I think you are overthinking and it is in part because of the braid. If you think of the border without looking at the braid at all, I think you will easily see it is a strata that is then cut on the diagonal. The end result will be a look similar to the braid. But, we all know that once our heads get a thought in there, it is so difficult to go back to the beginning and see it differently. Just to clear your head, take a couple thin scraps, make a strata and then slice it. That should get you back on track. BTW - love the look of this quilt, great colors and design.