I am a longarmer and it is great when there are at least 4" on each side on the width and 4" on each side on the length. It has to be longer and wider so longarmer is able to attach clamps on the sides to hold the backing and batting taught so that it doen't wrinkle, and also when attaching a quilt to the leaders you have to drop down about 2" to start quilting... Hope that helps.