I made 2 tops, I used a 12.5" x 12.5" cutting boards as a pattern. I added stabilizer after cutting. Use a pressing cloth, that stuff gets on your iron and it's a pain. I found as I was working with the squares, I often needed to go back and re-iron it back on. And I was using a name brand stabilizer too.
I made them with no sashing at the customer's request. I had him take them to the local longarmer to get finished. Was I glad to get rid of them!! Never again.