If the quilt is for a girl you could use very narrow satin ribbon in the center of squares &/or at intersections. It does make a larger hole but I haven't heard of any issues with it creating a problem (other than little brothers trying to untie the ribbon). It creates a very feminine look, especially if you tie in a bow as well as knotting, and the girls I've given them to have loved them. Ages of recipients have ranged from 3 to 30+. I even did one in corduroy and used a wider ribbed ribbon on it.