I think you could go with 4 or 6 blocks and still have the labyrinth effect. I made this quilt and didn't find it so hard as long as I put all my cut pieces in separate baggies, labeled, was careful to sew my seams exactly a scant 1/4" and pressed very carefully. The cutting process did take almost as long as the piecing. It was worth it just for the wow factor I get from everybody who sees it. And be sure to get the pattern corrections from the designer's website.