Leave 5 at least inches around the edge of batting and backing to help with the edges. It does get a little tricky around the edges but you can go in any direction. When I first started FMQ, I concentrated on a block at a time starting in the center. I have a tendency to work in quadrants from center to outer corner, when that quad is done, I worked my way back to the center and started on the next quad. However you do it, have fun. There is a rhythm to the sound of the machine and the movement of the hands.