Ok, Barbm, did I get this right? You want an 18" strip down the center of the bed top, flanked by two of the braids that will have framing strips to get to 10" and then 2 more 18" strips on each side of the bed top with the last two braids as overhang? Please confirm...I'm thinkin' that most don't realize that the braids are not goin to be the true focus of the quilt...the wider sections will be the visual impact once this quilt is on the bed...at least that's the way I'm "seeing" it.
But, if you make one more braid and center with a braid then the braid will take center stage visually and you'll reduce the size of the open sections.... great place for some quilting!