. I can't wait for you to see the finished mystery quilt!

Here’s another playful color combination you can create using our Quiltessential Fabric Collection!

We have Quiltessential Fat Quarter Bundles and Quiltessential Neutral Bundles below if you like this colorway for your Mystery Quilt 2026.

We're also adding the blocks below showing the color option using our new Jingle Bell Fabric Collection!

Check out our festive Jingle Bell Bundles below - perfect if you love this collection for your Mystery Quilt 2026!

I'm thrilled to see your unique touches on these projects! Your creativity and style are so inspiring. I can't wait to see the beautiful color combinations and patterns you'll create with this block. Quilting together and sharing our progress is a joy, and I'm eagerly anticipating our quilting adventure with next month's block. Keep those amazing creations coming!

Happy Quilting!
Edyta

Please remember to share your mystery quilt progress photos to Instagram and Facebook and watch our weekly LIVE show "Quilting Window" on our YouTube Channel! Tag us @laundrybasketquilts and #mysteryquilt2026