most of my blocks are finished at 5 1/4" -- using 1 1/2" templates- for some reason- even though i'm using the size that is called for mine are not the 3 1/2" size that is stated with the program i have not figured out why that is but am happy with the size of them as they are. i am enjoying seeing all the different ways you can put together a few simple shapes to create different blocks. i am working on them mainly during breaks at work so i think i am 6 or 7 blocks behind but i put together a folder with a diagram of each new block so i can just keep (trudging) along. i will show you more when i get a few more done.