I hand quilt all the time but have not used the pearle cotton or the big stitch. I agree to make up a small practice piece of similar type to what you are currently doing and try it. I've done stitch in the ditch hand quilting and have moved away from that as you don't get to see the quilting. Would probably be different with the pearle/big stitch but might not be the look you are going for on this particular quilt.