Grapeproof
I hand and machine applique. On hand applique, I use the shortest needle, I can find, 8/9/10. I use cotton thread, the color of the background fabric I'm attacheing it to, I fuse all my applique pieces. I use the smallest, single thread stitch. I also machine applique, matching the thread to the background fabric. I also satin stitch applique, and thats a different animal, sorta speak. I sometimes use differnet color thread, seldom to match the background. Usually when I use satin stitch it's to enhance the piece, or the overall effect of the quilt. That is really a judgement call for the quilter. Unless your appliqueing Letters, then I will use the same color thread, as the letters to be attached. But it's really up to you. The Letters would pop more if you use maybe a different color thread to satin stitch. Again there are no rules. Only the artist's rule, which is (YOU).