I've used clear thread to quilt a diamond grid (3" apart) on redwork machine embroidered quilts. Have done some stitching through the redwork and others where I've stopped about 1/4" away from the embroidery. I can program my machine to automaticly tie off the stitches at the start and stopping points so I don't have to back stitch. I've been happy with both methods. Just make sure to use a new sharp needle.
Ellie