I mark first row then use my walking foot to keep distance..I have had a thought while reading other replies for marking. A first line with a normal ruler and additional lines with the square ruler with slits in.( forgot or never knew name).
Do other people cross hatch before the applique or do the block. I hate the stop start when applique is present.

I do too, Dotty. On this QAYG king size quilt, I stitched the cross hatch and then did the applique. Worked out fine.

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This is what I do too! Works great!

Don't use rulers. Get that blue painters tape and line up the tape and stitch right along side it. And don't put the tape all over the piece - you can move it several times before it picks up too much fuzz to stay stuck. You can get it in different widths, depending on how wide you want your cross hatching.

I've also used masking tape, and it's a little less expensive. I only put it on when about to stitch a line, and afterwards take it off right away.