I left about 2" of batting extending beyond the edge of the fabric and backing.
I pinned three places on each square and stitched to two halves together
I trimmed a 1/4" from the batting so the edges would "kiss".
Pinned in place and slip stitching the backing closed.
The two unquilted halves from the front
Now on to quilting these 18 blocks. I am thinking up ideas for this. Next post it will be finished.