All those measurements you mentioned are UNFINISHED.
To recalculate a block size (larger or smaller), you have to use FINISHED sizes.
The Sawtooth Star block is based on a 4x4 grid
The larger Rising Star would also be on the same grid.
So if your FINISHED SS block is 8", and you want it to fit into the middle of a RS block, then the RS block will be 16" FINISHED.
So in a 16" block on a 4x4 grid each square would be 4" FINISHED.
The FINISHED sizes of the each of the components would be:
Corner squares = 4" (cut 4.5")
Flying Geese = 4" x 8" (cut 4.5" x 8.5" rectangle, cut two 4.5" squares)
Center SS block = 8" (8.5" UNFINISHED)