Question about crosshatching
 

I've tried crosshatching a long time ago and didn't do it very well. The fabric bunched up where the stitching crossed. Also, do you do the crosshatching first in the background or the motif quilting? Isn't there a lot of stopping and starting?

Are you using a walking foot?

You must be machine quilting. I only hand quilt so I can't help you there.

If you're crosshatching the entire quilt and using a DSM, stitch entire lines, starting from the center out. I guess that means you're stitching half lines, not entire lines...And, as happyquiltmom said, a walking foot is an integral factor in success.

I've had bunching problems where the crosshatching meets, too. You just have to make sure you baste really well. I starch my backing heavily which also seems to help. Depending on the quilt, there can be a lot of stopping and starting. Since I hate to bury threads, I try my best to create a quilting pattern that minimizes it.

If you are not using a walking foot, by all means, do! Starching and using a walking foot should make a big difference.

The key is to vary the directions you are sewing when doing it. i.e.
First row ---------->>>>>>>>
Next row <<<<<<<------------
Next row ---------->>>>>>>>>
and so on.....

I did this and worked from the middle to the outside until I got to one side and then started in the middle worked to the other side. I used a walking foot and spray basted. I didn't have any bunching at all.

I did one yesterday. I used spray basting and a walking foot. No bunching at all. I think th spray basting is the key.

you also must use your hands to "spread" the fabric away a bit from the needle area when crossing lines. Like Eleanor Burns does. maybe a bit longer stitch length too would help.