I want to try some applique. What kind of thread do you use? Does it match the color of the fabric? How about using silk thread? Can I use regular cotton or polyester thread? Thanks in advance.

Hand or machine?

I do machine, and the thread depends on what I want to achieve. If I want the thread to show I use a 40 wt cotton with a double blanket stitch. If I want the applique but not the thread, I use silk with a single blanket stitch or a small zig zag stitch.

Oops, it's hand applique.

YLI silk threads is virtually invisible if you match the thread to your applique.

Similar thought applies. How much do you want it to show? Are you doing a blanket stitch, which shows a lot, or are you doing a more hidden stitch? Do you want the thread to stand out or blend in?

I want it to blend in, but there are quite a few different colors in this wallhanging. It's 12 different teapot blocks.

If you want your thread to disappear and not show, it is best to use a fine thread. There are many good ones out there. Superior's Masterpiece, Mettler's 60/2, Aurifil's 50 wt., these are some of the best. Superior makes the "Frosted donut" which is a set of 36 bobbins of all their colors, great for applique, when you need lots of colors and don't want to buy a whole spool of many colors.

I use a cotton thread, same colour as the fabric.

I do alot of needle turn applique and normally use a silk thread, if I have a colour that matches I use that, if not grey seems to blend in with most colours and use proper applique needles makes a big difference

I use regular old thread and a neutral color.