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.

Great quilt and enjoyed the sites given and hints for making the border.

UPDATE: I was able to locate the quiltmaker....she was kind enough to share info with me-she paper pieced the border!

I made some paper strips and drew lines, and paper pieced fabric strips....then trimmed them to the width I want. EZPZ. ��

The lady who made the quilt said that she paper pieced the border by drawing slanted lines on paper. Hope this helps.