hi i always start about the middle and work from there finishing till i have pertty much cover the middle section and than i go out all around ,this way it,s quilted evenly i also have a just a regular sewing machine with a stitch regularter but use a table that i made from you tube .com (called how to make a cheap table quilting table ) it,s very helpful and cheap and easy to make for me this will do till i can buy my dream long arm quilting machine can,t wait you can also find it here on board if you click my name and see the list till you find the post when i posted it here ,hope i help you