i try to start my meander on an edge or corner, just so I don't have a loose "dead end" hanging out in the middle of the quilt. however, if you do choose to start in the middle, I would suggest starting with a kind of teardrop shape just to close off the dead end. if you make that about the same size as the rest of your meander, I promise, no on will notice it in the end and it is much less noticeable than a dead end! unless of course you are strategic enough to plan your end to match up with your beginning. but that can be tricky.