Batiks are really tough to handquilt.
This has worked for me in the past, but I'm not guaranteeing it.
Stitch in the ditch around the large batik diamonds and the smaller center diamonds. Secure the edge of the quilt by machine with a large basting stitch within the 1/4" seam allowance. Now wash the quilt to try and loose up the batik fabric. I did not dry the quilt in the machine, I layed it out flat and let it dry. Once the quilt dried, I was able to hand quilt, but did find that I had to use a larger needle than usual and my stitches were larger than normal as well.
I find that quilting from the front gives more puff to the quilting, always less so on the back, I think that is why you don't see the pattern on the front.
I would also use a contrasting thread color if you want the stitches to show more. Maybe a nice variegated thread in the blue tones.
Good luck, I have alot of ufo's from H$*) in my studio! I can feel your frustration.
If all else fails, machine quilt!