I stitch in the ditch with invisable ( monofilament) thread. This method gives texture to the area , but the stiching does not show.
If you want your stitches to show try "echo" quilting , its when you stitch about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the area you want to have the quilting texture. For example you would "outline" around a heart applique , or some other shape in the quilt. I have sometimes echo quilted using the seam line and stitch about 1/4 from the seam.