I wish cross hatching was mentioned before I sometimes put applique on the background.as it is so much easier to do this before putting applique on.

My thought on the reason for not crossing lines of stitching was that it had to do with eliminating tucks/puckers at the cross over point.

I try not to cross over when I am meandering or stippling, but I always seem to have at least one place where I end up crossing my lines. I also usually forget where the spot is over time. Sometimes I can't find it later when I look for it. Unless you are entering a show, I don't think anyone will ever notice.

I always think of a jigsaw puzzle when I do stippling. I personally prefer the look of cross hatching but it take time to draw ALL those lines.

thank you everyone for responding to my question

I only draw 2 lines when I cross hatch. The first one going one way and then the second going the other. I then use my quilting bar and set it the distance I want the lines to be apart. Works great.

As far as meandering and stippling - I try not to cross over - but occasionally do. I don't get all worked up about it if I do. :)

Crayola washable markers work great if you want to mark all of your lines when cross-hatching or using a stencil to mark a design on a quilt. They come in a variety of colors and wash out beautifully!

I always start out crossing a few lines ON PURPOSE, that way I can just say they were all intentional. I think the idea with stippling is for all the lines, loops, humps and bumps to have about the same distance between them. If your lines cross, then obviously they are "too close" together. As you practice and improve with stippling you may get bored like I did of just doing wandering lines and loops. That's when you start throwing in leaves and stars and flowers, butterflies, hearts... your imagination is the limit.

That is what I do to...and then, if you happen to cross a line, it really doesn't show. I also get tired of just meandering, so by adding the other shapes, it gives some variety, and makes it more fun to quilt.

I was told if you cross the line by accident make sure you do more so it doesn't look like a mistake.