i do alot of hand applique :thumbup: i do LOVE using the silk threads, they are very fine, strong, and smooth...but i also use LOTS of other threads. i too have alot of embroidery thread, rayons, cottons, poly's i usually choose my thread by color for my project, and strength, i aways check to see if it breaks easy before using it...but if the color's right, and i try a small bit of applique and it works smoothly i use it.