Over the years and with several quilting classes under my belt, I've learned that if you decrease the stitch length shortly before having to stop the cross-hatching that should be enough. Many times I just stitch in place for a little bit and I haven't had any problems that I'm aware of. You could also back stitch when you need to stop or move the stitching line. If the space isn't too large, I would stitch several times in the same place, then raise the presser move, move it over the applique and begin quilting, again stitching several times in place. I'm sure there are other opinions on how to do this, this is how I do it.