Depends, if I am going to do some SID I do that first starting in the middle then working from one side and then the other. If I am SIDing on all sides (top to bottom/side to side). Then add the FMQ where I want but always begin in the middle of the quilt. That said, the SID should have already completely alligned the quilt properly so you could start your FMQ anywhere. Basically starting in the middle is the way I was taught so I continue to do that because it works for me.