I have a question. I have been practicing FM, but was wondering if you begin in the center of a quilt like you would do with SID? Or....can you start at the left or right corner. Thanks in advance for your help. Also....when doing FM, do most of you also stipple in the borders or not?

I spray baste my quilts, then usually do a couple of rows each direction with water soluble thread before I quilt. That holds it in place so I can start anywhere. I generally start at the edge in the middle of one of the sides and work my way to the other side. Then I do the same to the right and left of that until it's done. Larger quilts I tend to do as much in the middle first to get it over with because it's harder to reach.

I usually have an inner and out border and generally stitch in the ditch around the borders and stipple the center of the quilt and the outer border. I've ignored the inner border and just stippled, but I don't like it as much that way.

When I first started, I was told to start in the middle and work out.

Depends, if I am going to do some SID I do that first starting in the middle then working from one side and then the other. If I am SIDing on all sides (top to bottom/side to side). Then add the FMQ where I want but always begin in the middle of the quilt. That said, the SID should have already completely alligned the quilt properly so you could start your FMQ anywhere. Basically starting in the middle is the way I was taught so I continue to do that because it works for me.

starting in the middle will keep you from getting wrinkles, pleats in the backing as you go along. does not matter if it's hand quilting or machine quilting- should start in the middle and work your way out

I usually start in the middle of the quilt if it is not on a frame. Just works best for me.