I'm a perfectionist with my sewing/quilting---all my friends would STRONGLY "Amen" that! So when I started EPP they were exasperated with me. I, too, didn't want stitches to show on the front. You've gotten some great advice to try and we all have to find what works for us. What finally worked for me was a 50wt thread like Superior thread or silk thread in a matching color and not-so-tight stitches. Happy stitching! And don't be afraid to try something different when things aren't working for you.