Originally Posted by
maviskw
The only down-side I've heard about big stitch is the long stitches can more easily get caught on something.
I've big stitch quilted for 2 decades (We taught it in my shop which I closed in 2001).
I have used crochet thread and a large-eye needle like a John James between in the larger sizes, or even Sashiko needles. I usually knot and pull thru the fabric, then rub my fingernail back and forth over the site to close the hole. Occasionally it's hard to pull a knot thru so I use the method you mentioned, weaving thru the layers inside the quilt.
I also use 12 wt. Sulky cotton thread, perle cotton embroidery floss balls, and other threads.
When one has a problem with "things" getting caught in the stitches, it's usually because the stitches are too large. They really should be less than 1/4 long; we taught about 5-6 stitches to the inch (top counting only).