Quilting should be done from the center out, but I don't baste from the center out. Using serger thread scraps, I hand basted my first quilt (king size) and I don't recommend it. I now use quilters' safety pins. It is vital that your three layers are smooth and fairly taut. I have a 4' x 8' plywood "table" upon which I lay out the backing, the batting, and the top, smoothing each as I go and clipping the 3 layers to the 1/2"-thick plywood with 2" spring loaded paper clips. I clip one side or end of the 3 layers and then smooth and gently pull the layers tight before I clip another side or end. When I get a section all smoothed and clipped, then I insert the safety pins just a few inches apart. When I get that section "basted", I remove the paper clips and repeat the process with the rest of the quilt. This way, I don't get any puckers or unpleasant lumpy surprises when I quilt, whether it be by hand or machine. Good luck and enjoy!