Hi Barb - the French Braid book requests 12 different fabrics - 1/2 yard each for the braids. It says to cut each into 2 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch rectangles. But, that is only for the one I made, there are 14 different patterns in the book. The center square is an off size - 8 3/8 x 8 3/8 inches. Have fun with your book when it arrives trying to decide which one to make. I would love to make a couple more.