Thanks, Bfw, this is all very helpful!! Never would have thought to use that as the testing area, great idea.
Originally Posted by butterflywing
for the long arm, i like to leave 4" on the sides. that's for diddling around, like testing the tension, etc. i throw a piece of quilting cotton on the extra batt and backing and test away, tension and stitches. on the bottom and top i leave about 3" . on small quilts on my regular machine, i leave 2 - 3".
jackie might be able to help you.