I try to start in the middle of the quilt and work my way out to the edges. It will depend on what kind of fmq I am doing...if it's stippling, I work a small area and then go on to the next. A feathery pattern or something in a border will require me to work that pattern until done. There are just so many different ways to fmq, that to say "this is the only way" doesn't cut it. As you get more practice, you will find your most efficient method.