Put a 3" strip at the top of the quilt and a 4 - 5" strip at the bottom of the backing. Start the quilting where the added strip meets the top of the backing. If you need more on the sides, add strips there.
I've done this several times and it works well.
Washing - I wash all fabrics before I use them - allergies. If you haven't washed your quilt fabrics, then it's ok to wait until the quilt is quilted and then wash the quilt. However, there is no requirement to pre-wash - but for a baby quilt, I'd recommend it.
Last edited by cathyvv; 02-08-2015 at 03:45 PM.