I am probably one of the exceptions because I do not use stabilizer at all unless the T-Shirt is very flimsy- or if it is an open mesh(team jerseys). I usually stitch in the ditch first. then I stitch background designs in each block - outlining the motif on the shirt. You can stitich through the motif but you must slow down because the motif has a tendency to cling to the needle. I have made 2 queen size T-shirt quilts and several twin size or smaller quilts using this method.
Here is a link to a picture of one of my T-shirt quilts.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post4790296