I'd rip it out in a heart beat. We just did that in fact, on an old quilt that someone else had quilted for us before we bought our quilting machine...it took a long time but glad we did it. My wife takes a great deal of time deciding what pattern to use that WON'T take away from the artistry of the quilt. Get yourself a cup of coffee and sit back relax and use a new sharp seam ripper...be careful not to poke through the top and as someone mentioned earlier ...take small increments and its easier to do if you unstich it between the layers of the top/batting/backing...you'll be glad you did...good luck