I use big stitch quilting often....using a quilting between #3 or #5 (Richard Hemming) needle with perle cotton (balls) in size 8, or Sulky cotton 12 weight thread, or I even use size 10 crochet thread....and I always bury the knot the 'usual' way. BUT, I tug the thread one direction while 'popping' the knot with my thumbnail in the other direction and that helps it pop thru the layers.
Jan in VA