QN
Thats totally up to you.If your doing hand applique, or machine applique, matching the applique piece seems to be the way to go, because the stitches don't show that much. But if your going to do satin stitch applique, this is where you can play. I just finished a 3 panel quilt that has snowmen. I used snow white fleece as my applique piece for my snowman, And the background piece I appliqued on is a print of snowflakes, in med blue and white. So I satin stitched the snowman in lite blue. It really came out nice and the snowman really pops. I make alot of novelty quilts and I use satin stitch on alot of things I do. The thread I choose plays a role in my design, and often can really enhance the piece. Sometimes think outside the box, you'll be surprised how it can add to a piece. Again it's your choice...........