boarders on longarm
 

So I purchased a Viking longarm quilter-18 inch...question is - do you quilt the center first then the boarders and remove & turn for other 2 boarders or do boarders as you go? I have done 6 quilts and have questions on the easiest way

As I understand it, generally you start at the top and work your way down, rolling the quilt as you go. Basting is also done as you go, as needed.
Re the borders, I do the top and then once I get to it, then the bottom. Then I take it off the frame, re mount so I can do the sides (as top and bottom)

Depends on the quilt and the quilting design. I usually try and start at the top & go right down, doing the borders as I go. This works well with straight borders, like piano key, or freehand fills, like meanders. However, if the border design is going to 'flow' lengthwise, where a start & stop will be noticeable like a scroll or a long feather, I'll turn it.

I do just easy freehand quilting from the front of the machine. The borders are just a part of the while quilt.

I do like Paper Princess does start at the top work my way down.

I don't turn quilts. Even for flowing borders.

I would be interested in knowing how you would do a flowing border lengthwise? Please?

same here. Usually it's a design, like feathers, that can be easily adapted. If it's one with a design where it works from the center out, then I'll mark that center & maybe some other marks down that border.

When I had my 18" quilt machine I went from the top to the bottom excluding the side borders and then turned it to do the side borders as the top and bottom. Now I have a 26" quilt machine and have learned how to chunk my side borders so they're done as I move down the quilt. Was always afraid to try my hand at chunking before but now it seems easier to me. Also helps to have a program to help with the layout of the patterns. I do have robotics on my machine too so another advantage for me. I do tend to work from the center outward splitting my long patterns when doing a border or E2E pattern to help with the draw-in.

I don't know HOW she does it either, but she does it beautifully and seamlessly.

check out books by DeLoa Jones for ideas on borders without turning them. Also, if you use feathers like Angela Walters they "chunk" better and you don't have as much worry about needing to turn them.