Your background or main fabric takes at least 4 times the size you want plus a little extra for the seam allowances. For example: you start with an 8 inch square. you sew your 1/4 inch seams which takes off 1/2 inch. The block is folded again which would make the finished squares 3 3/4 inches. Seems like a lot of fabric and yes it is but you don't need batting or a backing sheet.