Tiny stitches for just a few with long tails to weave in later. If possible I draw out the bobbin and top threads and move to the next area without cutting. It can be a problem if you are moving back and forth a lot though.
LindaB/CA

I try to take more than a few little stitches in one spot. If possible I travel through the seam to the next area and therefore don't have to stop/start.

I try to travel from one section to the other without stopping too. But if I can't, I just stitch in place. For a wallhanging that won't be washed often, I'm sure that will be sufficient. For quilts that are to be used and laundered more often, I don't do fm that's intricate enough to required much stopping and starting.

Kate

I have a lock stitch that I program in on my new machine but before I would stitch in place for a couple for a few stitches.