I too wasn't sure about the braid block but now I've done it I think it's here to stay! I didn't use a very big patterned fabric as all my blocks are in much the same fabrics so they all go together in the end but this is my fav fabric of all the ones I'm using so I was pleased to be able to put in a BIG piece! Mitre wasn't a problem but sorting out the little triangle pieces, now there's another story!