thank you for all of your replies! I am sure that I did just sew the uncut strip on...
Ok, so when you say "measure to the middle" I think I know what you mean.. so its like my jelly roll was too long?
Tartan: yes I had my braids in rectangles that I squared off. Then I sewed a ~3/4" sashing between each and then a small frame border. That all was fine.. it was the jelly roll border that waved I am not sure what you mean by "stay stitch the edges"