i also use a machine blanket stitch- if my fabric is one that seems to want to fray too much for a blanket stitch i use a tight zigzag- i'm not all that keen with satin stitching- don't really like the (bulk) of it- but that's just my personal choice- if you like satin stitching it is a good stitch for appliques. i always use matching threads- i hate working with invisible threads.