..The first time I tried machine appliqe and using the blanket sitch, oh lordy, it was not pretty......Practice, practice, practice....Also, try keeping your eyes slightly in front of where you are sewing........and try using an open-toed foot..that's what I've found works best for me......One other thing to consider, a friend of mine was having problems with her machine applique as well..no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the blanket stitch to sew correctly...it ended up being her feed dogs...they were loose...She got them fixed and now, she's doing great....Just food for thought....Good Luck....