I am actually in the process of making this "empty spools" quilt now. I decided to make one large spool in the center and eight smaller ones around the outside - spacing them with a 9 block square. all of my pieces are 6" finished. there is a website that I got from Google - I put in "empty spool quilt" and I got the instructions and dimensions for making this - it is really easy and I have not had any problems making my corners meet - good luck!