i've always (evened) the edges before quilting- but i square the quilt after it is quilted- before the binding- the quilting process draws up the fabrics--due to the thickness of the quilt sandwich- much like fabric is (drawn up) when appliqued or embroidered- so it is normal for it to get a little---uneven when it is quilted- after the quilting is the time to square up- and block if needed.