Blocks can be drafted in any size, from very small to huge, but the measurements for cutting will be very difficult for some sizes - maybe 2 7/23" for instance (just made that up). Most blocks fall naturally into division by 2, 3, or 4. Look at the block's structure and see. Many are naturally made up of smaller pieces that fall into a 4-patch, or 9-patch grid. If the block is originally 12", and if it falls into a 9-patch grid, then each of those patches in the 9-patch measures 4" square. If you change each of those patches to 3" square, the finished block will be 9"; if you change each to 2" square the finished block will be 6". Get the idea? All these measurements are done with the finished size of the block components, so to get cutting size you have to add the appropriate amount (.5" to squares and rectangles, 7/8" to HST's, 1.25" to QST's, etc.) If you're brand new at this you will definitely want to draft it out and make a practice block. After you have been doing that for a while it will be second nature. If you happen to have EQ7 it will do all the work for you.