However, some people do use a method similar to that used in quilting for hand sewing on multiple layers. If you're using light coloured thread on a dark fabric, the needle should be inserted on the actual design line so that the thread does not show through. Pull the knot through the top layer and bury the knot in the sandwiched layers or batting. The needle should come up at the beginning of the design line. Stitches can be ended using the traditional quilting method of backstitching over the last 3-4 stitches and then burying the end of the thread in the underlying layers before cutting.
Machine stitching on multiple layers requires a slightly different technique.
When cutting your thread ends, leave enough length so that you can thread a hand needle in order to hide the thread ends between the layers. The ends of thread not finished in this way can often pull out over time, especially if the item will be receiving lots of wear and tear. The goal in both hand and machine stitching on multiple layers is to avoid having thread ends exposed whenever possible. Straight lines are sewn without a break in order to avoid accidental curving of the line. Generally, multiple stitches are put on the needle before pulling the thread through.