I've done my best to find the answer to this question, and it could just boil down to personal preference... However I still feel confused about where to begin the actual quilting process. I've only quilted small things, and have before me a larger project that I don't want to ruin! Does one begin in the middle and stitch outward, or begin at the top and work your way down, or start at the outside and work in? Which method gives the best finished result for the larger size quilt?

I always start right in the middle and work my out.

I was taught the middle also. Then in a square or rectangular pattern work your way outward till you get it all pinned.

I have been told and also read in a couple of books that it is wise to start in the middle. If it begins to buckle you can smooth it and re-pin.

I too start in the middle. I run one line of stitching right down the middle both vertically and horizontally. That essentially divides my quilt into four sections and makes it easier to continue. After stitching those initial lines, I check the position of the pins, re-adjust if necessary and continue on by alternating vertical lines and horizontal ones. This method seems to keep the quilting more even and I frequently machine quilt queen sized quilts on my Janome 6500.

Thanks for the clarity :)

I start in the middle

Thanks for your tip Shelbie. I had never thought of sewing two lines to start with, I always seem to have problems with some movement. Maybe this will make it easier.

middle... unless its something small, then I might start at the edge (like placemats etc)

uh huh...lol...i'm with Shelbie, on larger projects I too divide them in ¼'s, then for some reason I quilt top-left, then bottom-right, or visa versa