Originally Posted by
cindyb
I plan to do cross-hatch background on some squares that will have applique. After looking closely, why not do the cross-hatching FIRST - then applique over the top. This would eliminate the starting and stopping, burying the knots and almost make a grid for the applique placement. What problems am I overlooking doing it this way?
I did it this way on a table runner that had pieced squares over-laid with appliqued leaves. I cross-hatch-quilted before doing the applique. I don't like it because the cross-hatching shows up clearly as 'dents' in the leaves. Won't do that way again. I usually quilt up to the applique, lock the stitches, and carry the threads to the other side of the applique, lock stitches again, and continue on. Or, if it makes sense to, I edge quilt along the applique to the next starting point. It all depends..... Works for me.