If batting is used in any of your projects, that will determine the quilting spacing. The batting package will tell you the maximum quilting distance. Other than that I agree with all the other posters. I would recommend quilting or tying for anything with more than 1 layer. Don't know what kind of sewing machine you have, but look in the manual and see if there is either a bar tack or 'sewing on a button' stitch. You can use this instead of hand tying. Welcome to the board!