A log cabin that I recently made, I hand quilted with varying size stars somewhat randomly placed all over the quilt. I wanted the recipient to know that I thought he was a 'star' in my book! Personally I think you can do whatever kind of design suits your taste or might be significant to you or the recipient. The biggest dictate is what your batting requires. SITD is painful for handquilting. Echo quilting (about 1/4" from seam on either side) is far easier. I'm sure it will be awesome no matter what you decide.