I'm making 2 of the Texas Braid now...at least I was till it got put on the 'to do yet' pile :(
'I believe' Bonnie says to trim up the sides when you're ready to sew the strips together...at least that's what I'm doing.
I'll be starching the strips heavily - trimming 2 and then sewing those 2 strips together. Connecting pairs at a time then 2 pairs together, etc.
Good luck!