I prefer tiny stitches to backstitching. Backstitching is the same size back and forth. the tiny stitches are very difficult to remove [ask me how I know when having to unsew!] The auto cutter does make a knot. It also leaves tails that show on the back. If you snip those off and accidentally cut off the knot, then it is no longer secure. I use the cutter a lot, but not on show quilts.