I think you're going to need 192 squares, set 12x16, plus the 3" border. With this tool, you will "shrink" the size of the squares twice--first when you sew them into the grid, then again when you cut with the tool. Also, there is some wastage in the cutting process. Canton Village Quilt Works has an online tutorial which recommends you cut the leftovers into 1.75" square and use them as another border.

Here is how I calculated.

For each 5" square you start with, you will get a 3.25 finished square in the lil twister pattern.

You want about a 45 x 60 finished size. Let's just assume that the border will be 3" unfinished, so subtract 5" from your desired finished size to estimate the size of your grid of squares. In the pattern shown on the web, the border is attached and cut along with the squares, then reassembled. If you want an uncut border all around the quilt, that won't really change the calculations, but it will slightly change the size of the quilt.

The closest to 40 of finished 3.25" blocks is 12, which would be 39". The closest to 55" of finished blocks is 17, which would be 55.25". 16 blocks would be 52" That means you use either 204 or 192 blocks in the grid originally. in addition, those borders, which started at 2.5 finished, are also going to shrink. I'd use the 16.

Wow, are you thoroughly confused now? LOL. I am sure it is going to be pretty when it is completed.

There is a no waste method for the twister pattern also. I saw it on this board and printed it out. Aha! Found it: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-112343-1.htm I haven't tried it yet but organization is definitely the key--even more sew than the sew/cut/re-sew method.

love this twister., using charm packs