Sandpat,
Good question! In the past I have basted top to bottom left to right, then a big x- corner to corner. Most of my quilts are hand quilted but I have used the same basting method & really haven't had any problem removing my basting threads. Sometimes I've had to cut close to the machine quilting then pull the basting threads out but the machine quilting I've done has all been 'in the ditch'.
Sorry this isn't more definitive.

Thank you for the information on the video. I will watch it today. It couldn't have come at a better time :)

I started the thread basting last night....but I don't know what I'm doing and it wasn't going well. I ripped it out and told my husband "I think I'd better get some help before I do a lot of work that I'll have to do over again."

You ladies are so great! I appreciate your support.