I might leave a 6" space on the RIGHT side of the machine but most of the space will be needed on the LEFT side for FMQ. That's the side nearest the needle. The reason I would leave the 6" space on the right would be to have a small space for an extra spool of thread, and maybe a cup of coffee or tea. If you are talking about piecing, I would still want my pieces to be sewn on the left side of the machine so they are close to the needle and less likely to get mixed up.