I have always thought that cross hatching really can pop especially an applique quilt. My avatar was stitched diagonally. So was the lap quilt that I took 2nd in the recent quilt contest. I always start stitching from the center and work my way out. I always marked my top with a "Hera" marker (made by Clover). I quilted on a Bernina 1530. You always want to check with your originally base line so that you don't wander off with your marking. You want your lines to be straight and accurate. GOOD LUCK !! :)