your fist is the 'usual' placement for your ties; each place you put your fist would touch a tie...about every 4" in a grid like pattern. some people use purl cotton, some embroidery floss, and some yarns. when you choose a batting, the ones good for 'tied' quilts say so on the packaging, if it says it needs to be quilted every 2-4" it is not good batting for tied quilts. choose a batt made for the project you are making for the best results.