I try to have an extra 2-3 inches on all sides. You need more if you are using a thick batting. The top and bottom will always shift a little.

Don't be skimpy. I speak from experience. I didn't think it was all that important either until it was.

Yup, I know what you are saying....I also learned this the hard way!

Dina

I'll usually do about 2in on all sides but I spray baste & have had very little prob. with that amount. Any where from 3-6 in if I send it out (super queen/king).

I love this website for all the great advice you can get!

I always leave at least 3 inches, if little or no shifting, I can then trim it to 2.5inches and use it for binding something else or trim it and use it as sashing, its never wasted.

Yes, it is.

Make a small 12 by 12 sample . Now with walking foot do a few rows from the same direction every time on half of square.
Now do the Sam but do each row in opposite directions . You should see a difference on the sides the first will be showing walking creep.

Wow -- I'm sure glad I asked before plunging into the quilting. I'll add an additional 3 or 4 inches all around before beginning my quilting. Thanks, Everyone, for your experience-based advice on this. Since this quilt is a reversible king-size, it's worth 'spending' the extra fabric at this stage.

Is the excess necessary for hand quilting too?