In addition to using a heavier thread, audition colors so you can find one that will show the best.
Quilting the top for many is an after thought, but it should be part of the planning process. If you want your quilting to show, you need to pick fabrics that will highlight the quilting. Busy prints generally don't- use those on quilts where you want piecing to be the star of the show. The most difficult thing is to plan a quilt where the piecing and quilting will be equal to each other.