Thanks everyone for your helpful and positive replies!
Brunswickgirl - I heard about that idea after I had bought/cut my batting. I think I might try it on a future quilt (let's see how this goes first!)
cjsews - That is good advice! I realized that late at night when I was about to start cutting, that the math wouldn't work out if I just divided 8 by 4.
Misty's Mom - That's right, in most of the guides I have read on the internet the pieces and batting are sewn together with an X.