Making a "quilt" has progressed from something necessary to a work of thread/textile art, in some cases And, in my opinion, that should determine the density and type of the thread work design. That being said, I have seen some very nicely pieced quilts- I'm thinking body covers, be it bed, lap,throw,- that are so loosely quilted it will be lumpy and saggy after a few washings. And, conversely, some that are so densely quilted, they could greet you at the door.....the eye is drawn to the quilted thread design and not the fabric piecing and are as stiff as "boards". But, it is what it is.