I hand quilt all my quilts. I've never used the tape but think it might be useful in this situation. I don't usually quilt in the ditch but usually just outline whatever pattern is in the quilt (squares, triangules, figures, etc.). I try to get 6-7 stitches per inch but this is not always the case. Rather than stitch in the ditch I try to quilt just next to the seam line as this seems to make the square or whatever more prominent.